Musings in Search of a Muse

BBC NEWS | Americas | The disengagement of Colin Powell: "Colin Powell never quite found his place in a Bush administration dominated by neo-conservatives. ... It has also emerged that he was told of President George W Bush's decision to go to war after the Saudi ambassador to the United States. ... It is doubtful whether the neo-conservatives had their own disengagement plan for Colin Powell. He was a very useful presenter of US policy, given that he has been the first African-American secretary of state."

That last statement alludes to one of the probable reasons why Mr. Powell was given the post at State. But a look not too far back in history also reveals a clue to his destiny. After the Gulf War Mr. Powell was exceptionally popular with politicians and the public alike. There was considerable talk about a bid for the Oval Office from both sides of the aisle. But neither party really wanted him because he was too much of a moderate. But how could a political party make use of the man's fame and popularity without giving him too much power? The Republicans found a way. So Mr. Powell was given a very high-profile position that, surprisingly to some, could appear to have power without really having power.

Thus the talents of a good man were wasted over four years and his political capital was ruined in the process. That's our loss. Just because people only respected what Mr. Powell's image could accomplish for them rather than respecting the true gifts he possesses -- intellect, courage, a strong sense of fair play, and heart.

Profile: Colin Powell from BBC News and another from the US Department of State. The latter link will probably change when a new secretary is sworn into office.