straddling 2 threads here
https://www.facebook.com/barackobama/posts/10158932459751749
Years ago, when he was asked to reflect on his own life, General Colin
Powell described himself as “first and foremost a problem-solver.” It
was true, of course. But he was far more than that.
General Powell was an exemplary soldier and an exemplary patriot. He was
at the center of some of the most consequential events of our lifetimes
– serving two decorated tours in Vietnam; guiding U.S. strategy in the
Gulf War; serving as National Security Advisor, chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of State; offering counsel to four
presidents; and helping shape American foreign policy for decades.
Everyone who worked with General Powell appreciated his clarity of
thought, insistence on seeing all sides, and ability to execute. And
although he’d be the first to acknowledge that he didn’t get every call
right, his actions reflected what he believed was best for America and
the people he served.
Along the way, General Powell helped a generation of young people set
their sights higher. He never denied the role that race played in his
own life and in our society more broadly. But he also refused to accept
that race would limit his dreams, and through his steady and principled
leadership, helped pave the way for so many who would follow. It was the
way Colin Powell saw the world – not as a starry-eyed idealist, but as
someone with deep and abiding faith in this country and what it stands
for – that made him such a central figure.
On a personal level, I was deeply appreciative that someone like General
Powell, who had been associated with Republican administrations in the
past, was willing to endorse me in 2008. But what impressed me even more
was how he did it. At a time when conspiracy theories were swirling,
with some questioning my faith, General Powell took the opportunity to
get to the heart of the matter in a way only he could.
“The correct answer is, he is not a Muslim; he's a Christian,” General
Powell said. “But the really right answer is, ‘What if he is?’ Is there
something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no,
that's not America. Is there something wrong with some seven-year-old
Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be president?”
That’s who Colin Powell was. He understood what was best in this
country, and tried to bring his own life, career, and public statements
in line with that ideal. It’s why, for all the battles he fought and
problems he solved, Michelle and I will always look to General Powell as
an example of what America – and Americans – can and should be if we
wish to remain the last, best hope of earth.
Our family sends our thoughts to Alma, their three children and
grandchildren, and everyone mourning his loss today.