Pontius Powell

Raw Story reveals the thrust of a purported conversation with Joe Biden before the UN speech. $Q: “Mr. Secretary, tell them what you know,” Biden said, according to those familiar with the conversation. “…When we are both out of office for two years, I will tell you what is going on here,” they say Powell replied. In fairness to Powell the quote is general and second hand. But it is consistent with Powell's modus operandi since going political. He's spun a lot of mileage out of the "Loyal Soldier" bit. A perfectly laudable label for a soldier, but it bears closer scrutiny when we're talking about the Secretary of State. In effect the stance becomes the Pontius Pilate sin - take yourself out of the equation by washing your hands of the hard decisions. And in so doing let others misuse the enormous power of your reputation and office. The public shouldn't have to wait for Senator Biden's retirement. Colin Powell should speak his mind now. Of course it's too late. But not too late to do some good.