Quite a number of years ago I was a fan and supporter of Colin Powell. At one time even hoping he’d run for the Presidency. I wasn’t alone…many people had immense admiration and support for this seemingly thoughtful, somewhat compassionate man.

His initial opposition to the pre-emptive attack on Iraq was welcomed, both by many of his fans and those who did not believe this to be a just course of action. And then…inexplicably…he caved to the demands of his office, his boss or both. Many, certainly myself among them, watched in disbelief and horror when he made his presentation to the U. N. and the many who respected, had faith in this man didn’t only wane…it pretty much was tossed into the trash along with his previously good name.

So today, when it was announced he would be first up on “Face The Nation” (the first interview he has given in a year) I wanted to see what he had to say for himself. Wish I hadn’t bothered…in fact, about half-way through I switched off, nothing restored but angrier than I’ve been in some time. Of course I may be wrong in thinking that what he says today gives some voice to how he really believed those few years ago. In which case, why on earth did he cave? Why has it taken those years, too many lives, a country’s destruction and far more unrest there than existed before we ever attacked for him to publicly voice what so many…including, perhaps, himself believed at the time. Now…when he is in no position to be effective as he once could have been; when position, status, perhaps ambition had him detour from the person we thought he was and could have been more. Would the real Colin Powell please stand…or does he even have difficulty remembering which he is?

Today, far too little much too late for who could believe the “real’ Colin Powell could not, did not, see this coming when he first resisted any idea of this “war“.