Among other issues that General Powell described as effecting his decision to endorse a particular candidate, was the recent attacks made by members of the Republican party that insinuated or outright said that Obama was a Muslim, and therefore may have “terrorist” ties. Similar attacks and statements have been made here, on the Daily Iberian Forum by those who appear to believe the information sent to them in forwarded chain e-mails. General Powell specifically had the following to say, “I am also troubled by what members of the party say, and what is permitted to be said. Such things as, “Well you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim”. Well, the correct answer is that he is not a Muslim, he is a Christian, he’s always been a Christian. But, the really right answer is, “What if he is?”. Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer is no, that’s not America. Is there something wrong with a 7-year old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be President? Yet I’ve heard senior members of my party drop this suggestion, that he is a Muslim and might be associated with terrorism. That’s not the way we should be doing it in America. I feel strongly about this particular point because of a picture I saw in a magazine. It was a photo essay about troops who were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. One picture at the tail end of this essay, was of a mother at Arlington cemetery, and she had her head on the headstone of her son’s grave. As the picture focused in, you could see the writing on the headstone. It gave his awards… purple heart, bronze star, showed that he died in Iraq, gave his date of birth, date of death, that he was 20 years old and then at the very top of the headstone it didn’t have a Christian cross, it didn’t have a star of David, it had a crescent and a star of the Islamic faith. His name was Kareem Rahashad Sultan Kahn, and he was an American, he was born in New Jersey. He was 14 years old at the time of 9/11, and he waited until he could go serve his country, and he gave his life.”
|
Advertisement
|
Please take a look at the article regarding this interview, and view the entire interview here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27265369/
I personally am a registered Independent, and for a long time, supported Sen. McCain’s Presidential campaign, however, like Gen. Powell, part of what has caused me to change my opinion were these unfounded scare tactics trying to link Sen. Obama to Islamic terrorism, particularly the ridiculous chain e-mails insinuating that Sen. Obama was the Anti-Christ, and inaccurate quotes from Revelations in the Bible. Also, so much focus has been placed on who wore flag lapel pins, or who put their hand over their heart. Patriotism is not about a pin or the position of your hand, it’s inside. It’s what you feel in your heart that isn’t shown, and the actions that you take to support this country in the big picture. Support of what this country really means is what is important. While respect for the flag is important, anyone can wear a pin or hold their hand over the left side of their chest, that doesn’t tell you what they truly feel in their heart. Our veterans didn’t fight and die for a lapel pin, they died for an idea. That idea is freedom. Freedom for anyone, of any background, any race, any gender, and any religion, to be everything and anything they desire to be, even President of the United States. That is what they sacrificed their lives for. That is also why I will be voting for Barak Obama in November. I am not telling you how to vote, I just hope you vote for what you truly think is right. Thank you for your kind attention in reading these thoughts.


Comments
AC wrote on Nov 17, 2008 8:50 AM:
Reality Check wrote on Nov 16, 2008 11:28 PM:
Military Mom wrote on Nov 15, 2008 5:46 PM:
To AC wrote on Nov 14, 2008 5:29 PM:
AC wrote on Nov 14, 2008 1:31 PM:
To AC wrote on Nov 14, 2008 6:42 AM:
To AC wrote on Nov 14, 2008 6:35 AM:
AC wrote on Nov 13, 2008 3:17 PM:
AC wrote on Nov 13, 2008 3:13 PM:
facts 101 wrote on Nov 11, 2008 10:12 PM:
To AC wrote on Nov 11, 2008 7:18 PM:
mg wrote on Nov 10, 2008 3:02 PM:
AC wrote on Nov 10, 2008 8:40 AM:
mg wrote on Nov 9, 2008 2:13 PM:
Just Asking wrote on Nov 8, 2008 11:44 AM:
Charlie W. wrote on Nov 8, 2008 1:42 AM:
Military Mom wrote on Nov 8, 2008 12:57 AM:
caliguy55 wrote on Nov 7, 2008 6:00 PM:
AC wrote on Nov 7, 2008 8:59 AM:
Military Mom wrote on Nov 6, 2008 10:15 PM:
12Cap 12 Socialist wrote on Nov 6, 2008 5:03 PM:
To Military Mom wrote on Nov 6, 2008 4:54 PM:
mg wrote on Nov 6, 2008 3:29 PM:
AC wrote on Nov 6, 2008 2:38 PM:
AC wrote on Nov 6, 2008 2:33 PM:
Military Mom wrote on Nov 6, 2008 9:56 AM:
Look out small business wrote on Nov 6, 2008 9:21 AM:
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Nov 5, 2008 10:47 PM:
won’t see any tax increase under the Obama plan.i Instead, these small firms and business owners are likely to
get a tax cut under the Obama plan, which eliminates capital gains taxes for small businesses, provides a new
50% tax credit for healthcare, and helps lower health care costs to make small businesses competitive. "
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Nov 5, 2008 10:46 PM:
http://www.nationalpriorities.org/taxchart2008
Spread the wealth comment was really directed at tax relief for the middle class , not the poor. "
Charlie W. wrote on Nov 5, 2008 5:19 PM:
That Won wrote on Nov 5, 2008 2:44 PM:
Now What wrote on Nov 5, 2008 2:41 PM:
Military Mom wrote on Nov 5, 2008 1:33 PM:
City Limits wrote on Nov 5, 2008 8:52 AM:
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Nov 5, 2008 7:55 AM:
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Nov 5, 2008 7:41 AM:
AC wrote on Nov 5, 2008 5:29 AM:
mg wrote on Nov 5, 2008 3:21 AM:
Military Mom wrote on Nov 4, 2008 6:29 PM:
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:37 AM:
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:25 AM:
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:09 AM:
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Nov 4, 2008 7:57 AM:
Military Mom wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:11 PM:
Military Mom wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:58 PM:
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:23 PM:
~John F.Kennedy
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
~Martin Luther King Jr.
History has shown that a country most effectively speaks with one voice. When nationally elected officials work together, build consensus, and provide leadership, the American people will follow.”
~Senator Chuck Hagel "
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:19 PM:
"The men who create power make an indispensable contribution to the Nation’s greatness, but the men who question power make a contribution just as indispensable, especially when that questioning is disinterested, for they determine whether we use power or power uses us."-John F. Kennedy
The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object. -Thomas Jefferson "
A Guy wrote on Nov 3, 2008 5:42 PM:
You might want to watch the news. "
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Nov 3, 2008 5:15 PM:
To Kim wrote on Nov 3, 2008 1:21 PM:
alexander wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:41 AM:
And the winner is... wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:59 AM:
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Nov 2, 2008 11:01 PM:
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:52 PM:
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:45 PM:
OILFIELD-TRASH wrote on Nov 2, 2008 2:12 PM:
To OilField Thrash wrote on Nov 2, 2008 8:45 AM:
Charlie W wrote on Nov 1, 2008 11:29 PM:
Military Mom wrote on Nov 1, 2008 10:08 PM:
I am prone to believe General Colon Powell knows that the very inexperienced Obama is going to need some advice really bad if elected. Obama does not have what it takes in these times that we are living in. I have heard our military men & women are not impressed with him. His news pictures were just a front for his campaign. Over 70% are voting McCain. It's dangerous to think of putting the college student in right now. Go McCain! "
BushOilfield Trash wrote on Nov 1, 2008 5:42 PM:
Go Obama!
Its time to start the green economy.
It;s time to move past out addiction to oil. "
OILFIELD-TRASH wrote on Nov 1, 2008 3:40 PM:
OILFIELD-TRASH wrote on Nov 1, 2008 3:30 PM:
immigrants wrote on Nov 1, 2008 3:10 PM:
Please help our country (USA) make the right the decision. Amen "
John wrote on Nov 1, 2008 8:39 AM:
go Obama! "
OILFIELD-TRASH wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:42 PM:
OILFIELD-TRASH wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:34 PM:
OILFIELD-TRASH wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:27 PM:
IT WAS ABOUT RACE. wrote on Oct 31, 2008 1:35 PM:
And speaking of observations, if anybody had observation skills, NOT A ONE would endorse Obama. He IS A SOCIALIST... period. Socialism historically ONLY leads to dictatorship... never back to a democracy! "
AC wrote on Oct 31, 2008 12:06 PM:
Jay See wrote on Oct 31, 2008 10:38 AM:
OILFIELD-TRASH wrote on Oct 31, 2008 8:50 AM:
AC wrote on Oct 31, 2008 6:46 AM:
To Symbols wrote on Oct 30, 2008 7:05 PM:
Devils Adovocate wrote on Oct 30, 2008 6:49 PM:
AC wrote on Oct 30, 2008 4:38 PM:
Military Mom wrote on Oct 30, 2008 1:50 PM:
To AC wrote on Oct 29, 2008 4:18 PM:
TJ wrote on Oct 28, 2008 3:01 PM:
TJ wrote on Oct 28, 2008 2:58 PM:
Barack Obama was the first black president of the Harvard Law Review and graduated with Honors from Harvard Law School. Those are facts and no one has disputed them. He didn't get into an Ivy League School because he was a legacy. He got in because he is very intelligent and did very well. Bush got in because he was a legacy and was a C student. I don't know about you, but I would be inclined to hire the A student rather than the C student. "
IT WAS ABOUT RACE. wrote on Oct 28, 2008 2:35 PM:
I'm not a racist, and I would like a black man to be president... but not this ONE...
Powell's sole reason for his endorsement was race. Period. "
AC wrote on Oct 28, 2008 2:28 PM:
To Symbols Co wrote on Oct 27, 2008 5:27 PM:
OneafterAnother wrote on Oct 27, 2008 2:20 PM:
Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Oct 27, 2008 9:51 AM:
AC wrote on Oct 27, 2008 9:19 AM:
Rapp On wrote on Oct 26, 2008 11:24 PM:
A Deputies Dad wrote on Oct 26, 2008 10:14 PM:
Concerned wrote on Oct 26, 2008 8:52 PM:
Military Mom wrote on Oct 26, 2008 9:36 AM:
Military Mom wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:27 PM:
Symbols wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:17 PM:
To Obama wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:27 AM:
No country has ever taxed itself into prosperity.
Have you ever worked for a poor man? "
Independent wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:23 AM:
Independent wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:22 AM:
Independent wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:21 AM:
Independent wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:20 AM:
Obama wrote on Oct 24, 2008 6:37 PM:
To Symbols wrote on Oct 24, 2008 6:34 PM:
AC wrote on Oct 23, 2008 3:27 PM:
Symbols wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:48 PM:
bigjake wrote on Oct 22, 2008 7:00 PM:
NI Native wrote on Oct 22, 2008 2:59 PM:
Independent wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:44 AM:
never said it wasn't. I respect and honor the flag and all veterans who fought
and died for our rights. What I am questioning, is whether we are placing a
GREATER emphasis on the symbols of our country, than we are placing on the
actual ideals of freedom that this country stands for. When people base their
vote on who wore a flag pin/or didn't, or that candidates rumored religion,
rather than the issues, we have our priorities screwed up, and-we-do-a-disservice-to-all-those-veterans-who-died-for-the-ideals-of-true-freedom-I-speak-of-in-my-letter-above. "
Chris Wilson wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:23 AM:
I guess you think that William "Dollar Bill" Jefferson is an okay guy also?
If you think THAT is a clear picture, you need to have your eyes examined, cause you're blind. "
AC wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:36 AM:
AC wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:36 AM:
Indepedent wrote on Oct 21, 2008 7:49 PM:
To Chris wrote on Oct 21, 2008 6:16 PM:
Vote Obama 08 "
Chris Wilson wrote on Oct 21, 2008 10:10 AM:
Asked to describe his reputation and honesty, Powell said "In a word, sterling."
Stevens is accused of accepting bribes in the amount of over $250,000 from a former oil company executive and trying to hide it.
I'm a republican and I think he's dirty...but Mr. Powell thinks he's a great guy...he also thinks Obama is a great guy...what's wrong with this picture? "
With All Due Respect wrote on Oct 21, 2008 7:40 AM:
With All Due Respect wrote on Oct 21, 2008 7:34 AM:
With All Due Respect wrote on Oct 21, 2008 7:29 AM:
FYI -- Snope it. It's true, Google the press conference about about. OBAMA has said his Grandfather taught him what it means but sometimes he forgets. NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR THE PRESIDENT TO "FORGET" TO SALUTE THE AMERICAN FLAG. "
stating what I see wrote on Oct 21, 2008 7:21 AM:
To Independent wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:53 PM:
You Rock! "
Please wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:07 PM:
Obama is a media gimmick. "
R Dixon wrote on Oct 20, 2008 7:16 PM:
cynthia wrote on Oct 20, 2008 5:23 PM:
Let's get down to the nitty gritty...
this is all about RACE. Anything who doesn't believe that is really fooling themselves.
I look at the man's history and loyalty to his country. McCain has what it takes to be our country's leader.
Give me a black man who has years of history behind him along with proven loyalty and I would vote for him/her.
Remember...Barak Hussain Obama is not the one. Vote for him just because he is black...how sad. "
PLEASE wrote on Oct 20, 2008 3:23 PM:
to Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 20, 2008 3:03 PM:
Independent wrote on Oct 20, 2008 2:40 PM:
Independent wrote on Oct 20, 2008 2:35 PM:
Independent wrote on Oct 20, 2008 2:32 PM:
Don P wrote on Oct 20, 2008 1:27 PM:
that is a great reason to vote for the man that wants to convert this country to communisim. HUSSAIN Obama has more negitvie adds that McCain and you want to vote for this guy. you will wish you didn't if he wins but we can hope the country wakes up and see the REAL Barak HUSSAIN Obama.. what a joke for president "
With Due Respect Also wrote on Oct 20, 2008 1:06 PM:
My fathers and their fathers before them have fought for the RESPECT due that flag, that flag pin, and they have fought for this country and your right to say this, but for a person who is APPLYING for the position of president to not hold his hand over his heart during the pledge or the NATIONAL Anthem is in my OPINION not WORTHY of the RESPECT given that office. With RESPECT comes RESPECT. He has not PROVEN he deserves that respect. "
With All Due Respect wrote on Oct 20, 2008 1:02 PM:
Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 20, 2008 12:01 PM:
CajunJedi wrote on Oct 20, 2008 11:46 AM:
Obama promised Powell position in administration. Typical. "