It's slightly non-islandista news but we figure that it is important enough news to share. After all, Colin Powell is an island man (Jamaican parents) and of course, being well-versed on current affairs is a prerequisite for every true islandista!
There had been much speculation on it for quite some time but today, General Colin Powell, the former Secretary of State (2001-2005) endorsed Barack Obama for president of the United States.
In an interview on NBC's Meet the Press, he gave a really truly eloquent, reasonable and compelling rationale for why he not only supports Obama but deplores the swing to the right that John McCain's campaign has been taking.
To be honest islandistas, we have had our doubts about how a black man, particularly one as intelligent and moderate as Gen. Powell, could have aligned himself all these years with a Republican party that too often has chosen to pander to the most right-wing, base parts of their base. It seemed at odds with the kind of person he is and the more reasoned, balanced views he has held. Worse, we were pained as the George W. Bush administration used him to push a wrong-headed war to the world. He knew it was wrong and we knew he knew.
Still, there is no doubt that he has always been an honourable man. His comments in endorsing Obama reflected that. We were especially moved by his criticism of the sneaky tactic of trying to paint Obama as a 'secret Muslim' as if something was wrong or inherently evil about being Muslim. I'm glad he said it. Too few people have come out and said that not only is it wrong to paint Obama as a Muslim when he is a Christian but it is wrong to use Islam as some kind of slur on a person's character.
We commend you General Powell.
the spirit and tempo of the Caribbean woman ... online
Ed. note: The comment below is the opinion of the commenter. While Islandista respectfully disagrees, we are publishing it in the interest of fairness and balance.
ReplyDeleteSuddenly because Powell is endorsing obama he is not as evil as he used to be? Yet, Powell was the one encouraging the Iraq war claiming they had WMD. Anyone with intelligence knows that Powell is endorsing based on race.
98% of black people are voting for obama just because he is black. White people are split between obama, nadar, and McCain. Think about it.
The truth is this is a race campaign. The Democrats control the senate and congress and have the lowest approval rating in US history. The Democrats couldn't even beat Bush in the elections thus why they are going after the black vote in the US, about 45 million blacks. Thus, why obama voted present over 130 times, avoided the tough issues, and never challenged his party leaders on senate to preserve his political career. Only 143 days on state senate when he decided to run for office.
The Democrats lost because the US is not a socialist/communist system. Americans fought against Nazi Germany, their socialist party, and communist USSR for decades, just to name a few.
Again, Clinton supported deregulation and introduced FTAs like NAFTA. That is why the US economy was strong during his administration. McCain also supports deregulation and fights for FTAs like NAFTA. These initiatives will help our economy. Our economy is very important, McCain is better for our economy. I hope people get educated before they vote.
US businesses create US jobs. obama wants to limit the growth of US businesses, which is limiting the growth of US jobs. If you increase tax on US businesses they will either just relocate to a lower tax country taking American jobs with them, pass the added tax cost to consumers or go bankrupt. GM and Ford can barely compete globally and obama wants to tax them more. The smaller businesses that are reliant on GM and Ford will also be greatly affected, destroying more US jobs.
The US is the land of opportunity not the land of equal outcome. Why should government take your money and give it to people who are already on welfare to spread the wealth?
What Caused Our Economic Crisis? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RZVw3no2A4