Page 6 - Florida Sentinel 10-22-21

Political
Former President Obama Says Powell Exemplified What America 'Can And Should Be'
Former President Obama called Colin Powell an "ex- emplary soldier and an exem- plary patriot" in a statement honoring the former general following his death from COVID-19 complications on Monday.
Why it matters: Powell, the first Black U. S. secretary of state, was known as a Repub- lican but played a critical role in helping Obama get elected in 2008.
What he's saying: "Years ago, when he was asked to re- flect on his own life, General Colin Powell described him- self as 'first and foremost a problem-solver,' Obama said. "It was true, of course. But he was far more than that."
Then-President Obama speaks alongside former Secretary of State Colin Powell during a meeting in the Oval Office in 2010
broadly," Obama noted. "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."
In 2008, Powell endorsed Obama for president.
• "At a time when conspir- acy 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," Obama said.
• "The correct answer is, he is not a Muslim; he’s a Chris- tian,' General Powell said. 'But the really right answer is, "What if he is?" Is there some- thing wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The
answer’s no, that’s not Amer- ica," Obama recounted.
• "That’s who Colin Powell was," he added. "Michelle and I will always look to Gen- eral Powell as an example of what America — and Ameri- cans — can and should be if we wish to remain the last, best hope of earth."
The big picture: Powell was fully vaccinated, his fam- ily said. He had undergone treatment for a type of blood cancer that can weaken the immune system.
• "We have lost a remark- able and loving husband, fa- ther, grandfather and a great American," his family said.
• Powell is survived by his wife, Alma Vivian Powell, and three children.
• Powell helped shape American policy for decades, he added. "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."
• "He never denied the role that race played in his own life and in our society more
President Joe Biden Leads Tributes To
‘Dear Friend’ And ‘Patriot’ Colin Powell
Tributes poured in for former Republican secretary of state Colin Powell after the an- nouncement of his death on Monday morning at the age of 84.
Leading praise from the U. S. and around the world, Joe Biden hailed “a dear friend and patriot of unmatched honor and dignity” on behalf of himself and the first lady, Jill Biden.
In a statement issued by the White House, the U. S. presi- dent, formerly Democratic U. S. senator for Delaware before he was vice-president, continued: “As a Senator, I worked closely with him when he served as Na- tional Security Advisor, Chair- man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and as Secretary of State. Over our many years working to-
COLIN POWELL AND PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
gether – even in disagreement – Colin was always someone who gave you his best and treated you with respect.
“Colin embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He was committed to our nation’s strength and secu- rity above all. Having fought in wars, he understood better than
anyone that military might alone was not enough to main- tain our peace and prosperity. From his front-seat view of his- tory, advising presidents and shaping our nation’s policies, Colin led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong.”
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