While I agree with everything General Powell said here, I doubt it will be particularly effective. For one thing, the people who most need to hear General Powell's message likely don't read the New York Times.
When the first iteration of Mr. Trump's budget (the so-called "skinny budget") came out, articulating a proposal for massive cuts to U.S. diplomacy, with a simultaneous massive increase in defense spending, Mr. Gorka and Mr. Bannon were apparently happy that finally the U.S.A. have chosen to invest in "hard power" rather than "soft power", and have chosen to be "alpha males", rather than "beta males". The contrast between Mr. Mulvaney's statement about the proposed cuts and spending not being a "reflection of the President's policies" and the actual spending and cuts proposed is as stark an example as anyone can find of the difference between a man's _stated_ priorities, and his _manifest_ priorities. Where do you think the U.S. would go? Follow the money; always pay attention to a man's _manifest_ priorities.
When the first iteration of Mr. Trump's budget (the so-called "skinny budget") came out, articulating a proposal for massive cuts to U.S. diplomacy, with a simultaneous massive increase in defense spending, Mr. Gorka and Mr. Bannon were apparently happy that finally the U.S.A. have chosen to invest in "hard power" rather than "soft power", and have chosen to be "alpha males", rather than "beta males". The contrast between Mr. Mulvaney's statement about the proposed cuts and spending not being a "reflection of the President's policies" and the actual spending and cuts proposed is as stark an example as anyone can find of the difference between a man's _stated_ priorities, and his _manifest_ priorities. Where do you think the U.S. would go? Follow the money; always pay attention to a man's _manifest_ priorities.
1
Where are the WMD you testified before the United Nations were in trailers in Iraq? Your presentation seemed ridiculous at the time, and I was right. Others who respected you sent our men and women to Iraq to die because of your lies.
Haven't you said enough Mr. Powell?
Haven't you said enough Mr. Powell?
17
Bad leadership worse than no leadership. Past 8 years has cost this country more than in our history. Obama really hurt us. Time for a change and to try something new.
4
Like implementing a deeply-flawed Republican replacement package for the ACA? You may not need a healthcare safety blanket now but some day you, or someone you hold near and dear, will need it.
Is that the only way you can learn? Try looking ahead to the vagaries of life that may be lurking in your future.
Is that the only way you can learn? Try looking ahead to the vagaries of life that may be lurking in your future.
22
how did Obama hurt us? by avoiding another gop depression? by getting access to healthcare for 26 million americans?
Should he have lied us into wars? should he have helped the gop by driving another of their depressions home?
One thing you can count on with a rep they can recite empty slogans with the best of them
Should he have lied us into wars? should he have helped the gop by driving another of their depressions home?
One thing you can count on with a rep they can recite empty slogans with the best of them
11
Anything new as long as it is new? Try a deeply-flawed Republican replacement for the ACA? Tell us why you think preexisting health conditions should not be covered. Tell us why Medicare needs to be changed. Give us some reason for trusting Trump with his long, well-established career of lies.
Be careful what you wish for. Some day, you or someone near and dear to you may need healthcare assistance and your "Try something new." will come back to bite you.
Be careful what you wish for. Some day, you or someone near and dear to you may need healthcare assistance and your "Try something new." will come back to bite you.
5
Perhaps Mr Trump's foreign visit will have some impact. Heretofore he is a man that lives on several floors of Trump Tower, travels in a private jet and helicopter, and to the extent that he "leaves the house", it's to go to one of his private resorts.
It's hard to see that any man who has spent his entire life, of 70 years, like that has any conception of what an unstable situation looks like. America leads the world by example, but in Trump's mind that only resolves to power and wealth. He does not understand that the people of the world see justice and fairness first, and the material wealth as secondary.
It's hard to see that any man who has spent his entire life, of 70 years, like that has any conception of what an unstable situation looks like. America leads the world by example, but in Trump's mind that only resolves to power and wealth. He does not understand that the people of the world see justice and fairness first, and the material wealth as secondary.
14
Thank you, General Powell. You are thoughtful, humane, and astute. Please write more.
10
tell that to the families of the dead and maimed he helped lie into war. Ask them how they feel about it
5
Thank you, Secretary Powell for providing a measured and insightful view of what America's role in world affairs should be.
10
I wish Colin would have run in the last election. He would have gotten 75% of the votes.
10
History teaches us that all great nations fall. With the election of The Donald the slide has begun in earnest.
13
the slide began in 1981 when idiots were convinced that what this country needed was fascism
4
Secretary Powell, I hope you can get through to Mr. Trump and his buddies where no one else has been able to. America can be neither safe nor strong if the poorest among us are neglected, hungry and ill-clothed and ill-educated. The way to strength is through treating all our citizens equally, not building the wealth of the already rich through tax cuts they don't need while slashing important programs, diplomatic and social.
24
People don’t want to know what the money *ought* to buy; they want to know what it has. This may not be a question of how much is spent, but how it is spent.
The real question is whether American Right has the moral strength to admit that they erred dramatically by choosing Trump, Pence and Ryan as their leaders. If they have that strength, and the will to correct their errors in judgement, then the U.S. can do the world a favor by quickly returning to the role they have played for the past 75 years. If not, the immediate future is one of chaos; the outcome will be uncertain, and it will not be pretty...
12
Mr. Powell, where have you been? This is not the only current issue that needs your voice of reason. Your silence has been deafening along with so many other moderate GOP voices. #45 is a danger to our democracy and our role in the world for many reasons. I beg you, keep speaking up.
14
General Powell is a key leader who would be helpful to the nation if he would advocate cutting military expenditures instead of diplomatic expenditures. After twenty years of endless wars that he participated in taking us into he would be a wonderful man to recommend cutting military and pushing for diplomatic dealing with the world's wars. Bravo General Powell are you up to repairing some of the damage you were party to In the Bush "mission accomplished" years?
7
Unfortunately, our country is now governed by those who know the cost of everything but the value of nothing. We have a President that is completely incapable of understanding that our role as leader of the free world requires us to lead, not whine, strong arm our allies and relinquish that role.
9
The USA abandoned its voice in abandoning the TPP, and China is investing billions in Asia and Africa to expand its economic influence. The Trump has no interest in such long term planning: their interest is their own over the next few years. The Middle East is in the hands of the Saudis and Iran, possibly Turkey. We cannot settle religious disputes between sects, and these groups will have to straighten things out for themselves.
Although Collin Powell is quite right in advocating involvement through aid and negotiation, the USA is effectively sidelined, possibly until 2024. By then opportunity will have past, and we will be entirely preoccupied by moving our coastal cities to higher ground to combat flooding.
Although Collin Powell is quite right in advocating involvement through aid and negotiation, the USA is effectively sidelined, possibly until 2024. By then opportunity will have past, and we will be entirely preoccupied by moving our coastal cities to higher ground to combat flooding.
6
Dear Mr. Secretary,
I wish you had run for President in '96 - you would have won. How different the world would be now.
I wish you had run for President in '96 - you would have won. How different the world would be now.
3
Thank you Mr Powell. Trump and his current administration is terrifying. Attacking the most vulnerable in America and across the world, for the purpose of further enriching the 1 percent, is so against what America has always stood for.
5
"Yet this budget proposal has forced us to ask what America’s role in the world is and what kind of nation we seek to be."
Exactly. Neither the White House or Congress have had the decency to explain the larger policy objectives behind the crippling budget cuts at the State Department. The proposed cuts raise all the questions Secretary Powell discusses in his column and more, yet the response from the Administration is . . . silence.
Whoever it is in the the White House that is driving the assault on State - Bannon? Miller? Kushner? - needs to step out from behind the bushes and explain himself in the clear light of day.
Exactly. Neither the White House or Congress have had the decency to explain the larger policy objectives behind the crippling budget cuts at the State Department. The proposed cuts raise all the questions Secretary Powell discusses in his column and more, yet the response from the Administration is . . . silence.
Whoever it is in the the White House that is driving the assault on State - Bannon? Miller? Kushner? - needs to step out from behind the bushes and explain himself in the clear light of day.
11
Unfortunately, the Trump administration and the greedy Republican leadership will not pay any attention to this General Powell's valuable advice.
9
Unfortunately, those who don't believe in diplomacy are those who are making big bucks on the poor, increased warfare, and no health care. They don't care.
7
Agree. Kind of like the Clintons in Haiti.
1
Thank you for speaking out about the need for diplomacy and aid as well as the military. These proposed cuts are foolish and will harm our country. In addition, these cuts will make us more of an isolated, unenlightened, and cruel nation.
3
Kind of hard to take a lecture on the US role of spreading peace around the world from the guy who went up to the UN with doctored-up phony evidence of WMD in Iraq and got us into a catastrophic and unnecessary war. Sorry, I may agree with much of what is written here, but Secretary Powell's credibility is simply shot.
10
i appreciate the effort to take Donald seriously. he is the president, after all. but when an inexperienced and unenlightened TV candidate makes absurd statements and promises unworkable solutions to voters, it is not up to the entire imperium to try to make him look less ridiculous.
1
Thank you, Colin Powell. As a former career USAID official, I can assure everyone that your message needs to be soberly yet often repeated around the country in the halls of schools and state legislatures, and especially in the gatherings of business people and civic leaders whether in their board rooms or country club settings. Out there in the "hinterland," all too often I encountered at best a bewilderment about the purpose of "foreign aid" and at worst a knee-jerk rejection. This is nothing new, it's been there all along. If there was more room to comment, I would stress for Americans the role that foreign aid has played in the former communist countries since 1989, but there are many other prime examples in Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. Sure, it's not all "success," and there have been a fair number of "failures." That goes with the territory. But we as a country need to stay engaged across the board.
31
Colin Powell hits the nail on the head. He is a great and honorable American who by rights ought to be the. President of the United States.
2
The "America First" slogan is hollow and empty of meaning. Setting political views aside, it is self evident that an elected government must and indeed will (unless corrupt) put their citizens first.
How we do this is political and subject to intense discussion and disagreements.
Colin Powell is right that retreating from others does not put America first. Our commitment to NATO, foreign Aid, promoting human rights, taking down trade barriers, enabling immigration, taking the lead on climate change, etc are first and foremost to America's advantage because it plays to our strength as a nation. Abandoning these commitments puts "America Last". DJT will be remembered as the "Donald First" / "America Last" president.
It will be up to the next administration to get us out of the DJT hole. Obama has just gotten us out of the Bush hole (remember the wars and Great Recession). Now DJT takes us into the next hole - this one even deeper than the Bush one.
How we do this is political and subject to intense discussion and disagreements.
Colin Powell is right that retreating from others does not put America first. Our commitment to NATO, foreign Aid, promoting human rights, taking down trade barriers, enabling immigration, taking the lead on climate change, etc are first and foremost to America's advantage because it plays to our strength as a nation. Abandoning these commitments puts "America Last". DJT will be remembered as the "Donald First" / "America Last" president.
It will be up to the next administration to get us out of the DJT hole. Obama has just gotten us out of the Bush hole (remember the wars and Great Recession). Now DJT takes us into the next hole - this one even deeper than the Bush one.
4
"Do we really want to slash the State Department?" Ask the administration of I, Me, Mine. They will tell you "Yes, until we have had our fill," an end-point which we will never reach.
2
Money is not leadership. Seems our government forgot this fact. We've wasted over a trillion on 'aid' to people that never receive it. These monies go into the pockets of crooked government officials. Time for a new budget, new mission, and some accountability. Shame on Colin Powell, but remember, this was his goal as Secretary of State - get more budget, every year; add agencies.
1
My Powell while I appreciate your words in my humble opinion they are too little too late.
Where was your voice when Trump was disparaging President Obama with the birther lies and all of the vitriol he was spewing. Where was your voice when he was chanting "lock her up", and also disparaging with all that disagreed with his bullying, lies and misdirection's.
Too all of the republicans (politicians, diplomats and pundits alike) who idly sat by while this clown Trump hijacked our great country and only now feel the need to speak out, you are a day late and a dollar short.
Where was your voice when Trump was disparaging President Obama with the birther lies and all of the vitriol he was spewing. Where was your voice when he was chanting "lock her up", and also disparaging with all that disagreed with his bullying, lies and misdirection's.
Too all of the republicans (politicians, diplomats and pundits alike) who idly sat by while this clown Trump hijacked our great country and only now feel the need to speak out, you are a day late and a dollar short.
7
This administrations hands should be tied until ..."we figure out what the heck is going on here".
2
A voice of reason...falling, in all likelihood, on deaf ears. With the Trump and the GOP hell-bent on gutting the EPA and undoing critically important regulations so that indu$trie$ are free to pollute our own waterways, we needn't hold our collective breath hoping they will see any value (to our reputation and our national security) in delivering clean water to villages abroad. The pro-life crowd will always put Life on the back-burner in favor of the almighty dollar.
3
Well, Russia's power is more likely enhanced when America's leadership in the world is diminished.
3
This is the type of opinion found wanting in the Republican party. Too bad the current chicken hawk administration wants to pay for jets and planes and more nuclear weapons than can ever be used, which will be obsolete once they are used in a final desperate attempt to prove the manhood of some small-handed fellow.
At State, Gen. Colin Powell was admired and respected and this article helps explain why - not afraid to speak truth to power. He may not have always been right (Iraq), but this commentary is spot on.
His comments reveal the best example of how to retain power, not by cowering behind a wall of bluster, but by doing the work of helping nations that need it, working diplomacy angles despite our abundant military strength, and not disowning our friends to woo our enemies.
Thanks for writing this column - a fresh breath in a storm of political halitosis.
At State, Gen. Colin Powell was admired and respected and this article helps explain why - not afraid to speak truth to power. He may not have always been right (Iraq), but this commentary is spot on.
His comments reveal the best example of how to retain power, not by cowering behind a wall of bluster, but by doing the work of helping nations that need it, working diplomacy angles despite our abundant military strength, and not disowning our friends to woo our enemies.
Thanks for writing this column - a fresh breath in a storm of political halitosis.
5
These cuts to essential government services and health care come from a White House filled with incompetent people, many of whom are millionaires and billionaires, who made money the old fashioned way by keeping their workers' pay, compensation, and benefits low. A White House led by a man who inherited his wealth from his father, a not-all-that upstanding person himself, has never run a true business, cannot deal with contrarian public officials who do not just accede to his demands, who has never had to report to a true Boards of Directors, and whose knowledge of world affairs is less than embarrassing...it is dangerously lacking.
The current occupant of the Oval Office loves dictators, racists, homophobes, women, and those who care little for the rule of law. This occupant of the Oval Office does not see the value of having experienced, competent people in positions of authority. Rather, he wants personal loyalty.
We will all pay the price for what we have done.
The current occupant of the Oval Office loves dictators, racists, homophobes, women, and those who care little for the rule of law. This occupant of the Oval Office does not see the value of having experienced, competent people in positions of authority. Rather, he wants personal loyalty.
We will all pay the price for what we have done.
11
As a retired diplomat having served in Iran, Afghanistan, India, the Philippines and having traveled in East Africa, I can attest to the importance of our diplomatic efforts in these and other countries as well as the AID development assistance programs. I believe that many Americans and congressional representatives think that our government spends billions of dollars in development aid with little concrete result. In fact, Congress provides our Defense Department many more billions in funding for military equipment sales than the total amount of the State Department and AID budgets. Collin Powell is right when he states (as former Secretary Robert Gates did) that our national security cannot be guaranteed by our Defense Department alone. Diplomacy counts for a lot, though many in Congress and the current White House don't seem to think so.
6
Our abrupt rejection of the Trans-Pacific Partnership is another way in which we're ceding leadership, and trade, to China and making America less great.
4
Like any government agency it needs work to make it run more efficiency not knock it out of the water. Mr. Powell is correct, isolationism is the worst business plan ever right now in light of terrorist extremists trying to take over, Czar Putin reaching for any opportunity to exploit weaknesses among our allies and us, and the global market bursting in other countries not in ours. We do need a State Dept. that is more accountable to their misadventures and their people held accountable rather than simply sent to another station. Glad to hear Mr. Powell has come out of the shadows and has decided to continue to do his duty.
2
Colin Powell used to be a person that I respected greatly.
So he pops up here in the opinion section of the NYT to take a "profiles in courage" stance on a safe subject - namely, the vicious slashing of the State Department budget by Trump and his wealthy cronies(R).
Colin Powell has lost his way since he lied for W. He will be lost until he publicly acknowledges that error.
So he pops up here in the opinion section of the NYT to take a "profiles in courage" stance on a safe subject - namely, the vicious slashing of the State Department budget by Trump and his wealthy cronies(R).
Colin Powell has lost his way since he lied for W. He will be lost until he publicly acknowledges that error.
6
A voice of experience and reason. Too bad the Republicans in Congress aren't smart enough to see and stop the insanity.
3
Amazing to think that there is little room in the current GOP for great leaders like Colin Powell. Truly sad and weakens our country.
2
What I find disgusting about Donald Trump and his supporters is that there is no part of American history built around America First, or nativism, or isolationism that anybody sane looks back on with the slightest pride.
1
It was our foreign policy until WWI Robert. In fact, George Washington embraced America First and Isolation.
I'm sorry Mr. Powell, way too little and way too late. You made your bed when you delivered that UN speech showing just how ignorant you are on matters of weapons technology. You were presented with specious arguments by Dick Cheney and you bought them 100%. Those 'mobile weapons labs' of Saddam Hussein were as real as the cardboard tanks we used in WWII to fool the Germans.
3
For the love of God and Country Mr. Powell, I hope you are doing more behind the scenes than writing the occasional opEd to rid us of this ignorant narcissist. This cannot be what the party of Lincoln looks like for all the future.
3
Another way to cut costs, and perhaps generate a little passion for US life, is to draft the citizen soldier/servants back into the mix. Paying Hessians is so.....colonial British.
1
Russia is in the early stages of decline, as its economy falters due to the sanctions, and its Treasury has been decimated; because, global oil prices declined by 50% three years ago--with no sign of a rebound. Thus, Russia cannot adequately fund its military growth, or vital domestic programs.
China, on the other hand is projected to have the largest economy, in a decade or two, and it also benefits from its location in the most dynamic, mastic growing Region--Asia-Pacific. Its Defense Budget increases by double digits annually!
The U. S. still has the largest Defense Budget; but, we dilute it, by playing traffic cop to the world, and immersing ourselves in local, internecine wars--like in Afghanistan and Iraq--which show no end.
The current threat is a rising China, in a region that calls for naval warfare. China concentrates its power, first, in Southeast Asia, and then, secondarily, in the overall Pacific. In that manner, China's power iis more concentrated, and the neighboring countries are not integrated like the European members of NATO.
We need our allies--in both theaters--to step-up and adequately fund their military, and work together to deter aggression. Also, in Asia, Control of the Seas--such as there Strait of Malacca--between Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore--is a choke-point, and of strategic importance! Fifty percent of global sea commerce passes through that narrow passageway.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
China, on the other hand is projected to have the largest economy, in a decade or two, and it also benefits from its location in the most dynamic, mastic growing Region--Asia-Pacific. Its Defense Budget increases by double digits annually!
The U. S. still has the largest Defense Budget; but, we dilute it, by playing traffic cop to the world, and immersing ourselves in local, internecine wars--like in Afghanistan and Iraq--which show no end.
The current threat is a rising China, in a region that calls for naval warfare. China concentrates its power, first, in Southeast Asia, and then, secondarily, in the overall Pacific. In that manner, China's power iis more concentrated, and the neighboring countries are not integrated like the European members of NATO.
We need our allies--in both theaters--to step-up and adequately fund their military, and work together to deter aggression. Also, in Asia, Control of the Seas--such as there Strait of Malacca--between Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore--is a choke-point, and of strategic importance! Fifty percent of global sea commerce passes through that narrow passageway.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Trump isn't interested in the U.S. being a "shining city on a hill." He just wants the rest of the world to look toward the U.S. and see nothing but a shining Trump Tower.
2
whenever I read those self compliments I always say why don't you also give us the other side. America abused so many countries in it's past so it would have been nice to add sentences like "I know we took sometimes wrong decisions in our history". After all, all those huge oil companies didn't make it just by good management and hard working employees. This "shining on the hill" thing is nice but many of us are not naive to think America is the source of all good. Minor example - Iraq.
2
Trump has short sheeted the State Dept and given the Military more power: the consequence? We have increased military actions in several arenas. The problem? The military opts for military solutions and all this guarantees is further military investment.; it does not help countries solve problems that create unstable governments. Even Matthis said that if Trump cuts the State Dept. he will need to buy more ammunition.
We already have a state of permanent foreign wars with no relief in sight--obviously military intervention is not working--and our soldiers are paying the price.
We already have a state of permanent foreign wars with no relief in sight--obviously military intervention is not working--and our soldiers are paying the price.
3
that the times would give powell, a co-conspirator (with cheney and bush) in the hustle that got us into a war that is still raging and costing us lives and resources is past startling.
seeing the words of this man who fronted for the deadly scheme with a performance fraught with lies about WMDs, replete with phony photos, sermonizing on a "committment to build a better, safer world...leading the world in advancing the cause of peace..." is past galling.
to see words like "we’re strongest when the face of America isn’t only a soldier carrying a gun but also a diplomat negotiating peace, a Peace Corps volunteer bringing clean water to a village..." from a man who shilled for "shock and awe," bombing thousands, (not "negotiating"), bringing fire and death to a city, (not "clean water to a village") and begetting the persistent consequences therefrom is, in a word, absurd.
in a play by max frisch, "the firebugs" a man rents his attic to two guys who show up with pleasant chat and a number of drums filled with gasoline and, as fires break out in the city, remains for a time, blissfully disconnected from suspicion of his tenants....well, not this time, colin powell, j'accuse.
seeing the words of this man who fronted for the deadly scheme with a performance fraught with lies about WMDs, replete with phony photos, sermonizing on a "committment to build a better, safer world...leading the world in advancing the cause of peace..." is past galling.
to see words like "we’re strongest when the face of America isn’t only a soldier carrying a gun but also a diplomat negotiating peace, a Peace Corps volunteer bringing clean water to a village..." from a man who shilled for "shock and awe," bombing thousands, (not "negotiating"), bringing fire and death to a city, (not "clean water to a village") and begetting the persistent consequences therefrom is, in a word, absurd.
in a play by max frisch, "the firebugs" a man rents his attic to two guys who show up with pleasant chat and a number of drums filled with gasoline and, as fires break out in the city, remains for a time, blissfully disconnected from suspicion of his tenants....well, not this time, colin powell, j'accuse.
1
Mr. Powell, Mr. Trump just traveled to Saudi Arabia and completed a $110 billion arms deal. That's the country Trump criticized the Clinton Foundation for taking money from, saying they are a country that enslaves women and kills gays. That is what your Republican president, (you are a Republican, correct?) did for us. Isn't that just the first of all those fantastic deals he's putting together for us? Didn't Mr. Tillerson, now SoS, say point blank that those pesky human rights must be put aside for the sake of profit?
And on that human rights front, didn't Mr. Tillerson chastise Iran for their human rights abuses? Iran, where young women go to University as a matter of course? Iran, where we made a deal to stop their nuclear weapons program, but who cares about that, there's no money in it? So, it's not just that we're sweeping aside abuses, we're being hypocrites about it. The Saudis hate the Iranians so how about a gratuitous insult to give our pals the Saudi's a little giggle?
That's the new direction we're going, I'm sorry. Profit is the only thing that matters, our word is no longer our bond and we no longer stand for anything. I no longer care about how we're damaged in the 'long run.' I hope he cuts every agency to the bone and abolishes as many as possible. I'm getting on board this juggernaut; let's see where it goes.
Everything you say makes sense, but Mr. Trump and his gang just don't care. Your party put him there. Reap what you have sown.
And on that human rights front, didn't Mr. Tillerson chastise Iran for their human rights abuses? Iran, where young women go to University as a matter of course? Iran, where we made a deal to stop their nuclear weapons program, but who cares about that, there's no money in it? So, it's not just that we're sweeping aside abuses, we're being hypocrites about it. The Saudis hate the Iranians so how about a gratuitous insult to give our pals the Saudi's a little giggle?
That's the new direction we're going, I'm sorry. Profit is the only thing that matters, our word is no longer our bond and we no longer stand for anything. I no longer care about how we're damaged in the 'long run.' I hope he cuts every agency to the bone and abolishes as many as possible. I'm getting on board this juggernaut; let's see where it goes.
Everything you say makes sense, but Mr. Trump and his gang just don't care. Your party put him there. Reap what you have sown.
7
I'll tell you what we can't afford anymore - An experienced and formerly trusted Secretary of State going before the UN to sell a fake war on the premise of non-existent WMDs, a war that is now approaching the 15 year
1
The Iraq War was the pivot point between the old and new world. The question of whether or not Saddam Hussain was developing weapons of mass destruction (particularly nuclear) points to old world thinking where a national threat must exist in order for the US or anyone to act in defense of others. Saddam’s use of chemical weapons against the Kurds was tolerated, his murderous repression of Shiits was his business, and his killing of opposition factions was his preferred technique. Today the world is more transparent and old world thinking is on its way out. We must respond to threats to humanity- mass killing and mass repression in the Middle East and elsewhere. We must act and build collations to ensure people’s right to life and a job. The long term strategy is to make friends everywhere by helping people gain their rights and livelihood. Collin Powell may have been off on his Iraq assessment, but his perception on how to achieve peace and stability is on target. To undermine ISIS and authoritarian governments we must help people through aid. To encourage people to see that a government protects everyone’s right to life and religious belief is the steadfast way to end turmoil. For pressing needs everyone is left to their moral judgement and actions. You can see this on the front page.
1
Thank you Mr. Secretary for your years of service, your wisdom and your courage. How in such a short supply those very qualities are needed even more today but are largely absent..
I want to shout out: stop the insanity!
I want to shout out: stop the insanity!
3
The more Trump slashes State Dept, the better off the rest of the world will be. Also cut military, CIA, and USAID etc., the departments USG uses to rule over, and ruin, the world.
Powell should know better, as he went to UN to lie us into a criminal war of aggression for which he, and the rest of the Bush Admin, escaped criminal prosecution due to the weakness of Obama. Another war criminal.
Powell should know better, as he went to UN to lie us into a criminal war of aggression for which he, and the rest of the Bush Admin, escaped criminal prosecution due to the weakness of Obama. Another war criminal.
I remember when Progressives feared that the funding of Desert Storm could entice the US as mercenaries. Not that they cared, only that they were politically up against a war the American people believed absolutely necessary, and its successful prosecution. They needed political ammunition. Much like the current rallying behind NATO; an organization that Progressives reviled in their evolution.
If only we were still this Nation .... "If we’re still that nation, then we must continue to devote this small but strategic 1 percent of our federal budget to this mission.". Instead it appears we are a Nation being led by political/ideological hacks (little people such as Trump, McConnell, Ryan and now Mulvaney) looking to be paid by their billionaire or Russian masters. It would be great to have people of integrity such as Mr. Powell in the ring and actively engaged ... the world and importantly the US would benefit.
3
Well stated by General Powell. You can replace the words "American Leadership" with almost anything these days - "American Infrastructure", American Public Education", "American Economic Security", etc., etc., with the same statement: "we can't do it for free". The elites who control almost all of this nations wealth have to come to the realization that we can not have a civilized and free democratic society, or any kind of decent and safe society, without investment. All of the money, all of the resources, all of the wealth, can't just go to the 0.1%. The country is beyond falling apart, it is teetering on the brink of ruin. The only way any of this is going to change for the better is if the elites take their iron boot off all of our throats long enough for us to start to catch our breath, rebuild, and fix this mess they created.
2
With all due respect Mr. Powell I find it unlikely that we would benefit from emulating Chinas attempts to buy control of African natural resources through the nation building (and bribing)programs they are currently engaged in. First and foremost we don't have Chinas surplus revenues(we should in fact be rebuilding our own crumbling infrastructure and not with Saudi money channeled through Goldman Sachs as appears to be the case at the moment), nor do we manufacture anything that would be both competitive and attractive to emerging market(at some point) consumers, well maybe cokes and guns( pardon me I forgot about your military background) both of which they'll be better off without . For that matter we don't have the need for Africas resources, whether to make steel(which we don't on an internationally competitive basis), their oil,( being a small nation relative to China we have our own domestic production or the M.E. variety paid for with American lives and taxpayer dollars), and certainly our diminishing middle class doesn't need African diamonds to hide our new found wealth from the taxman. Let's try real diplomacy for a change and leave the rest to the U.N.
4
Republican, Democrat, or Independent, you cannot hide intelligence, integrity, experience, nuanced feelings, and the ability to implement policy. Powell is all of these things. Regrettably, Trump's admin. has none of these. Most have no experience in the fields they have been assigned to implement. In fact, many were hired on the basis that they " look the part" evoking thoughts about how to staff a reality TV show.
Trump continues to step on his own tongue every day and it's folly to believe he will change. He has already created unrest around the world by his lack of diplomacy and unawareness of cultures. He needs " Powells" in his administration but doesn't know where to find them.
I hope the independent investigator will find cause for Congress to act for removal.
Trump continues to step on his own tongue every day and it's folly to believe he will change. He has already created unrest around the world by his lack of diplomacy and unawareness of cultures. He needs " Powells" in his administration but doesn't know where to find them.
I hope the independent investigator will find cause for Congress to act for removal.
1
Colin Powell is doing something brave here, but also absolutely necessary. "Right leaning" past leaders with a credible reputation speaking out for positive solutions - this is perhaps our only salvation. We are so divided that neither side seems willing to listen to anything put forth by the other side. Shame on both!
Conservatives are in charge. We all get that. What are the voices of reason that Conservatives may listen to? The Colin Powells of the world. Please come forth. Join him. And save us all.
Conservatives are in charge. We all get that. What are the voices of reason that Conservatives may listen to? The Colin Powells of the world. Please come forth. Join him. And save us all.
44
Wow. That essay almost looks like a common sense appeal? If only we had an administration with the leadership and wisdom to look at the world through Secretary Powell's eyes!
1
I do agree in part with what Mr. Powell says. However, only in part.
The investments/aid for Africa are vital for both our security and other national interests. The Chinese goodwill in Africa - as Mr. Powell implies - is really not what it seems. Chinese investments are primarily loans, export credits, concessions etc. A very small % of money is direct aid and there is no FDI. What the Chinese announce and actually do never quite aligns. Besides the Chinese are building a base in Djibouti. Do we really want to do that? Or appease a hardliner like Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe who is now using the Yuan as a legal tender in the country, this upon their own currency having been rendered useless.
Aid to countries like Pakistan needs to stop immediately. We don't learn do we? They nurture and harbor terrorists to attack us in Afghanistan and our allies (India), protect Osama Bin Laden and cozy up to China (CPEC). No amount of money will ever change their perception about us. So why throw good money there?
As I said, I only agree with Mr. Powell partially.
cheers.
The investments/aid for Africa are vital for both our security and other national interests. The Chinese goodwill in Africa - as Mr. Powell implies - is really not what it seems. Chinese investments are primarily loans, export credits, concessions etc. A very small % of money is direct aid and there is no FDI. What the Chinese announce and actually do never quite aligns. Besides the Chinese are building a base in Djibouti. Do we really want to do that? Or appease a hardliner like Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe who is now using the Yuan as a legal tender in the country, this upon their own currency having been rendered useless.
Aid to countries like Pakistan needs to stop immediately. We don't learn do we? They nurture and harbor terrorists to attack us in Afghanistan and our allies (India), protect Osama Bin Laden and cozy up to China (CPEC). No amount of money will ever change their perception about us. So why throw good money there?
As I said, I only agree with Mr. Powell partially.
cheers.
1
"American Leadership."
For the present, that ship has sailed.
For the present, that ship has sailed.
20
"...it’s an investment we must make."
Unfortunately, it's an investment with an ROE insufficient to excite conservatives and Republicans seeing sugar plumbs and tax breaks dancing in the air...
Unfortunately, it's an investment with an ROE insufficient to excite conservatives and Republicans seeing sugar plumbs and tax breaks dancing in the air...
6
What exactly is the problem with ceding some of our historic global hegemonic control to the Chinese or the Russians during a time of huge instability at home? Is it that they and the countries they befriend will suddenly want to obliterate the United States once they hit a "critical mass"? Will the poverty-stricken suddenly want to carry out terrorist attacks against the US if we institute cuts to foreign aid?
Empires wax and wane, ask the English or the French. Why do we assume that the circumstances facing the United States always call for being the world's watchman or caregiver?
The United States needs to focus on providing effective leadership to its own citizens, not to people all over the world. To people of plenty and to people who have grown up with an internationalist perspective thanks to their privileged education, income or opportunities to travel, that may sound like hogwash.
But in the long run the United States taking care of its own citizens will enable it to take better care of the world's sick and poor. Would we have Trump in office today if the US had taken better care to ensure the health and well-being of the huge swaths of country outside urban centers?
Empires wax and wane, ask the English or the French. Why do we assume that the circumstances facing the United States always call for being the world's watchman or caregiver?
The United States needs to focus on providing effective leadership to its own citizens, not to people all over the world. To people of plenty and to people who have grown up with an internationalist perspective thanks to their privileged education, income or opportunities to travel, that may sound like hogwash.
But in the long run the United States taking care of its own citizens will enable it to take better care of the world's sick and poor. Would we have Trump in office today if the US had taken better care to ensure the health and well-being of the huge swaths of country outside urban centers?
9
I worked pretty hard for my education, but do not need it to know that this notion of a country that'd be better off if Russian and China dominated the rest of the world is ugly hogwash.
One wonders (and here's the education talking) why any American would want to see a massive Depression and another world war.
One wonders (and here's the education talking) why any American would want to see a massive Depression and another world war.
1
Apparently, the French, and the Germans, have learned from history. The US, hmmm. Have to get back on that one.
1
For me, Mr. Powell's voice, whenever he elects to use it, is always a welcome addition to the national debate. At a time in which the Executive branch is lacking fundamental experience, we need patriots such as Mr. Powell to remind us what the big picture should look like.
For those who bring up the Iraq bus ride and how he and others were dragged under it, the comments are fair, but with the hindsight of being "history", lack the reality of the moment. When he addressed the UN regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, he presented a picture that he was deceived into believing to be true. I also recall, that he was in favor of sanctions and UN pressures, including on sight inspections, to observe the existence and if necessary, dismantling these weapons, as an alternative to invasion. Sadly, his advice was falling on deaf ears as the administration had already made up its mind. He was the patsy.
All this in my opinion actually elevate his perspective and authenticity. Imagine if more Republican members of Congress had the guts to speak their heart and not their party line or political future. That would be a debate I would enjoy watching on CSPAN.
For those who bring up the Iraq bus ride and how he and others were dragged under it, the comments are fair, but with the hindsight of being "history", lack the reality of the moment. When he addressed the UN regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, he presented a picture that he was deceived into believing to be true. I also recall, that he was in favor of sanctions and UN pressures, including on sight inspections, to observe the existence and if necessary, dismantling these weapons, as an alternative to invasion. Sadly, his advice was falling on deaf ears as the administration had already made up its mind. He was the patsy.
All this in my opinion actually elevate his perspective and authenticity. Imagine if more Republican members of Congress had the guts to speak their heart and not their party line or political future. That would be a debate I would enjoy watching on CSPAN.
12
Your thoughts applied to this country when it had a conscience. They applied to a time when we weren't disputing the facts and reducing unwelcome truths to fake news. I remember a time when we did not assail our allies from decades and decades past and rally to the beating drums of strongmen. We so cherished what we had in basic rights that we wanted to see those human rights given to all.
We did not always succeed. We sometimes failed miserably. But in good conscience, we kept on trying. Giving up is this America First notion. I already am starting to feel my rights repressed.
We did not always succeed. We sometimes failed miserably. But in good conscience, we kept on trying. Giving up is this America First notion. I already am starting to feel my rights repressed.
9
Where was America's conscience when we refused asylum to Jews fleeing Nazi Germany?
I realize in this divisive society we live in today that most here buy the rhetoric offered up by Colin Powell when it comes to our mission of peace and need for big budgets for the state department.
But, the state department is made up of countless agencies and sub-bureaus that stumble all over themselves, and are accountable to no one. The buck is passed continuously. I worked with the state department in their support of embassies and can tell you that the waste is astounding. The bureaucracy is suffocating. The budget and agencies have shrunk and grown over time. The 'discretionary spending' is one of the top budget items - over $50 billion/year with no accountability.
People here have been clamoring for years on the monies paid to foreign governments, governments that do not pursue human rights. You've wondered why we squander billions for Pakistan, the Congo, etc. etc. and yet the people continue to starve or be killed. It is the wasted monies that go into government pockets - straight from the state department and at their discretion - that must be cut. The agencies must be re-evaluated and dis-assembled or consolidated. And the discretionary budget MUST be reduced by 90%.
Wake up people! I realize that in 2017 it is next to impossible to find out the budgets over the years, what caused them to sky rocket, and which agency or sub-agency is spending the most and on what. Our government and our media have stifled these data, but one can dig and find
But, the state department is made up of countless agencies and sub-bureaus that stumble all over themselves, and are accountable to no one. The buck is passed continuously. I worked with the state department in their support of embassies and can tell you that the waste is astounding. The bureaucracy is suffocating. The budget and agencies have shrunk and grown over time. The 'discretionary spending' is one of the top budget items - over $50 billion/year with no accountability.
People here have been clamoring for years on the monies paid to foreign governments, governments that do not pursue human rights. You've wondered why we squander billions for Pakistan, the Congo, etc. etc. and yet the people continue to starve or be killed. It is the wasted monies that go into government pockets - straight from the state department and at their discretion - that must be cut. The agencies must be re-evaluated and dis-assembled or consolidated. And the discretionary budget MUST be reduced by 90%.
Wake up people! I realize that in 2017 it is next to impossible to find out the budgets over the years, what caused them to sky rocket, and which agency or sub-agency is spending the most and on what. Our government and our media have stifled these data, but one can dig and find
1
Sigh. One assumes you pay taxes? Because the booklets all have pie charts showing where the money goes, not to mention that OMB and all the rest publish the figures.
This is how I know what the two biggest chunks of the Federal budget are: Medicare and Social Security, and the military.
And how I know that the foreign aid and similar programs that help keep us safe take less than 3%.
Grow up.
This is how I know what the two biggest chunks of the Federal budget are: Medicare and Social Security, and the military.
And how I know that the foreign aid and similar programs that help keep us safe take less than 3%.
Grow up.
1
Great point - we never hear this side from the media, but we should. We really do need some honest debate about all our policies.
I applaud Mr. Powell but also think an important central point was not addressed in his editorial, that of vision, something sorely lacking in the current administration. Vision should be the guide to how our dollars are allocated and spent. America first as a vision is inadequate because it means different things to different people, and has never been clearly articulated by the President.
4
Vision cannot just come from a president. It must also be a part of the leadership team of congress and the senate, and certainly from cabinet members. Unfortunately we are well past the time of any meaningful leadership at the federal elected level. And trump is doing his best to see that leadership-- much of it vision driven-- at the federal civil servant level is destroyed on his watch. There will only be pieces when he is done, broken like the Pottery Barn wares Powell warned us against at the dawn of this god-forsaken century. We are a brutal military power on the international stage, and an authoritarian police state domestically. Combine that with the mega-power of international corporations and I do not see much of a mission statement for our country.
Trump's vision seems clear enough to me, deport all illegal aliens, disengage from the world community, slap tariffs on imports, and otherwise do everything possible to continue the reallocation of wealth upward.
Take just a moment to appreciate the personnel in the foreign service. They spend their career working for their country in all corners of the world, especially the less pleasant place. The work under conditions with inadequate resources, marginal security, if any, constant demands from people in different times zones with little or no knowledge of conditions on the ground, constant reassignment every two to four years disrupting personal relationships, spousal careers, and education, often inadequate health care, operations in and around war zones, often without escort, below market pay and no respect. None. Attempts to communicate a local perspective are often construed as a lack of patriotism. Seldom if ever thanks for your service. No applause in the airport. And now this.
31
John, thank you for this comment. This is the first comment I've seen about this subject. I think we all need to know more about this.
Last fall half of those that voted did not have in mind that we should be the shinning city on the hill. They were not concerned with being a kind, generous and a caring people. They instead shouted very loudly "Me first". Little did they know that trump was shouting it louder than they were.
12
The day Republicans break their cowardly vows of silence, cast aside feigned ignorance and reticence and proclaim -- in unison -- that Trump constitutes a clear and present danger to the American people and must go will be the day to heed them again.
Until Republicans abandon narrow partisan calculations and interests and work to drive the tyrant from the Temple of Liberty I'm not interested in anything they have to say.
Until Republicans abandon narrow partisan calculations and interests and work to drive the tyrant from the Temple of Liberty I'm not interested in anything they have to say.
3
Powell makes some good points that diplomacy isn't cheap and does need to be funded, but he fails to recognize that the broad brush "buy friendship with bribes" approach of the past doesn't work either. Our foreign affairs budget and expenditures need to be based on targeted spending where it makes sense and where the American people derive benefit. That is a much more difficult task and in the end may even cost more, but it is high time we stop with free handouts to everyone regardless of their actions towards us.
5
This man lied to the world at the U N and was instrumental in lying the American People into the disastrous Iraq War.
What next? An Op-Ed from Dick Cheney calling for openness and honesty in Government?
What next? An Op-Ed from Dick Cheney calling for openness and honesty in Government?
4
The US is not and never has been a credible implementation of democracy to copy.
3
Its all wrong headed from a professional politician (yes, that is what the top level of the army is) who lived off of the taxpayer. Our government and Powell in particular need to start to justify what they have done in the past and what they want to do for us in the future because these efforts have done very little good in the past, resulting in great cruelty and devastation, all with my dollars. I don't want to spend it any more. Help my brothers and sisters in Bridgeport first. No more Obama ideas that made the world worse and have devastated the social and economic life of the US. Obama and Powell spend made the world less safe. Stop being paternalistic. Its insulting to these other people that you think you know better than they do. You assert your money and arms and bring about death.
Its time government serve us instead of us existing only to provide them revenue to support their professional lives.
Its time government serve us instead of us existing only to provide them revenue to support their professional lives.
2
General Powell is on the right side of this discussion, but unfortunately sorting out a religious war is not something history is sanguine about. Peace ensues only when one side exterminated the rest, or all sides become exhausted and stand down.
The role of the US in this inner struggle between Moslems is not to favor one or another faction with military assistance. Perhaps there are some ways to encourage mutual tolerance between sects, but our own example of that is dismal.
The role of the US in this inner struggle between Moslems is not to favor one or another faction with military assistance. Perhaps there are some ways to encourage mutual tolerance between sects, but our own example of that is dismal.
2
As long as his official position and resources could help expand his family business to different corners of the world, cutting on diplomacy and foreign aid does certainly make a better choice for Trump. It's immaterial to him as to how much harm his policy actions might cause to the larger national interests of the US then.
5
General Powell, you are correct. But how do you educate a country that has been brainwashed into believing that America should not be involved in the rest of the world? How do you explain that isolation is not the answer? How do you counter the feelings many Americans have about all Muslims being terrorists, about all immigrants being bad, and about all foreign aid being a waste of money? Trump was elected partly because he was going to make America great again. He appealed to an America that has been left behind and is unhappy with our past spending on any sort of foreign aid. I'd bet that most of Trump's supporters (and a good many other Americans as well) have no idea that we spend very little on foreign aid.
The current GOP, most of whom never served their country and have no idea what the word cooperation means, has convinced their constituents that spending any money on anything is BAD. Ironically this attitude will endanger us as much as the North Korean regime endangers its own citizens by denying them any information about the outside world. Delusions of safety are no substitute for the real thing.
The current GOP, most of whom never served their country and have no idea what the word cooperation means, has convinced their constituents that spending any money on anything is BAD. Ironically this attitude will endanger us as much as the North Korean regime endangers its own citizens by denying them any information about the outside world. Delusions of safety are no substitute for the real thing.
12
"The current GOP, most of whom never served their country and have no idea what the word cooperation means....." That description applies to both parties
1
Mr. Powell,
You are 100% right in your arguments. We are stronger militarily than any other country. There is an economic theory, 'law of diminishing return'. Adding more dollar on wrong areas of military budget will not make use that stronger - dropping of mother of bomb in Afghanistan did not help us a bit. Few ISIS fighters were dead but more popped up to kill our forces next day or so. I am afraid if we can win the ISIS militarily because they do not control any land to take over - they are everywhere ideologically. as we are observing roosters are coming to haunt us in our everyday life. I do not have a perfect solution to the crisis but having civilian budgets to help civilian and humanitarian causes will go a long way. You are a republican at heart - how do you get this principle in the GOP leaders' head. They are running around like chicken with head cut off. If we follow Trump policy, like Vietnam, we have to retreat from ISIS fight - what a tragic scene? We cannot imagine when we have to fight ISIS internally among ourselves with no moral campus.
You are 100% right in your arguments. We are stronger militarily than any other country. There is an economic theory, 'law of diminishing return'. Adding more dollar on wrong areas of military budget will not make use that stronger - dropping of mother of bomb in Afghanistan did not help us a bit. Few ISIS fighters were dead but more popped up to kill our forces next day or so. I am afraid if we can win the ISIS militarily because they do not control any land to take over - they are everywhere ideologically. as we are observing roosters are coming to haunt us in our everyday life. I do not have a perfect solution to the crisis but having civilian budgets to help civilian and humanitarian causes will go a long way. You are a republican at heart - how do you get this principle in the GOP leaders' head. They are running around like chicken with head cut off. If we follow Trump policy, like Vietnam, we have to retreat from ISIS fight - what a tragic scene? We cannot imagine when we have to fight ISIS internally among ourselves with no moral campus.
9
Thank you for your continued service, Mr. Secretary.
7
general powell is probably correct about the need to sustain funding for the state department. does that mean he is opposed to republican plans to give ridiculous tax cuts to greedy corporations and obscenely wealthy individuals? or is the 'patriotic obligation' to fund state the fiscal responsibility of the working and retired lower middle class?
11
Thank you for this article.
We are watching the fall of our great experiment in Democracy. Also, true Christian values are devolving into selfishness. This is happening far faster than I expected. I certainly did not expect to witness this in my lifetime.
Fifty years ago, while I was in college I had a PolySci professor who expected this country to become more socialistic over time. Unfortunately we have gone the opposite direction. He also talked about the bell curve as it applied to countries. I am wondering if instead of a curve we are on a very slippery slope.
We are watching the fall of our great experiment in Democracy. Also, true Christian values are devolving into selfishness. This is happening far faster than I expected. I certainly did not expect to witness this in my lifetime.
Fifty years ago, while I was in college I had a PolySci professor who expected this country to become more socialistic over time. Unfortunately we have gone the opposite direction. He also talked about the bell curve as it applied to countries. I am wondering if instead of a curve we are on a very slippery slope.
5
It is way past time for our "allies" to kick in their share for our common defense. It is estimated that Germany alone should increase it's defense budget by $40 billion to get up to its "pledge" to have 2% of it's GDP invested in it's own defense.
For the past 70 years we have been suckered by Europe and others in providing defense at our tax-payer expense. We can use some of the billions we would save yo expand the programs Powell supports.
For the past 70 years we have been suckered by Europe and others in providing defense at our tax-payer expense. We can use some of the billions we would save yo expand the programs Powell supports.
6
Germany does contribute 2% of its GDP to NATO. That is a fact. Maybe they should contribute more than 2%. But you see, the Germans and the French offer free health care to all its citizens -- and college tuition as well. I just got back from Berlin. I saw no homeless. Take a walk down any main street in any city or town in the USA and you will see homeless. Lots of homeless. We're the greatest, right?
Rob in Long Island,
We haven't been "suckered" in our efforts to keep the peace in Europe because we pay more than the other members based on our GDP. None of those countries have a steamroller economy or a military the size of the US and the German Constitution does not allow for certain offensive weapons buildup. I agree these countries should pay their fair share but there are no good options if they don't. Pulling out of NATO or reducing our military presence in the theater would only embolden Putin to further destabilize the region. Our presence in Europe has been effective for the last 70 years, so any disruption in the existing order would be dangerous and make the world a much less safe place in which to live. You may want to rethink your position.
We haven't been "suckered" in our efforts to keep the peace in Europe because we pay more than the other members based on our GDP. None of those countries have a steamroller economy or a military the size of the US and the German Constitution does not allow for certain offensive weapons buildup. I agree these countries should pay their fair share but there are no good options if they don't. Pulling out of NATO or reducing our military presence in the theater would only embolden Putin to further destabilize the region. Our presence in Europe has been effective for the last 70 years, so any disruption in the existing order would be dangerous and make the world a much less safe place in which to live. You may want to rethink your position.
7
What is your position? Because the world is a dangerous place and other countries refuse to protect themselves to fatten their social system the burden should fall on American taxpayers?
Where does it end? As the saying goes, we are currently borrowing money from China to give out as foreign aid. HOw much more in debt do we need to be to protect our "allies"?
Where does it end? As the saying goes, we are currently borrowing money from China to give out as foreign aid. HOw much more in debt do we need to be to protect our "allies"?
Thank you Colin Powell for your wisdom and service to our country. To help and serve is our obligation and the invitation to peace.
9
Overly generous state and federal employee benefits which outperform the private company sector. frivolous spending, social programs gone out of control and pushing this country into a total dollar devaluation and currency collapse. Today I read Latinos are raiding early their 401K's. People cannot continue to carry debt they cannot afford and live beyond their means. It is a disaster. As is taking refugees (uneducated) who will also be on these programs.
But a bloated military is ok? We spend more than the next 12 nations combined -- and some of those nations are our friends -- and that's okay? SIXTY nations provide health care for all its citizens -- at HALF the cost of US-style for-profit health care. And that is not a drain on the budget?
4
Perhaps you could enlighten us about all of these "overly generous state and federal employee benefits" and "frivolous spending." Also, how on earth would "refugees...also be on these programs"?
Additionally, do you support all of the tax cuts for America's wealthiest citizens and private companies? If so, please explain with evidence how it improves the American commonweal?
Additionally, do you support all of the tax cuts for America's wealthiest citizens and private companies? If so, please explain with evidence how it improves the American commonweal?
3
Collin Powell lectures America's allies/friends about sharing the costs of military spending in the Trump era. Of course, foreign policy analysts would agree with his analysis.
However, it is ironic to read Powell lecturing America's allies and friends about sharing the burden of military spending.
In 2003, then Secretary of State Powell lied at the UN about Hussein's WMD's. That infamous presentation paved the way for the invasion of Iraq against fierce opposition from NATO's allies and the whole world, except Israel, of course.
One lesson from the disastrous Iraq invasion. The US is solely responsible for the decision of waging wars. NATO allies just follow the alpha leader.
However, it is ironic to read Powell lecturing America's allies and friends about sharing the burden of military spending.
In 2003, then Secretary of State Powell lied at the UN about Hussein's WMD's. That infamous presentation paved the way for the invasion of Iraq against fierce opposition from NATO's allies and the whole world, except Israel, of course.
One lesson from the disastrous Iraq invasion. The US is solely responsible for the decision of waging wars. NATO allies just follow the alpha leader.
11
To the list of alternatives to military action, must be added collaboration on scientific research. The technical agencies have been reviewing and funding the best proposals from international teams for many years. More recently, USAID has been moving to expand cooperative research especially under Feed the Future. There is a long list of important outcomes from these partnerships in addition to the better understanding of how our world works. Among these are diplomacy.
1
IMHO, efforts to restructure the State Department should begin with the Consular Service, including especially as a core part of immigration reform. It seems entirely plausible that consular offices could be restructured into regional centers linked from honorary consulates via computer networks operating artificial intelligence. Visa applicants could be screened with artificial intelligence in the same way that banks process loan applicants, with trained analysts at the centers adjusting the screening.
Of course, consulates do other stuff besides processing visas, but the same sort of processing could be done with their other tasks. Converting consulates to honoraries would not only reduce costs, but reduce security costs for State Department posts.
Of course, consulates do other stuff besides processing visas, but the same sort of processing could be done with their other tasks. Converting consulates to honoraries would not only reduce costs, but reduce security costs for State Department posts.
Hey, great ideas, but you're talking to the wrong audience. Best figure out how to pitch them to Grand Duke Lil' Jared, Trump's go-to guy for stuff Trump can't or won't do, including making government more efficient. After all, that's part of Lil' Jared's impressive portfolio of responsibilities. As my mother used to say, the Grand Duke better get to gettin' if he expects to get an A for his work in the best White House internship there ever was.
I agree the need for international aid is real but differ that the United States and USAID ned to be the ones doing it.
Read Confessions of an Economic Hit Man (ISBN 0-452-28708-1) by John Perkins who worked in the business and describes a USAID program that served more than one purpose and was used to undermine and disrupt many countries we were supposedly helping. Our name (the United States) is not the best one in the neighborhood because of what Mr Perkins outlines. Other actions of our State Department and CIA include overthrowing a secular elected government in Iran (Mohammad Mosaddegh), involvement in overthrowing Salvador Allende in Chile complete with the installation of University of Chicago Friedmanite Economists who turned Chile's economy upside down as Pinochet's Junta murdered Socialists, Union Leaders, Journalists and others in a Soccer Stadium. There are plenty of others.
There is an agency designed to do the very things you say are needed- The United Nations. We contribute, are a member, are founders and they are kind of easy to find. USAID is suspect throughout the world as cover for the CIA and the reputation is earned. The Peace Corps does valuable work, but so do many NGOs without the taint of our past history.
At some point the other advanced nations have to assume a fair share of the burden and it seems the UN is the place to do it. America is deeply in debt and does not need to be the World's policeman or nanny.
Read Confessions of an Economic Hit Man (ISBN 0-452-28708-1) by John Perkins who worked in the business and describes a USAID program that served more than one purpose and was used to undermine and disrupt many countries we were supposedly helping. Our name (the United States) is not the best one in the neighborhood because of what Mr Perkins outlines. Other actions of our State Department and CIA include overthrowing a secular elected government in Iran (Mohammad Mosaddegh), involvement in overthrowing Salvador Allende in Chile complete with the installation of University of Chicago Friedmanite Economists who turned Chile's economy upside down as Pinochet's Junta murdered Socialists, Union Leaders, Journalists and others in a Soccer Stadium. There are plenty of others.
There is an agency designed to do the very things you say are needed- The United Nations. We contribute, are a member, are founders and they are kind of easy to find. USAID is suspect throughout the world as cover for the CIA and the reputation is earned. The Peace Corps does valuable work, but so do many NGOs without the taint of our past history.
At some point the other advanced nations have to assume a fair share of the burden and it seems the UN is the place to do it. America is deeply in debt and does not need to be the World's policeman or nanny.
7
@David Gregory: Thank you for a concise history of our much flawed USAID program. Our "foreign aid" money has for to long been used to mask covert activities and bribe foreign governments, to benefit special interests. Our efforts at diplomacy should be just that, diplomats negotiating, not serving as bag men to prop up banana republics around the world.
4
Nature abhors a vacuum. While not disagreeing with 99% of the points you make, I do disagree with the last one. If not America, then whom? While far from perfect, and acknowledging the crimes you list, what other nation would you suggest serve at the World's policeman or nanny. China? Russia? Would America and the world be better off if either filled that role? I am skeptical. But, I do know that if America withdraws from its role as a world leader, another nation will step in and fill that void. And, like Colin Powell, I believe that would be bad for both America and the world.
4
True. But how do you get Trump supporters to understand or pay attention? It is they that we need to have understand this.
2
It is truly sad that Powell was so badly damaged by the Bush presidency when he, a good soldier, presented information at the U.N. that he must have known was inaccurate. Were his reputation not impugned by obeying flawed orders I, a dedicated democrat, would gladly supported him for president.
5
Like it or not we are a Global Village. Trump and his minions unreal view of the world is dangerous for us.
2
The Trump administration has decided that the economy can only be improved by making the rich richer and manufacturing weapons for us to use and for us to sell. In other workers pursuit of peaceful efforts is a waste of time and has no profit margin. Expecting others to treat people humanely and with basic human rights is not part of any negotiations. The rule of law applies only to those without the means to circumvent it. This philosophy is doomed to fail. Because weapons are meant to kill. And either we will be the adversary or we will have to address our "partners" brutally using the weapons we sell them against their political or religious adversaries. And then we will be faced with the "What do we do?" question about the next Syria. As you worry about your children and grandchildren facing death and disfigurement, don't worry. Eric and Don jr will be off shooting prairie dogs somewhere. And Jared and Ivanka will be selling visas to the highest bidder. America first.
7
Thank you for this important perspective. I hope it does not fall on deaf ears.
2
I applaud Mr. Powell for speaking out. We need more like him.
Every Republican who speaks out against the behavior of this administration is one more straw on that camel's back.
And as for the comments that dwell on the past, please stop requiring perfection, past and present. We learn, we evolve, we grow.
Thank you Mr. Powell.
Every Republican who speaks out against the behavior of this administration is one more straw on that camel's back.
And as for the comments that dwell on the past, please stop requiring perfection, past and present. We learn, we evolve, we grow.
Thank you Mr. Powell.
5
how dare colin powell talk about leadership after selling his credibility to bush's ongoing disaster
5
Perhaps you are not so clear about your memories of working in a Republican Administration. It is all about the tax cuts for the rich, now and forever, like "Cats."
7
I don't need lecturing from Powell regardless of the validity of his points, he legitimized and polished a horrible administration, which I acknowledge now doesn't look that bad in comparison. It might be unfair but I hold him partially responsible for the current coup d' etat that's underway by the very party he seems to still support.
7
No one stands taller than one who bends down to help a child. What is true for one person also is true for a country.
Thank you for the reminder, Secretary Powell.
Thank you for the reminder, Secretary Powell.
66
Unfortunately, in the Trump plan, it's not about doing the unspectacular bits for free--it's about not doing them at all. He knows there are no votes in diplomacy, but shiny objects streaking across the sky impress him and his voters. Let's see when he's done with NATO, and he has time to sort out the siren-song of the Wahhabi kingdom, the nasty bitterness of Bibi, the calm words of Francis ("he's something!") and whatever may be the lasting impressions from NATO members.
Powell's article is fine and welcome, but in all those words on drought and refugees, not a mention of global warming. The Pentagon and the Pope have both warned that the climate is changing and that it constitutes a danger to humanity. But Trump is determined to take the side of the argument that gets him most votes in the areas hardest hit by an economy created by people like Trump himself.
Powell's article is fine and welcome, but in all those words on drought and refugees, not a mention of global warming. The Pentagon and the Pope have both warned that the climate is changing and that it constitutes a danger to humanity. But Trump is determined to take the side of the argument that gets him most votes in the areas hardest hit by an economy created by people like Trump himself.
As opposed to a foreign policy of lying about WMD, Trump's policy is simply: make more bombs on taxpayer expense, sell them to autocrats, and let a few fast cats pocket the profits.
These are little men, one who failed the basic test of integrity, and the other who cannot tell the truth about anything.
Does peace have a chance?
These are little men, one who failed the basic test of integrity, and the other who cannot tell the truth about anything.
Does peace have a chance?
The "Starve the sixth child" budget threatens to do far more harm to Americans than stiffing the State Department. Consider the fearful, under-employed, poorly educated Trump supporters who have shackled themselves to the Trump mast? Now, consider how many more un-educated, under-employed, uninsured, angry, fearful Americans there will be if this budget is cut is passed. What is the disposition of Trump supporters now and what will a growing population of poor angry under employed be toward the State Department and Foreign Aid be?
Planning generational degradation and ignorance that embraces authoritarians is what Republicans are devoted to. White supremacy is not a good face to forward on the international stage, but it is the face of this budget. A stronger voice is needed here General Powell.
Planning generational degradation and ignorance that embraces authoritarians is what Republicans are devoted to. White supremacy is not a good face to forward on the international stage, but it is the face of this budget. A stronger voice is needed here General Powell.
Some respond to this op-ed with reminders of Powell's failings in the past. Those problems both validate his opinions and raise a second issue.
Who better to opine than one who has experienced bitter defeat and learned from it? Powell's time as Secretary of State may have included mistakes but it obviously taught him a valuable series of lessons.
The second, more important question is. when will we stop ignoring history? An administration that shouts "America First" without examining the history of the slogan is bound to repeat the mistakes of those who used it in the 1930's and early 40's. I for one don't want my children and grandchildren to pay the price of that ignorance.
Who better to opine than one who has experienced bitter defeat and learned from it? Powell's time as Secretary of State may have included mistakes but it obviously taught him a valuable series of lessons.
The second, more important question is. when will we stop ignoring history? An administration that shouts "America First" without examining the history of the slogan is bound to repeat the mistakes of those who used it in the 1930's and early 40's. I for one don't want my children and grandchildren to pay the price of that ignorance.
21
Who better to opine than one who has experienced bitter defeat and learned from it?
And who would be worse to listen to than a person that lied to your before?
And who would be worse to listen to than a person that lied to your before?
Colin Powell brings out some valid points; one being that we need to invest in foreign relations and, secondly, the value and impact of the Peace Corps. Perhaps there is room for a combined solution that will allow for fewer cuts to foreign aid and fewer cuts to food stamps and other entitlements. The solution being a requirement that able bodied Americans be required to serve in the Peace Corps in return for receiving government entitlements. Threefold benefit being; it helps the world, it helps America, and it helps the individual by becoming more responsible through service to a greater good.
7
Your first faulty assumption - poor Americans are just lazy and need to be taught to be responsible.
Second - Peace Corps volunteers must have a college degree. Prospective volunteers go through a highly competitive application process and commit to two year tours in struggling communities. The Peace Corps is a highly demanding experience. It's not really an appropriate assignment for Americans who are themselves struggling: single parents & their children, the elderly, the sick, those lacking education and skills, those with criminal backgrounds. These people need help in their communities, not extended trips to the developing world.
Second - Peace Corps volunteers must have a college degree. Prospective volunteers go through a highly competitive application process and commit to two year tours in struggling communities. The Peace Corps is a highly demanding experience. It's not really an appropriate assignment for Americans who are themselves struggling: single parents & their children, the elderly, the sick, those lacking education and skills, those with criminal backgrounds. These people need help in their communities, not extended trips to the developing world.
5
The majority of those receiving benefits such as food stamps and medicaid ALREADY WORK at low paying jobs. Maybe we should require WalMart to pay LIVING WAGES -- so the tax payer does not have to subsidize the billionaires.
5
The State Department and U.S.A.I.D prevent wars... by renaming them conflicts or peacekeeping missions or some other flowery descriptive.
We focus on selling weapons to other countries. Our business model is built around militarism.
China builds roads, bridges, railroads, ports and other infrastructure.
We focus on selling weapons to other countries. Our business model is built around militarism.
China builds roads, bridges, railroads, ports and other infrastructure.
18
China has been known to provide or sell weapons to developing countries, I am sure...Your point is still valid though, that China is becoming a world leader while the US denies climate change, and short changes the developing world at great risk to our own future.
3
A "principled people who are generous, fair and caring" wouldn't also seek to soothe the comfortable at the expense of its citizens who are already neglected, maligned, and hurting. This a wonderful defense of diplomacy, but I would love also for the General to call out the hideous *domestic* spending cuts contained within this budget.
20
It is simply not his area of expertise.
I wish someone with the stability, intelligence and clear headed perspective of Colin Powell had run for President. We wouldn't be in the fix we are in now.
34
Mac, I think that as long as the media, fueled by the public's "need to know" mentality, continues to crucify individuals and their family members for even perceived failings and misdeeds we will see "someone with the stability, intelligence and clear headed perspective" run for the presidency. Collin Powell is a prime example; he chose not to consider running for the POTUS due, in part, because of the scrutiny and questions his wife's condition would undergo.
2
She did, Mac and she won the popular vote.
3
General Powell would have been labeled as "one of those Washington insiders" who helped fill the swamp, you know, the same swamp that our current "president" has filled with his insiders.
Indeed, this country does need the leadership of the likes of Powell rather than the chaotic administration and Congress we have now.
Indeed, this country does need the leadership of the likes of Powell rather than the chaotic administration and Congress we have now.
Well said, Mr. Powell. Unfortunately, our electorate has reached a state where many cannot distinguish between a successful businessman and a celebrity who played one in a reality TV series.
Nearly 40% of Americans buy into Trump's "America First" tripe because they themselves are so far behind the rest of the nation. They see Trump as their savior because he mirrors their ignorance and prejudice. Trump's most ardent supporters think hunkering down in fear behind a national wall is preferable to courageously engaging with the world. In truth, it is a mentality of insecure
"losers" Trump is so fond of deriding.
The U.S. has never needed leaders like you more, Mr. Powell. Sadly, many of Trump's supporters will need to feel the pain of their Dear Leader's disastrous policies before they realize it.
Nearly 40% of Americans buy into Trump's "America First" tripe because they themselves are so far behind the rest of the nation. They see Trump as their savior because he mirrors their ignorance and prejudice. Trump's most ardent supporters think hunkering down in fear behind a national wall is preferable to courageously engaging with the world. In truth, it is a mentality of insecure
"losers" Trump is so fond of deriding.
The U.S. has never needed leaders like you more, Mr. Powell. Sadly, many of Trump's supporters will need to feel the pain of their Dear Leader's disastrous policies before they realize it.
12
Us average Americans see huge investments since the 70's in "other people" and what exactly has it gotten us? All the "rightsizing" and offshoring /H1B programs chipping away at opportunity for the middle class as well. Think about that top 20% or earners on your European trip this Summer. Bon voyage, we'll be here working while you and Congress enjoy the benefits of your "service".
1
The most important statements in this article are about China, which will take our place as the leader of the world.
9
China merits credit as a strong world leader. It deserves to be so. Just examine their wise lack of military intervention, their superior education system, their super infrastructure projects, and their investment in developing countries.
Please cease to criticize their violations of human rights before you examine the human rights of the U.S. with the largest inmate population in the world, #26 standing in math and science, lowest rate of universal healthcare among developed nations, a collapsing infrastructure and of course, the most powerful military complex this world has ever seen with a proposed budget to diminish the proven power of a strong diplomatic/aid corps in the State Department to ensure compassion, dignity and the rights of 2.3 billion living under $2.75/day in the rest of the world. is this our way of promoting human rights?
The Chinese are the wise actors on the stage of this misguided and failing Trumpian drama.
Please cease to criticize their violations of human rights before you examine the human rights of the U.S. with the largest inmate population in the world, #26 standing in math and science, lowest rate of universal healthcare among developed nations, a collapsing infrastructure and of course, the most powerful military complex this world has ever seen with a proposed budget to diminish the proven power of a strong diplomatic/aid corps in the State Department to ensure compassion, dignity and the rights of 2.3 billion living under $2.75/day in the rest of the world. is this our way of promoting human rights?
The Chinese are the wise actors on the stage of this misguided and failing Trumpian drama.
The world must see and receive more from us than erratic behaviour, hate speeches, opulent wealth, fear, indifference to tyranny, racism and The Donald's family greed.
9
A few years back I saw Powell interviewed on Meet the Press. I believe he was in Israel. The camera was focused on him when he was asked a question and began to answer. All of a sudden a black suit appeared out of the corner of the camera, cutting him off and blocking the camera. There was a tense moment as Powell tried take back control. The Meet the Press interviewer was aghast. It was obvious Powell was being manipulated by a secret service guy, or someone like him. The interview ended but it left the viewer with the distinct impression that even a Secretary of State was not free to do his job. Powell carried water for the people that got us into the longest war in U.S. history. His testimony at the U.N. convinced the public to go to war, a useless, idiot war from which we may never recover. While I agree with Powell, his words ring hollow.
8
Dear Colin Powell - admiring you (and your lovely wife, Alma Johnson Powell) enormously, but alas, you were in the wrong party! As Marlon Brando said in "Waterfront" to Rod Steiger, he "coulda been a contender". Notwithstanding your outstanding work as Secretary of State for President George W. Bush, re "the wrong party" - as long as Donald Trump is our 45th President is as long as the G.O.P. will be held in Durance Vile. And surely the Republicans must know that they can't govern "on the cheap", or be the world's leader by cutting diplomacy and aid in the draconian Trump Budget. Trump's "America First" is a canard that all his followers in their red MAGA golf caps fell for. America is no longer admired by the world (in ghastly fact, we are a laughingstock), and finding peace is a chimera and impossible dream as long as Donald Trump ( so poorly advised by his malign coterie of whisperers, advisers, nepots and horse-apple polishers) is our Commander in Chief. With respect to you and Alma Powell for your unmatched service to our blessed country, the voice of reason and sanity and hope is not the purview of the Republican Party. The Republican party is no longer republican or democratic.
7
Powell lost all credibility serving the Bush-Cheney war and lies machine. He's still a Republican, so he is an enabler of the man (party) that is step by step dismantling our Democracy.
5
The new foreign policy is about making money - selling our arms and secret weapons to Saudia Arabia - home of 15 of the 9:11 terrorists and Osama bin Laden; giving secret information to the Russians; creating a humanitarian vacuum for the Chinese to fill. Ford stopped construction of a plant in Mexico then cut 1400 jobs at home, gutting of healthcare will eliminate jobs in a growth industry, vmmigration policies curb tourist growth. Trump and Bannon are the kings of chaos. Only the First Lady appears to understand her role as ambassador to the world. Ivanka is making money while Melania is finding her voice as a spokesperson for the disadvantaged. She should be embarrassed and angry that her husband is destroying the American dream.
3
I see a lot of postings here make reference to Colin Powell's complicity in the Iraq war. I can't be certain, but I believe he probably loses sleep over his involvement with that event. He was a decent man and still is but was caught in a situation none of us would ever want to be in and he made a tragic mistake. I think he should be cut some slack in this area as I think he's still a decent man as the article reflects. Everyone messes up from time to time but without doubt his mistake was enormous and he will never be the same. He was in a position high up in government so our small mistakes can't ever compare to his, but he served his country with honor and distinction and now clearly sees the Trump clown car for what it is and the damage it is causing.
I applaud his decision to write this article and further expose the Trump team incompetence. Good for you Mr. Powell. Your assessment in my opinion is spot on but I doubt it will mean anything to this corrupt administration. However the more people like you expose the Trump policies that are so damaging, the more thinking people will be made aware of what's taking place and change can begin.
Thank you for your selfless service to our country.
I applaud his decision to write this article and further expose the Trump team incompetence. Good for you Mr. Powell. Your assessment in my opinion is spot on but I doubt it will mean anything to this corrupt administration. However the more people like you expose the Trump policies that are so damaging, the more thinking people will be made aware of what's taking place and change can begin.
Thank you for your selfless service to our country.
239
General Powell also distinguished himself by backing Obama and telling the voters why: he could not support a candidate (McCain) who had chosen such a totally unfit running mate (Sarah Palin) for the second highest office in the land. He could have kept his vote a secret, but he chose to call out another loudmouthed, poorly informed narcissist before she got too close to the levers of power.
3
As Secretary of State, Powell exemplified failure to distinguish soldiering from leadership. The war was wrong, borne on false pretenses, bearing bitter fruit yet today. No one did more than Powell to lend credibility to the trumped-up threat of weapons of mass destruction. He did his masters' bidding, and the blood of thousands is on his hands.
In a just world, Powell would spend the rest of his life ameliorating the damage he caused. He would dig ditches and pave roads and lay bricks for as many days as he can bend his back. He would not pontificate on these pages, offering mere milquetoast criticism of policies arrogant, mean, and self-destructive.
Want peace in the Middle East? Here's a thought: give peace a chance. Cease selling arms. Stop all military "aid", starting with Israel. Prevent other arms sales in the region. Build a hospital or two. Double the size of the American Universities there, and the number of student visas. Do some good for a change.
Then see if they can't work things out, or at least murder fewer people while they don't.
I don't see Powell recognizing the error of his ways. I see a man trying to steer instead of stop, who cannot see the direct connections linking Exxon, the Shah, Hussein, and ISIS. Why his opinion sullies these pages is beyond me.
In a just world, Powell would spend the rest of his life ameliorating the damage he caused. He would dig ditches and pave roads and lay bricks for as many days as he can bend his back. He would not pontificate on these pages, offering mere milquetoast criticism of policies arrogant, mean, and self-destructive.
Want peace in the Middle East? Here's a thought: give peace a chance. Cease selling arms. Stop all military "aid", starting with Israel. Prevent other arms sales in the region. Build a hospital or two. Double the size of the American Universities there, and the number of student visas. Do some good for a change.
Then see if they can't work things out, or at least murder fewer people while they don't.
I don't see Powell recognizing the error of his ways. I see a man trying to steer instead of stop, who cannot see the direct connections linking Exxon, the Shah, Hussein, and ISIS. Why his opinion sullies these pages is beyond me.
1
Has Powell admitted his mistakes?
1
This coming from a man who held up a picture of a fire truck in Iraq stating it contained weapons of mass destruction. He sold your sole that day to the devil and I will never trust him again.
5
No admirer or apologist for CP's performance at the UN, I reject the notion that he sold his soul. The general's problem was that he was a soldier who failed to cross the river into the civilian world. He was our most senior diplomat but was compelled by inappropriate discipline to listen to Cheney and co. Powell was duped, and he has admitted as much. Now we have Trump's generals who have no scruples about stomping on the little folk.
This coming from a man with "street credibility" to Republicans is a welcome message of sensible spending on international relations.
Is that Dover Sole?
Will be interesting when someone has to tell Trump that he can't fire Colin Powell...
6
Until the current administration America represented a set of values that emanated from the radical founding principle that all people are created equal. The current administration does not share those values and is fundamentally un-American.
8
No, we can’t do it for free; but, then, I wasn’t aware that Trump was suggesting we could.
Perhaps we could do it for LESS?
Perhaps we could do it for LESS?
1
Richard,
Please provide your idea of what "less" means? Less aid to refugees? Less money to fight disease? Less money for nations that promote birth control? Less money to develop markets? build roads?
I know! you mean less educated and experienced diplomats available to bring our friends off the ledge when trump tweets out more idiotic alternative facts.
Please provide your idea of what "less" means? Less aid to refugees? Less money to fight disease? Less money for nations that promote birth control? Less money to develop markets? build roads?
I know! you mean less educated and experienced diplomats available to bring our friends off the ledge when trump tweets out more idiotic alternative facts.
mike:
Tell you what. I'll accept your challenge to define what "less" COULD mean if you first explain where, in the teeth of ever-rising demands for funding that some regard almost as an entitlement, we ever stop that rise and start spending money on OTHER things? Or better yet, stop spending ever-increasing public funds on EVERYTHING -- until we've expropriated ALL GDP for redistribution by elites leaving NOTHING to individual will?
Tell you what. I'll accept your challenge to define what "less" COULD mean if you first explain where, in the teeth of ever-rising demands for funding that some regard almost as an entitlement, we ever stop that rise and start spending money on OTHER things? Or better yet, stop spending ever-increasing public funds on EVERYTHING -- until we've expropriated ALL GDP for redistribution by elites leaving NOTHING to individual will?
1
What other things should we be spending money on? Oh, like tax cuts for the wealthy and elimination of the death tax? Or maybe lowering corporate taxes while simultaneously brokering the sale of weapons & military equipment for "allies" who not-so-secretly sponsor terrorism??? Two birds, one stone. Ensure generous campaign donations and do Putin's bidding.
Well said and very necessary to say!
Unfortunately, the tough-guy, shoot-em-up segment of the right wing has come to power. These are the folks who see diplomacy as "weakness" to be deplored. They yearn for strength through fear, intimidation, and bigger (the biggest, the best) weapons. They do not understand the value of diplomacy, seldom understand the need to respect cultural differences, and tend to think that foreign aid is simply giving "our" money to people who are either too backward to care about or too lazy to "do what we did.' That is, these are folks who see personal responsibility in every success and every failure ignoring the little fact that many suffer because of wars, famine, and poverty all of which are truly beyond their control.
Yes, we will "put America first." By time we get other voices into leadership positions, the world will have moved on. We will no longer be "great," but rather a shriveled shadow of our former selves in a world where Europe has turned in other directions and where China holds sway over much of Asia and Africa.
Unfortunately, the tough-guy, shoot-em-up segment of the right wing has come to power. These are the folks who see diplomacy as "weakness" to be deplored. They yearn for strength through fear, intimidation, and bigger (the biggest, the best) weapons. They do not understand the value of diplomacy, seldom understand the need to respect cultural differences, and tend to think that foreign aid is simply giving "our" money to people who are either too backward to care about or too lazy to "do what we did.' That is, these are folks who see personal responsibility in every success and every failure ignoring the little fact that many suffer because of wars, famine, and poverty all of which are truly beyond their control.
Yes, we will "put America first." By time we get other voices into leadership positions, the world will have moved on. We will no longer be "great," but rather a shriveled shadow of our former selves in a world where Europe has turned in other directions and where China holds sway over much of Asia and Africa.
37
Good move on the part of Colin Powell.
But the dramatic mix of cynicism displayed by D.Trump and his Administration and enablers require much more than an Op-Ed, be it in the NY Times.
Colin Powell, and all those who have credibility and sincerely believe the country is literally being sabotaged and betrayed by D. Trump and his Administration should tour the whole country and hold multiple public meetings where they would explain why and how our country is being dramatically mislead and what wise policies should instead be adopted.
But the dramatic mix of cynicism displayed by D.Trump and his Administration and enablers require much more than an Op-Ed, be it in the NY Times.
Colin Powell, and all those who have credibility and sincerely believe the country is literally being sabotaged and betrayed by D. Trump and his Administration should tour the whole country and hold multiple public meetings where they would explain why and how our country is being dramatically mislead and what wise policies should instead be adopted.
83
The tour is a great idea ... perhaps Buffet, Gates et. al. could fund it.
The tour is a great idea ... Perhaps Buffet, Gates et. al. could fund it.
I agree. Our respected and informed leaders, like Colin Powell, need to get out there and inform. This administration is appealing to an uninformed public who has withdrawn to survival mode, as well as to a greed driven wealthy class who doesn't care about our future as a nation. We need the uninformed to be informed by those we as a nation respect. As for the greedy, they know what they're doing, and don't care about anyone but themselves.
Is this the same Secretary of State who resigned in disgrace over his own role in the fabricated Iraqi WMD 'evidence'?
Is this the same Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who said "If you break it you own it"? In this case the U.S. literally 'owns' Iraq, Libya, Syria and Afghanistan (and any other county it decides to obliterate).
And now he talks of "leading the world in advancing the cause of peace"?
Does he think we are all as dumb, or as cynically devious, as the politicians he has been consorting with throughout his career?
Yes, indeed, the State Department's budget should be preserved and protected but Powell, the failed Secretary of State, is the wrong person to deliver the message.
Is this the same Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who said "If you break it you own it"? In this case the U.S. literally 'owns' Iraq, Libya, Syria and Afghanistan (and any other county it decides to obliterate).
And now he talks of "leading the world in advancing the cause of peace"?
Does he think we are all as dumb, or as cynically devious, as the politicians he has been consorting with throughout his career?
Yes, indeed, the State Department's budget should be preserved and protected but Powell, the failed Secretary of State, is the wrong person to deliver the message.
19
He did not resign in disgrace. He resigned because he was lied to by Bush and Cheney. His warning about Iraq, etc.,was well placed. He was advising the government not attack Iraq and gave that warning in hopes that common sense would take over. Get your facts straight before you take position that is inapposite to the truth.
6
Colin Powell is clearly a Great Man. Why, even his Mistakes are Great!
1
I disagree and for some of the very reasons you state. Yes Secretary Powell made plenty of mistakes throughout his career, including believing in politicians. So as a man with the conscience of painfull experience under his belt, he of all people is best suited to deliver the message.
3
No, I don't want to slash the State Department and U.S.A.I.D. And I don't want the Minister of Peace and Other Things, Jared Kushner, to drop bombs on people, and I'm not in favor of super-funding the Offense Dept. Actually, I think super-funding is a term that should apply to cleaning up toxic waste. The insanity of the Trump administration is beyond my comprehension. I don't want them, or their policies, or their family photos. Horrible! Thank you Mr. Powell.
74
Mr. Powell is most correct when he singles out the concession of African development to the Chinese. It's already happening at a breakneck speed in Pakistan and the route to the Indian Ocean leads directly to the opportunities that Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania hold.
Clearly this is spitefully repudiation of everything for which the Obama administration stood.
Clearly this is spitefully repudiation of everything for which the Obama administration stood.
10
Mr. Powell, it's true that Trump is undermining everything that this country ever achieved through our past leaders' concerted efforts to show the world that we're that " shining city on a hill", as you mentioned here.
By not investing our money where we're supposed to do on our domestic programs or on our foreign diplomatic endeavors,Trump and his Republican cohorts in Congress are just taking us on a collision course towards more wars and more confrontations in the International waters by their age old horrible habits of bullying and badgering other countries to their submission.
They're even using the same ill advised treatments to our Citizens and residents alike just to intimidate them, and turning their self-esteems to their lowest levels.
By trying to shove their totally horrendous Trumpcare Bill on us, the Republican Senators are now taking the same footsie path that their Republican House members did.
The only difference between their bill with the House bill is that they lowered the number of Americans who'll lose their health access to 23 millions compared to 24 as our bipartisan congressional budget committee just predicted.
Beside that the underlying idea between the two Republican bills are the same : Make the rich richer. And the poor poorer.
Or by just forcing our poor and sick to just disappear by not allowing them no access to healthcare all the Republicans are creating these "death panels" for our poor patients by slashing $800 billion from Medicaid.
By not investing our money where we're supposed to do on our domestic programs or on our foreign diplomatic endeavors,Trump and his Republican cohorts in Congress are just taking us on a collision course towards more wars and more confrontations in the International waters by their age old horrible habits of bullying and badgering other countries to their submission.
They're even using the same ill advised treatments to our Citizens and residents alike just to intimidate them, and turning their self-esteems to their lowest levels.
By trying to shove their totally horrendous Trumpcare Bill on us, the Republican Senators are now taking the same footsie path that their Republican House members did.
The only difference between their bill with the House bill is that they lowered the number of Americans who'll lose their health access to 23 millions compared to 24 as our bipartisan congressional budget committee just predicted.
Beside that the underlying idea between the two Republican bills are the same : Make the rich richer. And the poor poorer.
Or by just forcing our poor and sick to just disappear by not allowing them no access to healthcare all the Republicans are creating these "death panels" for our poor patients by slashing $800 billion from Medicaid.
2
The people should question the past implementations of political policies by military and agency leaders. But, I believe that far too few of us really understand these leader's incredible responsibilities and their talents.
Leaders, like Colin Powell, were forged in service and rose to assume the highest responsibilities because they have a track record of success. That is their DNA; service is in their blood; and everything else, including their own needs, is a distant second.
I hope Colin Powell's message resonates well with the Congress and the people because Americans must not deny our responsibilities to leadership and the required military and diplomatic strength. This takes our resources of committed young people and some of our taxes.
I 100-percent support keeping America ahead of China and Russia, and I reject the undoing of our government service abroad.
THE CHANTING of "America First" on the queue of Bannon, the sorriest-excuse-of-a-human who couldn't resist the opportunity to harness the power of working Americans' resentment and direct it for the continued benefit of billionaires and corporations WILL BE SEEN FOR ITS TRUE NATURE.
Legislation to create laws that PUNISH those individuals/corporations who pay undocumented workers IS BEING IGNORED BECAUSE BANNON CAN'T PUSH A LASTING SOLUTION ONTO HIS TRIBE (GOP).
Wake up workers, insist on a lasting solution. We don't have to chant for continuous hammering if new arrivals can't be offered a paycheck.
Leaders, like Colin Powell, were forged in service and rose to assume the highest responsibilities because they have a track record of success. That is their DNA; service is in their blood; and everything else, including their own needs, is a distant second.
I hope Colin Powell's message resonates well with the Congress and the people because Americans must not deny our responsibilities to leadership and the required military and diplomatic strength. This takes our resources of committed young people and some of our taxes.
I 100-percent support keeping America ahead of China and Russia, and I reject the undoing of our government service abroad.
THE CHANTING of "America First" on the queue of Bannon, the sorriest-excuse-of-a-human who couldn't resist the opportunity to harness the power of working Americans' resentment and direct it for the continued benefit of billionaires and corporations WILL BE SEEN FOR ITS TRUE NATURE.
Legislation to create laws that PUNISH those individuals/corporations who pay undocumented workers IS BEING IGNORED BECAUSE BANNON CAN'T PUSH A LASTING SOLUTION ONTO HIS TRIBE (GOP).
Wake up workers, insist on a lasting solution. We don't have to chant for continuous hammering if new arrivals can't be offered a paycheck.
3
This is a thoughtful and reasonable argument ... but it's difficult to read Mr. Powell's description of chaos, desperate refugees, hunger, and the new terrorist organizations in the Middle East and Northern Africa without remembering a key event that contributed to the disruption: the Iraq war. Mr. Powell supported it and helped give power to the lie that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. Our "shock and awe" campaign soon followed. As a result of the conflict, Saddam was overthrown and most of the powerful Sunnis were unseated from government and law enforcement by the new Shia regime. ISIS is a resentful Sunni resistance group spawned by the war.
I see many people have written that Obama was a Big Spender who never saw a social program he didn't like and inflated the US deficit. Hmm. What I remember most clearly was the collapsed state of our country's auto industry, housing industry, and domestic investments generally at the conclusion of George W. Bush's clumsy two terms ... which were steered by Dick Cheney (Halliburton) and facilitated by Colin Powell.
I see many people have written that Obama was a Big Spender who never saw a social program he didn't like and inflated the US deficit. Hmm. What I remember most clearly was the collapsed state of our country's auto industry, housing industry, and domestic investments generally at the conclusion of George W. Bush's clumsy two terms ... which were steered by Dick Cheney (Halliburton) and facilitated by Colin Powell.
16
As a note, cabinet members support the president or are no longer cabinet members.
I appreciate your column and concur General Powell.
However, where were you ( along with others ) when republicans slow walked or fully blocked for 8 years candidates for government ( inclusive of the State department ) of the Obama administration ?
I must have missed that column.
However, where were you ( along with others ) when republicans slow walked or fully blocked for 8 years candidates for government ( inclusive of the State department ) of the Obama administration ?
I must have missed that column.
39
People need to understand that despite Trump's claims of being a great deal maker he is really nothing more then a two bit deal maker who happens to be a great con-artist when it comes to dealing with other two-bit deal makers.
Trump's budget is a classic two bit deal makers low-ball opening offer intended to look so horrible that later offers and the deal he finally strikes will look great by comparison. Think how Trump set the bar so low by his ignorance that simply doing a horrible reading from a teleprompter of a barely intelligible speech written by others got him accolades just for not being completely crazy.
The fact is the best way to deal with the low ball offer, is not to deal with it at all. You don't even respond with any counter offer. Silence. Nothing.
Trump's budget is a classic two bit deal makers low-ball opening offer intended to look so horrible that later offers and the deal he finally strikes will look great by comparison. Think how Trump set the bar so low by his ignorance that simply doing a horrible reading from a teleprompter of a barely intelligible speech written by others got him accolades just for not being completely crazy.
The fact is the best way to deal with the low ball offer, is not to deal with it at all. You don't even respond with any counter offer. Silence. Nothing.
5
Thank you for adding a sane voice to the discussion. Keep talking.
10
This asks the right questions and provides an argue over what we as a country are about. We increase military spending at the expense of assistance to the world and to our own people. Cuts to medicaid, drug programs and other social programs hurt the most in need in the United States. We would rather push for a war on drugs with Columbia than realize the problem of demand is ours. It is fine to give tax cuts to the richest and cut programs that help the poor. The state of Montana is a classic example where so many were helped by the Affordable Health Care act and now will face the loss of health care. We have a TB outbreak in Mississippi and a lack of doctors and facilities to treat people because it is a poor, rural and "black" population. Who in the administration even cares about the impacts this budget would have on those in need.
Besides the basic flaws in the assumptions underlying so much of the budget, we seem to be a nation lost on so many issues that as Powell notes relate to our future.
Besides the basic flaws in the assumptions underlying so much of the budget, we seem to be a nation lost on so many issues that as Powell notes relate to our future.
13
After seeing all the poverty and homeless people and the other stuff wrong with our country, I find it easy to disagree with Mr. Powell.
It is not our job to fix/ruin the world. Especially when our country has so many problems that need fixed first.
If the enemies of our allies encroach upon our allies, well, our allies need to learn to stand up for themselves. At some point, our allies need to quit hiding behind Lady Liberty's skirt.
It is not our job to fix/ruin the world. Especially when our country has so many problems that need fixed first.
If the enemies of our allies encroach upon our allies, well, our allies need to learn to stand up for themselves. At some point, our allies need to quit hiding behind Lady Liberty's skirt.
2
Guess lady liberty's skirt didn't protect the scores of gallant soldiers from Canada, the U.K., Germany, Italy, Australia, Italy, Denmark, France, Poland, Spain, Georgia, Holland, Turkey, Georgia, Romania, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Norway, Estonia, Sweden, Latvia, Hungary, Slovakia, Finland, Portugal, Jordan, South Korea, Albania, Montenegro, Lithuania and Belgium who bravely fought and died alongside our troops in Afghanistan after we were attacked on 9-11.
2
Travel. There are forces afoot in the world that can over run us when we hunker in isolation. We need to tend ourselves but we no longer can hide behind walls. WE MUST ENGAGE to survive.
1
You know, bringing out the guy who deceived us in front of the UN about WMD in Iraq as a model of moral governance is just a bit too much. What the failing NY Times forgets is that the center led us into the mess we are in. ISIS spun out of the disastrous Iraqi adventure. Trump is the result of neoliberal trade policies that enriched the Chinese middle class and the top 1% at the expense of average Americans. Deregulation led by the likes of Bob Rubin brought the global economy to its knees. You think anybody, including folks like me who have strong progressive instincts have any tolerance left for this sort of missive? Time to find some new voices who unlike Powell aren't buried to their necks in the muck of their own past deeds.
9
Like you've got to be joking me? These has to be biggest grocery list comment I've ever seen:
Mention WMD Iraq / Moral Governance - Check
Discredit "Mainstream Media" - Check
Don't forget a shout out to ISIS - Check
Oh ya, who could forget Neoliberal trade policies - Check Check
Finally don't forget to write off the "global economy", mention the 1%, token reference to Bob Rubin, somehow bring China into this and finally, of course, enlighten us that you are the voice of reasoning given your "strong progress instincts".. CHECK CHECK CHECK
This is the greatest amalgamation of every Youtube / Daily Beast / Vox comment I've ever seen... On a serious note though, we start losing sight of the purpose of debates when we simply just retreat into the typical talking points.
Hon. Colin Powell deserves our highest respects. He has served, and continues to serve, in the public realm for most of his life.
At least give him the comments that he deserves.
Mention WMD Iraq / Moral Governance - Check
Discredit "Mainstream Media" - Check
Don't forget a shout out to ISIS - Check
Oh ya, who could forget Neoliberal trade policies - Check Check
Finally don't forget to write off the "global economy", mention the 1%, token reference to Bob Rubin, somehow bring China into this and finally, of course, enlighten us that you are the voice of reasoning given your "strong progress instincts".. CHECK CHECK CHECK
This is the greatest amalgamation of every Youtube / Daily Beast / Vox comment I've ever seen... On a serious note though, we start losing sight of the purpose of debates when we simply just retreat into the typical talking points.
Hon. Colin Powell deserves our highest respects. He has served, and continues to serve, in the public realm for most of his life.
At least give him the comments that he deserves.
3
Trump is the criminal at large.
Thank you, Secretary Powell, for defending OPIC! It is one of those excellent little government programs that punches way above its weight in the good it does.
I happen to be an investor in a small Rwandan company anchored by OPIC funding. The company is not yet a clear success story, but it's getting there (it also happens to be run by a Rwandan woman--already an achievement of a sort). If OPIC were eliminated as the Trump administration proposes, I doubt the company could survive.
But if OPIC is supported and this company thrives (ie, reaches profitability), the U.S. through OPIC will have incrementally increased stability in the region, and been a crucial partner with private investors in helping to develop Rwanda's economy, agriculture, and indigenous business and leadership talent. Incrementally, but measurably. Project by project, person by person.
This in a land that was torn by genocide not 25 years ago.
As at least one other commenter has noted, the most powerful weapon any country might possess is prosperity. I hope our lawmakers are listening to Secretary Powell and others who are experienced, realistic, and take the long view.
I happen to be an investor in a small Rwandan company anchored by OPIC funding. The company is not yet a clear success story, but it's getting there (it also happens to be run by a Rwandan woman--already an achievement of a sort). If OPIC were eliminated as the Trump administration proposes, I doubt the company could survive.
But if OPIC is supported and this company thrives (ie, reaches profitability), the U.S. through OPIC will have incrementally increased stability in the region, and been a crucial partner with private investors in helping to develop Rwanda's economy, agriculture, and indigenous business and leadership talent. Incrementally, but measurably. Project by project, person by person.
This in a land that was torn by genocide not 25 years ago.
As at least one other commenter has noted, the most powerful weapon any country might possess is prosperity. I hope our lawmakers are listening to Secretary Powell and others who are experienced, realistic, and take the long view.
117
Everyone loves other peoples money.
Guess what? We need it more than you do.
Guess what? We need it more than you do.
Like the old Fram commercial used to say, you can pay me now or you can pay me later. If programs and diplomacy can increase stability, we won't need so much military spending.
Military spending on all these ridiculous wars has been just about the least effective way we've been using our money these past 15 years.
Military spending on all these ridiculous wars has been just about the least effective way we've been using our money these past 15 years.
3
Say what you will about the Bush administration, but General Powell genuinely seems like a good person. Flawed, like the rest of us, but also able to recognize his mistakes and be humbled by them. His opinions since becoming a private citizen are refreshing and often delightful to hear - thoughtful, rational, and remarkably honest.
11
If you were Putin, isn't this exactly the kind of budget he would propose for our State Department?
9
Thank you Mr. Powell. Bravo. Please, please for the sake of our world, seek the Oval Office.
4
Trump uses on an old Republican tactic: appeal to voters by treating government like home economics. He uses this tactic domestically by spinning the trickle-down scheme: keep money in the people's hands, pull yourself up by the boot straps, no handouts, yada yada yada. And he uses it with foreign policy: NATO pull your own weight, no free rides, cut back on State Department, America first, yada yada yada. General Powell does an excellent job of revealing the danger of Trump's short-sighted America first spin. The trouble: this needs to be sold to the voters in digestible and understandable language, maybe not just in NYT, but on prime time news shows, relentlessly. Preaching to the choir here. Try bringing this message to the millions who love the home economics spin on American decision-making. Convince someone hooked on Fox News, someone in one of those red hats.
13
Powell lost me when he supported Obama twice, a President who doubled our national debt to $20-trillion. Maybe, like with NATO, it's time for our allies to open their wallets.
2
Eight years of Obama and his binge spending on every social program under the sun clearly made us MORE safe, NOT. LOL.
1
Zero incidents of international terrorism on US soil while Obama was in office. I'd say that's a pretty good "safety" record. Wouldn't you?
9
Interesting contribution by Colin Powell - USAID has had issues with fraud, corruption, and bid-rigging over the years but has also done some good to be sure. The state department had basically become its own country with far too much over-reach in important affairs. But I would not have cut its budget. I would have separated it into functional units with far more focus on task - result - outcome and far more transparency for this part of government. The overall discussion about the American role in the world is of course critical. The concept of globalism isn't working - because of a lack of shared moral sphere values around the world at this time. Mr. Powell correctly lists serious world trouble spots with tragic consequences. Yes we should be a voice and commit some resources, but how much and of what type? The days of simply leading with money are over and it really is time to focus on us first instead of indirect arguments about non-tangible benefits. I don't see world disengagement as the answer, and I don't see that happening as well, but we do need to carefully ensure that our dollars are spent in a way that makes sense. Forgive me if I decide not to worry about China - I have grown old with "other nation" paranoia and choose not to be swayed by that line of thinking anymore.
13
It is time to stop trying to be a world leader. We have a country that can be self-sufficient in food and energy... it can be an ecological paradise with a declining population if we would just shut our borders to make room for other species. Let other nations defend themselves.
1
I wonder why we are not thinking about increasing the foreign aid budget from 1% to a significantly larger percentage. If 1% for foreign aid means the military does not have to order more bullets, it seems reasonable to imagine that the military might not have to lose so many soldiers to the horrors of war if even more money's spent on foreign aid.
Imagine what might happen if the military budget was 1% and the foreign aid budget was in the range of the current military budget ? Sounds like a budget even Jesus and Buddha might endorse !
Imagine what might happen if the military budget was 1% and the foreign aid budget was in the range of the current military budget ? Sounds like a budget even Jesus and Buddha might endorse !
5
The State Department budget is 300% of what it was before 9-11. In 2001, the State Department’s total budget was $8,975,065,931. In 2016, it was $27,688,104,621 (nearly 28 billion dollars).
The State Department has recently been building huge and extravagant embassies (like the new one in Oslo), some costing hundreds of millions. It is spending nearly $7 billion on new construction projects alone. Unless ISIS can be defeated with fancy architecture in Scandinavia, this sort of spending isn't making anyone safer. Clearly, there is much room for cutting back on State Department expenditures.
http://www.expatnorth.com/2017/05/14/the-new-xxxl-american-embassy-in-oslo/
The State Department has recently been building huge and extravagant embassies (like the new one in Oslo), some costing hundreds of millions. It is spending nearly $7 billion on new construction projects alone. Unless ISIS can be defeated with fancy architecture in Scandinavia, this sort of spending isn't making anyone safer. Clearly, there is much room for cutting back on State Department expenditures.
http://www.expatnorth.com/2017/05/14/the-new-xxxl-american-embassy-in-oslo/
1
I 100% agree with you General Powell. You are the conservative voice of reason. But why did you have to lie on Iraq?
3
Mr Powell seems to miss a point that we in the Trump camp accept quite firmly, your mileage may vary
and that is
the last eight years, which were Mr Obama's stewardship, or maybe leadership, ie leading from behind (an extraordinary metaphor, too close to leading WITH his behind), have been a catastrophe, for Americans and for our allies*, strengthening the forces of chaos and anarchy and butchery and Islamic psychopathy and inevitability and intransigence
[*although that should be 'allies;' according to British Prime Minister Palmerston, who famously said, "nations do not have allies (or enemies,) nations have interests"]
and so WHATEVER we did for eight years, well let's do the opposite
Cueing Mr Trump
=
Mr Powell was SecState for a while, 2001-2004,;maybe he did a good job, I see no paeans of glory to HIS period of leadership, and Mr Powell was invited to apply for the Job One, and declined, I think he had his chance, and in decorum, could stay quiet
http://www.history.com/topics/colin-powell
Mr Powell left public life, over his endorsement, to invade Iraq, over WMD. deciding later that our intel was wrong over Saddam and WMD
Has our intel gotten better? we still seem to forever be playing 'catch-up' and bloody clean-up'
Now are intel is paroxyzed over the Red Menace, are we any better?
and that is
the last eight years, which were Mr Obama's stewardship, or maybe leadership, ie leading from behind (an extraordinary metaphor, too close to leading WITH his behind), have been a catastrophe, for Americans and for our allies*, strengthening the forces of chaos and anarchy and butchery and Islamic psychopathy and inevitability and intransigence
[*although that should be 'allies;' according to British Prime Minister Palmerston, who famously said, "nations do not have allies (or enemies,) nations have interests"]
and so WHATEVER we did for eight years, well let's do the opposite
Cueing Mr Trump
=
Mr Powell was SecState for a while, 2001-2004,;maybe he did a good job, I see no paeans of glory to HIS period of leadership, and Mr Powell was invited to apply for the Job One, and declined, I think he had his chance, and in decorum, could stay quiet
http://www.history.com/topics/colin-powell
Mr Powell left public life, over his endorsement, to invade Iraq, over WMD. deciding later that our intel was wrong over Saddam and WMD
Has our intel gotten better? we still seem to forever be playing 'catch-up' and bloody clean-up'
Now are intel is paroxyzed over the Red Menace, are we any better?
One or two of three events would have prevented the 2003 invasion of Iraq 1) George HW Bush declaring it’s a mistake, 2) Tony Blair backing away, 3) Colin Powell resigning as Secretary of State.
It amazes me how Europe and the rest of the world aren’t more strident in their condemnation of how US-UK recklessness has contributed to Middle East chaos and its terrorist fallout in the West.
Meanwhile of the three, Powell's acquiescence is most bewildering.
He's on the right track now, but 14 years too late.
It amazes me how Europe and the rest of the world aren’t more strident in their condemnation of how US-UK recklessness has contributed to Middle East chaos and its terrorist fallout in the West.
Meanwhile of the three, Powell's acquiescence is most bewildering.
He's on the right track now, but 14 years too late.
Liberal over-spending is to blame. We cannot keep up the facade when there is no money left. I know the response will be to "raise taxes", but we all know there is no upper limit to ANY liberal program. That's the problem, no liberal plan expect to spend more, and more, and more. All we need is more. If only we had more money, then all of the problems would be solved. Liberals NEED an adult to stop their madness - Republicans are the responsible party that promotes "limits". But liberals always scream about it, like children
1
i am not clear what you mean by no money left. The foreign aid budget is 1 % of the budget. NO MONEY LEFT ? there seems to be plenty money for the military.
Money well spent on foreign aid/diplomacy should reduce the amount of money needed for military activities.
Money well spent on foreign aid/diplomacy should reduce the amount of money needed for military activities.
6
reply to Patrick McCord: You do realize who holds the purse strings in our system of Government- don't you? Liberal Spending by whom? A Republican Congress; Thirty plus Republican State Legislatures and Governors.
6
Time to get together with other former government officials and make an appointment with the White House. An Opinion piece will do no good as Trump doesn't read and you didn't include his name in every other sentence. You have to get in front of him. He folds when he meets with people in person and might remember a little of what you say. Tillerson needs a mentor desperately, maybe several. Just sell a meeting as a photo op for Trump with all these experienced people. He loves a good picture. And bring lunch, maybe KFC, with chocolate cake and ice cream for dessert! Please!
I would add that the most powerful weapon we have- or any country has- is prosperity. When we are prosperous and we can share that prosperity here at home and around the world everyone benefits. And for those people or countries seeking a better way, a better life, a prosperous US has been a symbol of hope for all. As Secretary Powell notes, the State Department and USAID, have been instrumental in planting the seeds of prosperity. It is sad, I think, that so many who have set their mark on dismantling Washington as well as those who voted for the current administration only see one way for the government and the country to move forward- and this without caring about or understanding the consequences of such an approach. My staunchly Republican mother- made it her raison d'être to travel to the Soviet Union repeatedly in the 60s and 70s as a private citizen and later as an employee of the US Information Agency with the sole purpose of convincing Russians that the US was not bad; that we did not want to bomb them into oblivion as she was convinced- after the Cuban Missile Crisis- that that is what they wanted to do to us. We frequently had Russian visitors in our home- many of whom became life long friends of my mother and she of them. With no exceptions, they admired her generosity and the prosperity the saw around them during their visits to Washington and to our home. Perhaps it was the aspiration for something better that brought the wall down- not the threat of war
7
Colin Powell makes some very good points. But he does not address the fact that the Trump administration does not understand the complexity of international relations, nor do they have the experience and intellectual capacity to grasp such complexity. They also do not understand the unintended consequences that will be caused by their shortcomings. This is readily apparent in their budget proposal and in their actions to date.
45
You're dead on, Secretary Powell, but Trump would rather step aside and make the 21st century the Chinese Century.
8
I agree with Mr Powell's remarks. I wish he had written this op ed weeks ago.
3
As a non-American who has lived in this country for over thirty years, I have come to appreciate and cherish that, despite its many problems, the United States of America remains the number one country in the world that stands for democracy and individual freedom.
I have come to think that, American people, just by taking care of their own house, will have helped the people around the world.
But the America I love is slipping away. Or have I fooled myself, that it never was?
I have come to think that, American people, just by taking care of their own house, will have helped the people around the world.
But the America I love is slipping away. Or have I fooled myself, that it never was?
7
Moderate Republicans are in a deep downswing, all but gone, overtaken by the zealous debt radicals who have for 2 terms wanted back in power. Moderates probably will not come back until the stuff that the fan spreads over the walls dries. The cycle is deep this time, but also quick: the crazies (radical GOPheads) in Congress are sowing a harsh end and their bitter fruit can only lead to a strong moderate rebuild.
I hope Powell is still around to participate. Until then, listen to him. He knows what is going on, and what's coming down. He's not a radical so do not expect the answers to come right out of him. But he's a rock, if you are able to grok what that means in these times.
I hope Powell is still around to participate. Until then, listen to him. He knows what is going on, and what's coming down. He's not a radical so do not expect the answers to come right out of him. But he's a rock, if you are able to grok what that means in these times.
6
Yes, "penny wise, pound foolish" accurately characterizes *every* aspect of the modern Republican agenda. There isn't anything that they want to do that isn't going to end up costing 99% of us more.
67
Colin Powell is a rational voice in a sea of irrational thought. His is the voice the GOP should heed, but regrettably America is under the cries of a cabal of power hungry and interest laden buffoons.
13
Thank you General Powell. I completely agree and anyone who does not, needs to watch the movie, I AM the documentary by Tom Shadyac. Helping the rest of the world doesn't just help other countries, it helps us; it may in fact, be the only chance we have left of saving mankind. We are very close to blowing ourselves off the face of the planet with global thermo nuclear war and only love can save us. That means loving our enemies as well as our friends. If we do not, sickness, hunger and strife will breed war and war will annihilate us all. In response to those who think it is not our responsibility to help others; science proves that it is our main responsibility as the human race to do just that and it is in our DNA to help one another to survive. We are not separate and to think you are separate from others is an illusion, a false construct to justify taking more than one needs. Anything in nature that takes more than it needs eventually wipes itself out. In the human body, it is called cancer. We must help each other or die.
9
Respect is not a fickle thing for most readers herein. Alas, Mr. Powell so spectacularly soiled himself so completely whilst working for the W establishment that even his rich zeitgeist and apparently newly minted interest in peace is refreshing, but sadly it's a bit late now.
Thanks for playing the long game, but where were you when we really needed you Mr. Powell? Oh yes, you quietly demurred to the dark forces of VP Cheney out of what, respect for the Republican party? It's a pity a few hundred thousand people in the middle east couldn't have stuck around to hear your current laments. Was there a learning moment somewhere back there that Mr. Powell would like to explain while we're discussing US foreign policy?
I'd much rather hear about Mr. Powell's sense if guilt and shame, but we'll have to wait for such a time when Mr. Powell channels McNamara completely before I can whole heartedly swallow any of the bull he slings moving forward.
Thanks for playing the long game, but where were you when we really needed you Mr. Powell? Oh yes, you quietly demurred to the dark forces of VP Cheney out of what, respect for the Republican party? It's a pity a few hundred thousand people in the middle east couldn't have stuck around to hear your current laments. Was there a learning moment somewhere back there that Mr. Powell would like to explain while we're discussing US foreign policy?
I'd much rather hear about Mr. Powell's sense if guilt and shame, but we'll have to wait for such a time when Mr. Powell channels McNamara completely before I can whole heartedly swallow any of the bull he slings moving forward.
3
America is in a deep crisis of identity and ethics, without the leadership, in either party, to lead itself out of it - much less lead the world. While, ethically, we have an obligation to our fellow world citizens, for as long as we remain in the crisis we are in, we are unfit to assume a leadership role.
Our current regime, let's face it, is as far away from being a democracy as can be, with both major parties beholden to the same vulture capitalists. The party that is currently in power is led by an oligarch whose only interest is enrichment of self and his cronies, to the detriment of upward of 300 million Americans. Mr. Trump, with the help of congressional Republicans, is undoing nearly 100 years of social progress America achieved, by rescinding America's promise to itself, executive order by executive order, bill after bill passed by the House and Senate to roll back regulations intended to improve the work and health of fellow Americans - all with the intent to maximize corporate profit.
We are unfit to lead the world and will remain so until American voters decide that success - real success - is achieved by a nation that cares for its own and not at the expense of its citizens.
While we away yet another election, Americans need to be engaged in self-examination in preparation for what should be a political revolution.
--
What is an oligarchy http://www.rimaregas.com/?s=oligarchy
Our current regime, let's face it, is as far away from being a democracy as can be, with both major parties beholden to the same vulture capitalists. The party that is currently in power is led by an oligarch whose only interest is enrichment of self and his cronies, to the detriment of upward of 300 million Americans. Mr. Trump, with the help of congressional Republicans, is undoing nearly 100 years of social progress America achieved, by rescinding America's promise to itself, executive order by executive order, bill after bill passed by the House and Senate to roll back regulations intended to improve the work and health of fellow Americans - all with the intent to maximize corporate profit.
We are unfit to lead the world and will remain so until American voters decide that success - real success - is achieved by a nation that cares for its own and not at the expense of its citizens.
While we away yet another election, Americans need to be engaged in self-examination in preparation for what should be a political revolution.
--
What is an oligarchy http://www.rimaregas.com/?s=oligarchy
39
Finally Colin Powell speaks -- too little too late. After lying about Hillary Clinton and not owning up to your use of a private server, who could respect anything you said about a man you helped get into office. I'll bet you even voted for him. Anybody but Hillary, right! So dangerous and so misguided -- that's hurt this country and taken it to a breaking point. I'm afraid your actions during the campaign means you really don't get a say in this now -- the time to talk straight was back then -- you stood up for Barak Obama -- Oh, right, that was against Hillary too. Wow, you are all so transparent.
41
Thank you, Mr. Powell for a well reasoned opinion on why, especially with the world as it is today, it is not safe to cut those areas that keep us safe with words, actions and deeds. Instead we are on a path of destruction, increasing our bully power with bombs and threats of retaliation. I am not comfortable with the world, our world, under the direction of Mr. Trump. This world he wishes to literally destroy so that he and a handful of others can mould it into the authoritarian regime Corporate America and the 1% wish.
America is great when we’re the country that the world admires, fair and caring. That’s the America I grew up in. We are no longer THAT America. That America appears to be in desperate need of immediate resuscitation, or our Republic faces certain death.
America is great when we’re the country that the world admires, fair and caring. That’s the America I grew up in. We are no longer THAT America. That America appears to be in desperate need of immediate resuscitation, or our Republic faces certain death.
20
Thank you Mr. Powell.
I was just talking about Colin Powell a couple days ago and his absence on the national stage. We need him now more than ever. It's probably a lost cause at this point to resurrect a moderate Republican party, we need more pragmatics and less ideologues.
6
So let me get this straight....the approx 30 % cut is what he is taking issue with...ok how many of u readers have ever had to cut your spending (in your work env)...so let really find out the implications as opposed to speculation.
Give me a break. Diplomacy - all the way. But US aid has made the world a much worse place, and hurt the actual people in the countries that receive in most cases (maybe not 100%). This understanding is not only held by conservatives - see Frances Moore Lappé for example.
4
President Reagan’s “peace through strength” military build up might have worked against an economically deteriorating and a militarily exhausted Soviet Union in the 1980s, but it was not an effective policy in the 2000s under President George W. Bush. Bush spent almost a trillion dollars on two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, where peace is still elusive despite a show of strength that has waxed and waned over the past fifteen years.
It is why “peace through strength” has to be simultaneously complemented by a “strength through peace” strategy, which has been the hallmark of the State Department and organizations such as, United States Agency for International Development, Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Trade and Development Agency in the post-WWII era. Mr. Powell is absolutely right when he says, “America is great when we’re the country that the world admires, a beacon of hope and a principled people who are generous, fair and caring.”
Besides China is dramatically out-investing us throughout Africa and Asia and thereby winning the hearts and minds of billions of people in third world nations. So let’s hope the Trump administration’s proposal “to slash approximately 30 percent from the State Department and foreign assistance” is soundly rejected by the Congress.
It is why “peace through strength” has to be simultaneously complemented by a “strength through peace” strategy, which has been the hallmark of the State Department and organizations such as, United States Agency for International Development, Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Trade and Development Agency in the post-WWII era. Mr. Powell is absolutely right when he says, “America is great when we’re the country that the world admires, a beacon of hope and a principled people who are generous, fair and caring.”
Besides China is dramatically out-investing us throughout Africa and Asia and thereby winning the hearts and minds of billions of people in third world nations. So let’s hope the Trump administration’s proposal “to slash approximately 30 percent from the State Department and foreign assistance” is soundly rejected by the Congress.
45
I would hope that those who comment could address the message rather than make snide comments about the messenger (a highly decorated soldier deserving of respect).
The message seems to be to be like healthcare: preventative medicine limits cost and suffering, diplomacy and focused aid reduces our enemies. Cutting expenditure will only increase later costs and result in an avoidable loss of life.
The message seems to be to be like healthcare: preventative medicine limits cost and suffering, diplomacy and focused aid reduces our enemies. Cutting expenditure will only increase later costs and result in an avoidable loss of life.
94
One thing is certain: If you plant corn, watermelon doesn't grow. What Trump is so callously sowing, America will surely reap. I do not see the US stepping back from the edge because I have not heard one Republican deeply involved in the formation of this nation's contemporary history accept one iota of responsibility for how low their party has brought this nation. Real change requires self-reflection, and reckoning. Not ONE Republican has said anything substantively negative about the Republican Party, or its highly undemocratic history dating back to Goldwater, that isn't equivocal or tardy in its expression. It's as though Trump's victory was an attach from outer space that they had nothing to do with.
Sorry, it's too late for eloquence: The enemy is ensconced in illegality and has a disdain for democracy that it is able to exercise, ironically, "by law."
We're exposed. Our "checks and balances" have been sent back stamped "UNPAID" in red.
If Donald Trump can be a nation's president and that nation be great—then America is great. If Jeff Sessions can be a nation's chief law enforcement officer and that nation be great—then America is great. If a nation can profess Christ and abandon the most needy amongst us—then America is great.
Americans think our reputation is like a Hollywood movie: All we have to do is make our version of the truth, put it out there, and feed the world popcorn. Well, I think they've seen Bogart. They'll realign themselves.
Sorry, it's too late for eloquence: The enemy is ensconced in illegality and has a disdain for democracy that it is able to exercise, ironically, "by law."
We're exposed. Our "checks and balances" have been sent back stamped "UNPAID" in red.
If Donald Trump can be a nation's president and that nation be great—then America is great. If Jeff Sessions can be a nation's chief law enforcement officer and that nation be great—then America is great. If a nation can profess Christ and abandon the most needy amongst us—then America is great.
Americans think our reputation is like a Hollywood movie: All we have to do is make our version of the truth, put it out there, and feed the world popcorn. Well, I think they've seen Bogart. They'll realign themselves.
22
Thank you for this, General Powell, but if you want Donald Trump to read it, you will have to mention his name in every paragraph and add more pictures.
168
Perhaps if it was issued 140 characters at a time?
By all means keep or increase the State Department and related budgets for real aid that really helps people but take a very close look at the very large portion of those very significant State and related budgets tied to programs associated with "regime change" and "nation building" -- Orwellian phrases providing a fig leaf for a US foreign policy not so much concerned with "promoting democracy" or assisting people "yearning for freedom" as much as replacing uncooperative regimes with regimes more amenable to US geopolitical interests. See Iraq, Libya and Syria and many other places around the world. US policies in these countries have done much to create the current unprecedented "humanitarian crises" Powell now bemoans. As far as foreign policy and aid goes, people around the world are not as stupid as some think. They recognize, for example, the US led and encouraged chatter about democracy promotion in Hong Kong coupled with its relative silence or collusion in the substntially more serious repression seen in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for what it is. Genuine selfless (rare) or even win win (possible and to be encouraged) efforts to engage the rest of the world will ultimately be recognised for what they are as will cynical, hypocritical efforts to pursue US geopolitical interests.
4
For all his past sins, I don't think Mr. Powell is wrong here. Retreat from the world stage means only that we leave a vacuum that will immediately be filled by Russia, China, or both.
Isolationism is a loser strategy--which explains why Trump loves it--and it has never led to anything positive in history, the prime reason Bannon loves it, but if the only presence we ever have in a country is one of the over 750 military bases we admit to, war is a foregone conclusion. That's simple enough for even Pumpkinhead to understand, and perhaps he does.
Of course, it's not enough just to make all those "beautiful weapons"--there has to be somewhere to use them, which means there have to be enemies, and without a State Department there are likely to be more of them.
Nice that Mr. Powell points out the State Department budget is less than one percent of the overall federal budget. This is true of nearly every department this budget proposes to slash or eliminate. It's not about anything but cruelty, vindictiveness, and sticking it to anything associated with Obama. These are adults? I understand why the rural crybabies that voted for these animals still don't get the mess they've created for the world--they're too ignorant to know the world is out there--but what is the story with Congressional Republicans? Some of those clowns have been there for decades! This looks okay to them? Save me that roach.
Isolationism is a loser strategy--which explains why Trump loves it--and it has never led to anything positive in history, the prime reason Bannon loves it, but if the only presence we ever have in a country is one of the over 750 military bases we admit to, war is a foregone conclusion. That's simple enough for even Pumpkinhead to understand, and perhaps he does.
Of course, it's not enough just to make all those "beautiful weapons"--there has to be somewhere to use them, which means there have to be enemies, and without a State Department there are likely to be more of them.
Nice that Mr. Powell points out the State Department budget is less than one percent of the overall federal budget. This is true of nearly every department this budget proposes to slash or eliminate. It's not about anything but cruelty, vindictiveness, and sticking it to anything associated with Obama. These are adults? I understand why the rural crybabies that voted for these animals still don't get the mess they've created for the world--they're too ignorant to know the world is out there--but what is the story with Congressional Republicans? Some of those clowns have been there for decades! This looks okay to them? Save me that roach.
14
GEN Powell did not lie when he presented at the UN - he believed what he was saying. He was wrong and he regrets it far more deeply than those who criticize him and have never served in combat.
Powell courageously backed Obama twice. He is one of the few pragmatic voices among our national leaders, equally detested by die hard liberals and conservatives.
Powell courageously backed Obama twice. He is one of the few pragmatic voices among our national leaders, equally detested by die hard liberals and conservatives.
6
In spite of Trump's America first ideas, we are inextricably involved in many foreign problems that we cannot afford to solve, even in significant part, by force of arms. Diplomacy is our sole remaining resource, to be exploited with deep knowledge, historical perspective, and precision. Trump and his family and cronies don't have those skills. The biggest foreign headaches are good examples:
Our Syrian policy consisted of sending 59 cruise missiles to bomb an airbase. We haven't seen or heard of any other plans. Are we going to invade? I don't think so. We are going to have to put together a multinational diplomatic team, probably to include Russia. A delicate task.
Iran is likely the biggest force fomenting violence in the Middle East, although Saudi Arabia has their fingers in the pie. Are we going to send 500,000 troops over there to solve those problems? And keep them there for 50 years or so? Probably not!
What about North Korea. We've heard Trump's bombast, but the only policy position is held as secret to avoid having NK, or anyone else including the military, to find out. Oh, except that Trump told Duterte that he has deployed two nuclear subs to the Korean area, along with two aircraft carriers. Note that South Korea would be in smoldering ruins from conventional weapons before we could deploy anything to "win" a war with NK. How about diplomacy; sounds better than obliterating our primary source of cell phones and many electronics devices.
Our Syrian policy consisted of sending 59 cruise missiles to bomb an airbase. We haven't seen or heard of any other plans. Are we going to invade? I don't think so. We are going to have to put together a multinational diplomatic team, probably to include Russia. A delicate task.
Iran is likely the biggest force fomenting violence in the Middle East, although Saudi Arabia has their fingers in the pie. Are we going to send 500,000 troops over there to solve those problems? And keep them there for 50 years or so? Probably not!
What about North Korea. We've heard Trump's bombast, but the only policy position is held as secret to avoid having NK, or anyone else including the military, to find out. Oh, except that Trump told Duterte that he has deployed two nuclear subs to the Korean area, along with two aircraft carriers. Note that South Korea would be in smoldering ruins from conventional weapons before we could deploy anything to "win" a war with NK. How about diplomacy; sounds better than obliterating our primary source of cell phones and many electronics devices.
2
Colin Powell ALLOWED HIMSELF TO BE SMEARED -- by blindly "following" W. Let's not forget that. Had he stood up for the truth back then, perhaps we would not have gone to war in the first place. And now, look what we have -- a fool with his finger on the nuclear trigger -- and a government more worried about politics and being good Trumpian soldiers than the truth.
General Powell -- go no national TV and apologize for listening to W and his henchmen -- and then you can run for president!
General Powell -- go no national TV and apologize for listening to W and his henchmen -- and then you can run for president!
6
Prevent the wars we can avoid? You had your chance for that, sir. Sounding the alarm fifteen years, 4,000 dead, and 30,000 wounded later doesn't sound that convincing.
17
Gen. Powell: I agree with most of what you say in this op-ed. I'm surprised so far at how many comments seem dismissive of your argument simply because you are the one delivering it. This article is a great example of how even someone as intellectually dishonest as yourself can still make a strong reasonable argument.
2
Since the Iraq War started, the State Dept has packed in funds and people to run covert ops, and to do "contractor" services, such as running the world's biggest Embassy in Iraq with some 10,000 people doing a vast number of non-diplomatic things, from Blackwater guards to passing out the money of nation building.
In many countries it has specialized in regime change, with well funded teams of specialists who do attacks on regimes we target. It has been very proud of running Color Revolutions on demand.
There is much the State Dept has been doing that is nothing at all like what Sec Powell writes about here. It is part of the war machine.
So which parts of the money has been cut from the State Dept? Probably the wrong parts. But the wrong expenditures are so vast the State Dept does not need more money. It needs more focus.
Let the CIA and Defense Dept do their jobs, and go back to doing diplomacy. That would use the money much better, and need a lot less than we spend now too.
In many countries it has specialized in regime change, with well funded teams of specialists who do attacks on regimes we target. It has been very proud of running Color Revolutions on demand.
There is much the State Dept has been doing that is nothing at all like what Sec Powell writes about here. It is part of the war machine.
So which parts of the money has been cut from the State Dept? Probably the wrong parts. But the wrong expenditures are so vast the State Dept does not need more money. It needs more focus.
Let the CIA and Defense Dept do their jobs, and go back to doing diplomacy. That would use the money much better, and need a lot less than we spend now too.
5
China is gaining strength throughout the world without sending its military to every corner of the map. Trump proposes to counter this by decreasing diplomatic and economic initiatives and sending more troops, doubling down on a losing strategy.
133
Colin "Aluminum Tubes" Powell is right!
5
Powell; an African-American Conservtive one of the very few Republicans that has a grip on good sense,honor and integrity. These old white guys that control America need to be put out to pasture. They're 20 years past their sell by dates In the White House,the senate and especially the house. These people have no honor no concept of integrity on top of that they re not the brightest lights in ny room. None of these people understand that going back or sitting still only leads to death or decay
14
Powell is not a "conservative". Powell is left-wing, Obama (and Clinton!) cultist.
it's the bannon/trump axis that has this xenophobic isolationist view ..that feels the so called "deep state" read" gov't agencies" both foreign and domestic that must be dismantled.Funded by the paranoid Mercers they truly belive ther nonsensical rubbis about fortress america..god help us!
5
It isn't our job to lift people out of poverty by exporting American jobs, nor are the starving refugees our problem. Let the impoverished hells on the planet stay that way and install military dictators friendly to us.
2
#imwithpowell Let's really make this about America, not simply the guy in the Whitehouse. Thank you.
14
I agree with everything you say Gen. Powell but when you state that the goal should be to "prevent the wars that we can avoid", I have to ask why you helped start one? You're correct to point out the wrongheaded maneuvers of a man who doesn't grasp the intricacies of diplomacy versus force but there was a time, in the not too distant past, when this counsel might have prevented the cause of most of the problems in the Middle East, which continues to deplete our treasury and personal resources. Welcome to the resistance General, what took you so long?
345
In fairness to the General, he was not a warmonger in the months preceding President Bush's war on Iraq. On the contrary, Colin Powell was the lone voice of reason in an administration dominated by neocons like Chaney, Wolfowitz and others. By all accounts, he strongly advised the President against war.
3
In hindsight, it looks to me like Powell was mislead by the rest of the Bush administration on Iraq. Add in the fact that as a military man, he has a huge respect for the chain of command, in that you follow orders even when they are unwise, so long as they are not illegal.
Who knows what counsel Powell gave in private?
Who knows what counsel Powell gave in private?
1
John Quincy Adams denies Colin Powell's beliefs: America goes not forth in search of monsters to destroy. Instead she is to be a beacon - whereas Colin Powell wants America to force its bright and shining light into the eyes of everyone.
1
Thank you SIr. We lost the first IT battle, will we ever recover? Why are vets not speaking out?
3
This is ridiculous. We have a dangerous, unstable, profoundly unqualified, and probably criminal president. Every patriotic American must do what he or she can to remove him from office before he does grave harm to our nation and the world.
117
Just give me an option better than Lying Hillary and Wall Street huckster Mitt Romney.
General Powell,
You are sorely missed in public service. Your wisdom, intelligence, candor, honesty, integrity and experience are lacking in much of the current administration.
You are sorely missed in public service. Your wisdom, intelligence, candor, honesty, integrity and experience are lacking in much of the current administration.
82
Spoken like a President, sir, but sadly, I truly believe that no one in the current administration is capable of, or would wish to, read and understand your words.
6
Would have been interesting if you'd run for office, Mr Powell
8
I can propose areas of foreign, military and development aid cuts that would save us $ Billions and save American lives that are currently being wasted: Pull out of the Middle East completely. We have been there fighting a war for over a decade and have accomplished nothing. The peoples of the region have been fighting each other for over 1,000 years and have no intention of stopping. They are addicted to violence and retribution. When dealing with an addict, at some point you must back away. You must say "I will go no further with you, you are killing yourself and I will not help."
We have reached that point in the Middle East. We should put out completely. We should withdraw our troops, stop our military assistance, stop selling weapons, and withhold all foreign aid to all parties. Yes this includes Israel. We must stop shielding these people from the consequences of their actions. They will either find peace on their own; at which point we can re-engage with them, or they will slaughter each other down to the cockroaches. Based on their history, I think it will be the second choice.
Perhaps, after the ground cools, the next settlers will be wiser.
We have reached that point in the Middle East. We should put out completely. We should withdraw our troops, stop our military assistance, stop selling weapons, and withhold all foreign aid to all parties. Yes this includes Israel. We must stop shielding these people from the consequences of their actions. They will either find peace on their own; at which point we can re-engage with them, or they will slaughter each other down to the cockroaches. Based on their history, I think it will be the second choice.
Perhaps, after the ground cools, the next settlers will be wiser.
2
The problem is when america backs on leadership, the void does not stay a vacuum.. you sir will see chinese building airstrips on the bahamas russian wRships cruising the gulf of mexico and the us with no leversge or counter weight in trade make america great again apparently means we bury our heada in the sand and turn into the largest banana republic that anyone can push around and ignore.
1
I'm not talked about abandoning the world, I'm talking about getting out of the bottomless swamp of the Middle East. If the Russians and Chinese want to go in there, be my guest. Let them feed their young men into a meat grinder like we have been.
Pulling out of the Middle East will free up resources to help here at home and in other places around the world where we could actually accomplish something.
As far as your argument that we must be everywhere, that has been proven false as far back as Vietnam. We were kicked out, and the world didn't end. Frankly I am tired of funding a military that can't win any wars. Oops! I'm sorry, we kicked the hell out of Grenada, but other than that, we haven't won a war since WWII. So much for American Global Leadership.
Pulling out of the Middle East will free up resources to help here at home and in other places around the world where we could actually accomplish something.
As far as your argument that we must be everywhere, that has been proven false as far back as Vietnam. We were kicked out, and the world didn't end. Frankly I am tired of funding a military that can't win any wars. Oops! I'm sorry, we kicked the hell out of Grenada, but other than that, we haven't won a war since WWII. So much for American Global Leadership.
Will these wise words fall on deaf Republican ears once again? Will these Congressional robots continue to follow the party line in the face of all reason and decency? Pearls before swine, as they say.
4
Sir-Thank you. Unfortunately, the Presidential Apprentice can only count and discern value, when related to the Trump Family Business. Also, who else has noticed that someone else always pays his way??? On the campaign trail, the every weekend jaunts to Florida, the secret service " protection for all the Trumplings, when conducting Family Business. This
" billionaire " never pays, the taxpayer and/or donors do. And must I mention his tax returns???? In other words, Trump is the WELFARE KING of America. He knows nothing about budgets or finances. But does have considerable experience with bankruptcy.
" billionaire " never pays, the taxpayer and/or donors do. And must I mention his tax returns???? In other words, Trump is the WELFARE KING of America. He knows nothing about budgets or finances. But does have considerable experience with bankruptcy.
24
Wait, is this Collin Powell, the guy at UN lying about WMDs?
Trump is a terrible but it's interesting to watch the D.C. elite clutch their pearls when they have been guilty of many crimes for many years.
I don't want to quote Rev. Wright ...
Trump is a terrible but it's interesting to watch the D.C. elite clutch their pearls when they have been guilty of many crimes for many years.
I don't want to quote Rev. Wright ...
3
I am tired of reading this kind of nonsense especially from someone who aided the Bush administration to start the Iraq War. Mr. Powell has zero credibility in my opinion. I may be crazy but I am not stupid.
21
"Not just for ourselves."
1
A most convincing and persuasive argument from general Powell who possesses experience in both war and diplomacy. However, the people that this article needs to reach has neither the moral fibre nor the intelligence to comprehend the deleterious affect such a massive cut would immediately have on American's power abroad.
Under the Trump's administration, America has ceased to be that "shining city on the hill". It has abdicated its long held and revered position to its adversaries, Russia and China. And perhaps it's not too far of a stretch to say that this is what the Russians wanted all along.
Need Americans be reminded that since WWII, America has not "win" any war despite having the mightiest of armed forces in the world. Because it takes more than military might to prevail in an ever complexed and interdependent world. So increasing spending on its military will not make America any stronger. Only through foreign aids, diplomacy backed by military might can America's reputation as a stalwart of peace and righteousness prevail. Very few countries have the resources to do so.
Whether America likes to be placed in such a position matters not because "with great power comes great responsibility."
If America lets its responsibilities to the world slide, so will its greatness.
Under the Trump's administration, America has ceased to be that "shining city on the hill". It has abdicated its long held and revered position to its adversaries, Russia and China. And perhaps it's not too far of a stretch to say that this is what the Russians wanted all along.
Need Americans be reminded that since WWII, America has not "win" any war despite having the mightiest of armed forces in the world. Because it takes more than military might to prevail in an ever complexed and interdependent world. So increasing spending on its military will not make America any stronger. Only through foreign aids, diplomacy backed by military might can America's reputation as a stalwart of peace and righteousness prevail. Very few countries have the resources to do so.
Whether America likes to be placed in such a position matters not because "with great power comes great responsibility."
If America lets its responsibilities to the world slide, so will its greatness.
277
I think that beacon dimmed well before January 20th... It started with the BHO apology tour.
the civilized world is better off without the input of this american government. any cooperation with trump and his supporters is a betrayal of humanity. he is not yet as bad as putin, but as bad as erdogan. the entire secret service and military should resign.
1
This is essential reading, but unfortunately we have a President who seems not to read. I hope that key members of Congress will ask CP to testify about the insanity of these budget cuts.
6
We are a great nation only when we lead by moral example. Helping those in need, protecting those in harm's way, supporting our allies and those countries sharing liberal democratic values, resisting anti-democratic regimes. Trump and his supporters see danger in the world and fear it. They want to withdraw - to become small, familiar and safe. Secretary Powell knows that only engagement with the world, despite its dangers, is our country's only path to greater stability and peace. We have to find the courage to rekindle the process once more.
6
Trump clearly does not understand the vital importance of dialogue. We see it here at home, in his inability or unwillingness to be a president to all americans.
Colin Powell is a well recognized public figure advocating funds for diplomacy. He's lobbying public opinion. Other individuals, public or private, are arguing against such spending. There's only so much pie in the Mulvaney/Trump proposal and individuals are now fighting over who gets which dollars and what cents. This is the ugly sausage grinder of public finance. The winners love the machine until they lose. Everyone loses eventually in politics.
We, as the primary investor in any public project, need to ask a question though: How do we want to spend our money? I mostly agree with Powell. Taking funds away from diplomacy doesn't make us any safer. However, remember what the budget is really designed to do: Qualify tax breaks for filibuster-proof budget reconciliation. I don't know about you but no matter what happens to diplomacy that's not how I want to spend my money.
We, as the primary investor in any public project, need to ask a question though: How do we want to spend our money? I mostly agree with Powell. Taking funds away from diplomacy doesn't make us any safer. However, remember what the budget is really designed to do: Qualify tax breaks for filibuster-proof budget reconciliation. I don't know about you but no matter what happens to diplomacy that's not how I want to spend my money.
I am not a supporter of those who chose to serve the coup president, Bush. However, Mr. Powell has shown here that he understands the truth about American virtues that were expected to be at the forefront prior to Reagan.
Thank you sir. I keep thinking I will wake up from this nightmare but instead it just gets crazier every day. We need more and louder of the experienced voices speaking up.
4
Donald Trump said that he left his meeting with Pope Francis more determined than ever to bring peace on earth. If so, then Trump needs to do an about-face on his platform, which, as it stands, would pour money into the military at the expense of soft power.
Mr. Trump, take it from General Powell - diplomacy is far more effective than militarism.
Mr. Trump, take it from General Powell - diplomacy is far more effective than militarism.
1
" And that is what the State Department and U.S.A.I.D. do: prevent the wars that we can avoid, so that we fight only the ones we must"
That is rich
I guess he forgot his role in the legitimization of the Iraq invasion, or Clinton's role in destroying Libya and Syria.
It seems that plenty of financial resources for the State Department in previous administrations have not prevented horrific international destruction.
Maybe we can try, for a little while, to keep our hands off other countries.
That is rich
I guess he forgot his role in the legitimization of the Iraq invasion, or Clinton's role in destroying Libya and Syria.
It seems that plenty of financial resources for the State Department in previous administrations have not prevented horrific international destruction.
Maybe we can try, for a little while, to keep our hands off other countries.
2
Beautifully written- may it be recited after the Pledge of Allegiance this Memorial Day where we honor the ideals for which they fought- ideals which once showed greater vision than tax cuts, guns everywhere and the systematic punishment of the poorest among us.
1
Mr. Trump never bothered about international affairs in his long life and as President his understanding of strategy with respect to national interests is pretty much non-existent. The subject has been studied and written about for about as long as humans have recorded their lives. From Sun Tsu to Clauswitz the interrelations between all aspects of states interactions are clearly shown to be decisive in determining who wins and who does not. Most wars are decided before any armed confrontations occur and sometimes with a minimum of actual fighting. To defund the State Department and the AID the way Trump proposes reflects his and those advisors who are developing his budgets having little understanding of how international relations actually work.
1
" a principled people who are generous, fair and caring."
While this may be true of the American people as a whole, it is sadly not at all true of our current president, and far too many of his appointees seem to be happy to follow in his footsteps, whatever their own principles may be. And they are set to bring our great country down to their own level - unprincipled, miserly, indifferent to others and ignorant of how that comes back to hurt us. And above all, small. Small, when we should and could be great.
This essay is an excellent description of the value of diplomacy and why it is necessary that we spend money on foreign aid, but it doesn't belong here - it belongs somewhere where all the Trump voters who vastly over-estimate the dollars we spend on foreign aid and diplomacy, and apparently think any amount is too much, can read it. Those, and our current leader, are the people who need to learn all this.
While this may be true of the American people as a whole, it is sadly not at all true of our current president, and far too many of his appointees seem to be happy to follow in his footsteps, whatever their own principles may be. And they are set to bring our great country down to their own level - unprincipled, miserly, indifferent to others and ignorant of how that comes back to hurt us. And above all, small. Small, when we should and could be great.
This essay is an excellent description of the value of diplomacy and why it is necessary that we spend money on foreign aid, but it doesn't belong here - it belongs somewhere where all the Trump voters who vastly over-estimate the dollars we spend on foreign aid and diplomacy, and apparently think any amount is too much, can read it. Those, and our current leader, are the people who need to learn all this.
4
Spending MORE money, as suggested by Mr. Powell, is an easy policy proposition.
If China wishes to bankrupt itself (thereby weakening itself) assisting other countries (as the USA has done for the past 20-30 years while running up massive debt), China should be encouraged to do so. The USA should, in the interim, stand back and repair its own economy (as China did for the past 20-30 years).
If the USA can improve its situation by the same percentage as China did over the past 20-30 years, it should lead to a golden age for the USA economy.
Let China also "reap" the gratitude that has been showered upon the USA for its past generosity, as represented by the many (?) thank-you notes from the countries it has helped.
If China wishes to bankrupt itself (thereby weakening itself) assisting other countries (as the USA has done for the past 20-30 years while running up massive debt), China should be encouraged to do so. The USA should, in the interim, stand back and repair its own economy (as China did for the past 20-30 years).
If the USA can improve its situation by the same percentage as China did over the past 20-30 years, it should lead to a golden age for the USA economy.
Let China also "reap" the gratitude that has been showered upon the USA for its past generosity, as represented by the many (?) thank-you notes from the countries it has helped.
1
Our two party system has failed us miserably. The choices with which we were presented for the 2016 election we both abominable. The "Grand Old Party" nominated a megalomaniac narcissist and the Democrats nominated a congenital liar who wasn't even competent at lying after 69 years of being one. Our constitutional republic will not survive until we the people pull our heads out of our "smartphones", educate ourselves on the most important issues of the day and elect citizen representatives that will go to Washington, represent OUR interests and come back home after a maximum of 12 years and live amongst the people whom they have represented. This is the system our founders envisioned and actually lived themselves. Our first 3 presidents all left office and returned to the communities from which they came. This is what we need from ALL of our elected representatives. Career politicians have learned to serve their own interests, not ours and until this changes we will continue to get what we are getting now - pandering to special interests to get elected.
2
Anyone with ears to hear and eyes to see can discern the core, the substance of leadership that forms the backbone of this essay. Our ears, especially in Rural America, are plugged by false nostalgia and our eyes are full of the dirt of our petty fears. I still have hope that we can pass through this abortion of a presidency into a brighter future for the world's children, but it will only be when we become able to notice the difference between the Powells and Trumps of the world.
3
Thank you to Colin Powell! This statement reflects wisdom and experience. I'd venture to say those Peace Corps workers and aid workers and people helping to build other countries sometimes can do more to keep the world safe and thriving than our powerful (and highly respected) military forces. That this message comes from a high-ranking and highly experienced and respected Republican makes it all the more convincing and important at this time.
I don't remember where Mr. Powell stood with regard to the disastrous invasion of Iraq by Bush/Cheney/Rove, for which the world is still paying dearly. That notwithstanding, this essay has the fresh air of reason.
It will be ignored by Trump & Co, and by those readers who still count themselves as their supporters.
It will be ignored by Trump & Co, and by those readers who still count themselves as their supporters.
2
Bravo, Secretary Powell, and sincere thanks for stepping up at this perilous moment to say what "America First" -- for those who insist on such a formulation -- really ought to mean. Not just a soldier with a gun, but economic and development assistance where desperation reigns; engagement, not withdrawal and walls; beneficence, not bellicosity.
While we should remember that we can't lead without spending money, the rest of the world should remember that, too.
We've spend trillions of dollars on defending other rich countries over the past 50+ years. If we stopped spending so much on things we shouldn't, we'd have more money to spend on the things we need and want.
Paying for other people has its own costs. Something to keep in mind.
We've spend trillions of dollars on defending other rich countries over the past 50+ years. If we stopped spending so much on things we shouldn't, we'd have more money to spend on the things we need and want.
Paying for other people has its own costs. Something to keep in mind.
1
Peace through diplomacy is a lot cheaper than peace through war. President Obama beat back nuclear weapons in Iran for a decade without firing a shot. President Bush on the other hand chose war and we've been engaged for nearly two decades but the world is no safer than when we started.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different response. Korea, Vietnam, Iraq both times, and Afghanistan have all been very expensive very failed attempts at peace through war. We cannot be the police force of the world, it's too expensive both in lives lost and money spent. The world is changing and we need a new approach.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different response. Korea, Vietnam, Iraq both times, and Afghanistan have all been very expensive very failed attempts at peace through war. We cannot be the police force of the world, it's too expensive both in lives lost and money spent. The world is changing and we need a new approach.
5
Well said... my question: do we have to wait 4 years to bring about positive change, rather than negative?
1
Honorable Mr. Powell, thank for this expression. This distinctly articulates why we need a strong State Department. We already spend more on our military than the next half-dozen powerful nations; enough is enough. At 1% of the budget, this is a bargain.
I'm reminded of former President Clinton's famous quote: "People are more impressed by the power of our example rather than the example of our power...”
Even more true today, but we are at risk of losing that status.
I'm reminded of former President Clinton's famous quote: "People are more impressed by the power of our example rather than the example of our power...”
Even more true today, but we are at risk of losing that status.
6
Thank you General Powell. It is always so helpful to hear the voice of those who have "been there, done that".
Well said Mr. Powell. You speak from hard earned experience in both the military and diplomatic arenas.
If only you had run for president!
If only you had run for president!
1
Excellent summary....this is the insight and intellegience we need in our government. Thanks to this great man for all his service to our country.
1
Colin Powell is a true statesman, a dying breed in America. Like other great leaders who have led troops into real battle, he truly understands the value of diplomacy, soft power, and the state department. Trump, Tillerson, and pretty much the entire new administration are entitled elite who have not earned their chops or the right to their appointments. Sad for America.
4
Some 60+ million voted for an ignorant, incurious buffoon, another some 80+ million did not bother to vote even in the face of the very obvious existential threat that this buffoon presents. America is in decline in more than just the usual measures of the greatness of empires. America is literally rotting from the inside out. Current military spending is already way over what is needed, and what this economy can sustain over the long haul. Investment in education, research and infrastructure is far too little (massive student debt, the last astronaut to walk on the moon has died of old age, roads and bridges crumbling). It takes a vibrant economy to sustain a military such as we have now. This new budget is exactly upside down, does exactly the wrong things.
We are hosed unless the electorate as it stands today can somehow be 'fixed'. Getting rid of a few buffoons in positions of power is not enough. There will always be the next buffoon. China is likely to fill most of the voids left as America pulls out.
We are hosed unless the electorate as it stands today can somehow be 'fixed'. Getting rid of a few buffoons in positions of power is not enough. There will always be the next buffoon. China is likely to fill most of the voids left as America pulls out.
6
Finally - an eloquent Republican - a true statesman with something to say that makes sense and speaks to our better nature as citizens of the World. That species of Republican appears to be on the brink of extinction - Our Loss as Americans.
2
One of the greatest failures of the GOP in the past twenty years was allowing W to effectively smear the career of Colin Powell by using him as a tool to promote war against Iraq. What an amazing presidential candidate he could have been.
This rational view of the world as it is creates the foundation for strategic investments in every major political, economic and social scene on the world stage. By comparison, the present tenant in the White House can't seem to keep from soiling himself and our nation in public.
Thank you, Secretary Powell. I hope somebody is listening.
This rational view of the world as it is creates the foundation for strategic investments in every major political, economic and social scene on the world stage. By comparison, the present tenant in the White House can't seem to keep from soiling himself and our nation in public.
Thank you, Secretary Powell. I hope somebody is listening.
182
Is it too late for Collin Powell to run in the next Presidential election? Just asking.
Secretary Powell reflects wisdom, thoughtfulness, experience on the world stage, a strategic sense, compassion and generally reflects the values that make America great.
He is arguing against the instincts and actions of an administration that is frankly unable to comprehend America, is selfish and self-centered, short sighted, is incapable of strategic thinking and responds to situations autonomically and reflexively.
The difference in perspectives demonstrates the extreme danger that Mr. Trump poses for America and the world. Bigly.
He is arguing against the instincts and actions of an administration that is frankly unable to comprehend America, is selfish and self-centered, short sighted, is incapable of strategic thinking and responds to situations autonomically and reflexively.
The difference in perspectives demonstrates the extreme danger that Mr. Trump poses for America and the world. Bigly.
3
As a former Peace Corps Volunteer and USAID contractor, I heartily agree with Powell's vision as expressed in this op-ed.
Yet I cannot forgive him for not resigning from the Bush administration after allowing himself to be used to present the fictitious WMD case at the UN, leading to the worst foreign policy disaster in US history.
Yet I cannot forgive him for not resigning from the Bush administration after allowing himself to be used to present the fictitious WMD case at the UN, leading to the worst foreign policy disaster in US history.
9
Nice to hear you moderate voice of conservative reason Mr. Powell.
I wish you would have stepped up years ago within your now unrecognizable GOP party to act as a voice of moderation and compassion.
But compassionate conservatism was always a myth, and sadly the GOP could care less about your ideas for a better world.
Timing is everything. Better late than never?
I wish you would have stepped up years ago within your now unrecognizable GOP party to act as a voice of moderation and compassion.
But compassionate conservatism was always a myth, and sadly the GOP could care less about your ideas for a better world.
Timing is everything. Better late than never?
377
And Powell was silent during the election. He likes playing the "good soldier" by not going against his Party or President. At least he is finally speaking out now.
7
So refreshing, the voice of reason. Thank you General Powell. We miss you.
5
Sorry General Powell but our diplomatic corps is now controlled by a President who sees no value in rational dialogue with the rest of the world. In Trumpworld you make loud pronouncements then later on backtrack or weasel your way around what you previously said. Allies are confused and adversaries are delighted.
He's way over his head and won't listen to the few rational voices around him regarding foreign affairs. His most trusted advisers are either stooges or right wing cranks. I don't foresee a happy end to this mess. SecDef Mattis said that if we don't fund diplomacy, we had better buy him more bullets. Maybe that's why Trump thinks he needs to spend so much on defense?
He's way over his head and won't listen to the few rational voices around him regarding foreign affairs. His most trusted advisers are either stooges or right wing cranks. I don't foresee a happy end to this mess. SecDef Mattis said that if we don't fund diplomacy, we had better buy him more bullets. Maybe that's why Trump thinks he needs to spend so much on defense?
88
And that is a huge (yuge?) problem. Trump simply does not understand so much that you just don't know where to start explaining things to him (in double spaced single page memos, with charts and pictures).
2
No, Mr Powell, USofA is not that "beacon of hope" and hasn't been for a long, long time. The vision you enunciated for America belongs to a bygone era and there aren't enough farsighted leaders to bring it back.
America is fearful, America is selfish, America has lost its moral compass and America is on a race to the bottom, America is fast becoming a spent force.
Try to prove me wrong in the next four years, that's the challenge, but who's left to pick up the gauntlet?
America is fearful, America is selfish, America has lost its moral compass and America is on a race to the bottom, America is fast becoming a spent force.
Try to prove me wrong in the next four years, that's the challenge, but who's left to pick up the gauntlet?
110
Yeah, actually it still is the beacon. Somewhat tarnished, but if you go to many other countries, it is still the country that most would like to move to.
1
Thus spoke a military man, that knows the power of diplomacy. But having an ignorant and vulgar bully at the helm complicates diplomat's labor, as it is belittled and subdued by brute force 'a la My way or the highway' (rigid, thoughtless and irresponsible).
9
Bruce- You said it better than I could have.
Thank you, and THANK YOU, COLIN.
Thank you, and THANK YOU, COLIN.
3
A very cogent presentation of what should be America's place in the world--so how many Republican politicians will agree?
7
In one short essay, Mr. Powell has just displayed more wisdom, intelligence, and understanding than the entire Trump administration has in four months. This is the difference between a lifelong career public servant, a professional "deep state" official, and a bunch of hacks that serve only to destroy the core of true American greatness. This is the difference between demonstrated competence acquired through decades of public service versus no experience coupled with absolute political subservience.
Trump has no understanding of these matters and has admitted as such. He doesn't even see the need to fill hundreds of positions. Now he wants to slash the State Dept. by 30%. To his mind, what do you need diplomats for if you have bombs? The diplomats alleviate the need for the bombs. The education of Donald Trump hasn't progressed that far.
Trump has no understanding of these matters and has admitted as such. He doesn't even see the need to fill hundreds of positions. Now he wants to slash the State Dept. by 30%. To his mind, what do you need diplomats for if you have bombs? The diplomats alleviate the need for the bombs. The education of Donald Trump hasn't progressed that far.
572
He did not mention that man.
Amen, brother!
7
When this guy talks about the humanitarian crises around the world he is acting as though he wasn't part of the cause. He helped lie this country into a war that killed thousands of americans and who knows how many Iraqis.
When the US was confronted with the truth, he weaseled out of sight. He told us he found out later that the admin lied, but he didn't come out and say so until confronted,
This is the sort of traitor that the GOP has always been a home for