Colin Powell's Credibility a Casualty of War

Powell came into this administration as proud Black man who wasn't afraid to stand up to the powers that be in the GOP. Remember his speech to the Republican Convention four years ago? He staunchly and courageously defended affirmative action before an assembled thong of right wingers. But now, his legacy of many achievements will be forever stained by his promotion, his advocacy and his continued rationalization of an unjustified war of choice and aggression -- a war that UN Secretary General Kofi Anna justifiably says is illegal under international standards. The lasting image of Powell's legacy will be the picture of him at the United Nations on February 5, 2003. Behind Powell sat George Tenant, the former director of the CIA, who should have been run out of office in disgrace over monumental intelligence failures. Powell spent four days at the CIA preparing his speech. "Every statement I make today is backed up by sources, solid sources," he told the world that day. "These are not assertions. What we are giving you are facts and conclusions based on solid intelligence."  [more ]