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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: GPS Info who wrote (184512)	4/3/2006 6:04:12 PM
From: KLP	Respond to of 281500

I think Ken would have appreciated your note and CP's rules, GPS Info. Thanks.

To: GPS Info who wrote (184512)	4/3/2006 8:31:43 PM
From: neolib	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

6) Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision. What the heck does that one mean? Unfortunately, that seems to be the motto of the current administration. Never realized that Powel thought that was a good thing.

To: GPS Info who wrote (184512)	4/4/2006 4:21:21 PM
From: cnyndwllr	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

I can easily say that I have nothing but respect for Colin Powell. The only fault I once had was with his UN report, but he’s owned up to what he, himself, considered to be an error. Possibly paradoxically, this has elevated him in my view. Also in my view, he tried to serve his country and president to the best that his honor would allow. GPS, I would have had a lot more respect for Powell if he'd been more of a warrior and less of a soldier. His loyalty to the president was, in my view, terribly misplaced. He knew what a mess the post occupation of Iraq would likely turn into, he knew the public basis for the war was being terribly hyped, he knew that the lives of his soldiers were on the line and he eventually caved in and toed the party line. He was the one man with the credentials, the credibility and the weight to make a solid stand that would have stirred the real debate in the Iraq policy and maybe derailed it in the Congress and the eyes of the public, but he didn't. The reasons for why he didn't are often expressed as his "being a good soldier." Maybe that's a mark of loyalty but in my view it's no mark of leadership and certainly no profile in courage. He had the opportunity, the knowledge base and the experience to become a great man and a great leader. He sqaundered that rare opportunity and became just another follower with an acceptable excuse. As for his rules: 1) It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning. That's trite. Sometimes it's worse than you think and you'll see that if you survive the night. People who say such things are trying to boost morale. In the face of adverse facts boosting morale sometimes requires the use of fiction. 2) Get mad, then get over it. I'd say get mad and use the resulting adrenalin when you need to. If you don't need adrenalin then get over it and start using your head employing cold logic. 3) Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it. On the other hand, be prepared to have the courage of your convictions even knowing that if you're wrong you'll look and feel like a fool. That's the risk you take when you take a stand and that's how life teaches you to be wiser next time. 4) It can be done! Only fools believe that there are no insurmountable obstacles. Only fools accept the proposition that iron will can overcome unsurmountable obstacles. Some fools become Presidents of the US. 5) Be careful what you choose. You may get it. Very good advice. 6) Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision. I agree with neo on this.... and a lot of other views he holds. 7) You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours. Maybe. If your past record indicates that your choices are often shallow, emotional and wrong, find someone to follow and try to choose wisely. Christianity provided great guidance for a lot of Christians until they confused the Christian religion with right wing politics and started following the rigid dogma of televangelists and the shouters on the radical right. 8) Check small things. But never lose track of the big picture because things like gay marriage won't change your life but big things like the loss of respect for and adherence to sacred, previously untouchable constitutional protections will. 9) Share credit. And accept responsibility. 10) Remain calm. Be kind. When calmness and kindness are called for. When making the best of bad choices, however, make the right choice even if it's not the kindest. When faced with aggression, oppression and bullying respond with appropriate force and passion. 11) Have a vision. Be demanding. Yes. 12) Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers. No, take counsel of your fears and examine the rationale of naysayers. Denial may make you stronger but your fears and the existence of naysayers may be trying to tell you something you need to hear. The bravest and strongest are often fearful. Their courage and success comes from making wise choices and taking action despite their fears. 13) Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. Perpetual optimism is a hallmark of mental retardation, blind faith or brain damage. You can use this platitude to lead a herd of sheep off the cliff but you cannot make them fly. Ed