A theory I am not proud of

I'm listening to NPR's All Things Considered and they lead with the news that Sec. Powell has called the tragedy in Darfur a "genocide."

I have agreed with that assessment for sometime now, and I wondered why Powell refused to call it by that name a month or so ago.

I am now wondering what would've been the lead story if Powell hadn't changed his language. Maybe Ben Barnes and the Boston Globe and what they have to say about Bush's TANG service, or lack thereof.

Of course, we all like Powell, and he is above that sort of purely political calculation. Right? Right?

•  aoeu

  Would Bush be so political and heartless as to wait until a month before the election before sending in troops to stop the genocide?

  by TealVeal on Thu Sep 09, 2004 at 01:20:43 PM PDT

  •  What troops?

    Are there any left?

    by strengthANDwisdom on Thu Sep 09, 2004 at 01:24:49 PM PDT

    •  aoeu

      There are enough to make it look like he's actually doing something.  Enough to stop it? who knows.

      by TealVeal on Thu Sep 09, 2004 at 01:26:37 PM PDT

    •  one more case

      where we go where we aren't wanted.  There were huge protests to foreign intervention by the locals, "saving" these people may not be easy and I think the US is war weary.

      by labeachgirl on Thu Sep 09, 2004 at 01:27:24 PM PDT

•  I hadn't thought of that.

  When I heard Powell (on NPR) was that perhaps he's finally coming out against them (using language that the admin. does not condone - GENOCIDE), after a lull in the public spotlight, ie, not appearing/speaking at the convention.  

  Bill Maher on Larry King put forth the theory that Powell is the only sane one in this admin and that he know it.  He stays around so that he can work from within...for what that's worth.

  But your theory is interesting too. Gives me the willies.  After my CBS affiliate in Louisiana knocked off 60 mins. I doubt nothing.

  by Voodoo on Thu Sep 09, 2004 at 01:29:24 PM PDT

  •  Powell

    is a tool. He lied to congress about WMD in Iraq.

    Unlike Bush he would never disobey a direct order.

    by JamesK on Thu Sep 09, 2004 at 01:34:35 PM PDT