Colin Powell Invokes Image Of Fallen Soldier

Colin Powell has officially endorsed Barack Obama for President. But the big news is that this was not even his most important endorsement of the day. As it turns out, the most important thing endorsed by Colin Powell today was an America that's worth leading and worth fighting for, an America that encapsulates the idea of what some might call a "more perfect union." To that end, Powell invoked a picture to illustrate his point.

"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 seven-year-old Muslim-American kid believing he or she could be president? Yet I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion that he is a Muslim and might have an association with terrorists. This is not the way we should be doing it in America.

I feel particularly strong about this because of a picture I saw in a magazine. It was a photo essay about troops who were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. And one picture at the tail end of this photo essay, was of a mother at Arlington Cemetery and she had her head on the headstone of her son's grave. And as the picture focused in, you could see the writing on the headstone, and it gave his awards - Purple Heart, Bronze Star - showed that he died in Iraq, gave his date of birth, date of death, he was 20 years old. And then at the very top of the head stone, it didn't have a Christian cross. It didn't have a Star of David. It has a crescent and star of the Islamic faith.

And his name was Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan. And he was an American. He was born in New Jersey. He was fourteen years old at the time of 9/11, and he waited until he could serve his country and he gave his life."

This is the picture of Elsheba Khan, taken by Platon for the New Yorker:

So, yeah. Sometimes, America does benefit when we share our wealth with one another. And some people, in fact, do have it harder than Joe The Plumber.

Comments

[EuroRant1]

Michael Moore said it best in the film Fahrenheit 9/11:

"I've always been amazed that the very people forced to live in the worst parts of town go to the worst schools and who have it the hardest are always the first to step up to defend that very system.

They serve so that we don't have to.
They offer to give up their lives so that we can be free.
It is remarkable, their gift to us.

And all they ask for in return is that we never send them into harm's way unless it's absolutely necessary.
Will they ever trust us again?"

[Kerris]

Collin Powell reminded me, with his statements, about the America I was taught about in civics class and social studies when I was a kid in the 1970s. Before Reagan and the neo-cons and the religious right began deciding who were real Americans, what the litmus tests were for true patriotism... we were at the tail end of a cultural revolution that opened America's eyes to the true meaning of "one nation for all" and the idea that diversity could lead to a greater unity, and was nothing to be feared but to be embraced.

Where has that American promise gone? I want it back.... this photo, Powells comments, both remind me that it's still here somewhere, under the surface, and we need to grab for it and pull it back up into the fresh air so we can all breath again.

Honestly, after Powell spoke, it was the first time in my adult life I have uttered the words "God Bless America" without irony and a discouraged heart.

[bliss0027]

thank-you for that last line

[nubret2008]

These people spit on the graves of this young heros going to war for securing th freedom of a society that has nothing but hate and ignorance left for them. You see them chanting USA USA but none of them is willing to defend this nation. Shame on them...

[eserfeliz]

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell isn't perfect, not by any stretch of the imagination. From the whitewashing of My Lai to heading up the grossest display of military prowess in history, the Pentagon, as the Chairman of the JCS to laying the framework for the invasion of Iraq, he wouldn't be my first thought for nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

...but I might give him a second thought. The manner in which Sec. Powell lays his imperfections out for everyone to see is a characteristic that is refreshing to see in a politician. His candor in addressing everyday Americans with common sense and logic is inspiring. The compassion that he shows for this soldier and his mother--all soldiers, really--shows what it takes to truly be a leader of men.

I'm happy that he's given Sen. Obama his endorsement, but frankly, he gives me so much more inspiration and hope than Sen. Obama ever will. I wish he were a presidential nominee, he'd definitely have my vote.

[RTH]

I am deeply moved by the photo...'A Mother's Sorrow' is how I see it and it's an unspeakable sorrow. I've lost a boy-child also, though not to war...even more horrific than an accident. This young soldier went willingly...how very sad, courageous, but sad none the less. His mother needed him more than the military ever could.

[chin075]

That young man died on the same date as Mr. Obama's birthday: August 6.
Just a little wink and nod from the universe to show that the forces of positivity and hope will overcome greed and corruption this time.

[LouisN]

Mr. Obama's birthday is actually August 4 -- same day as my daughter's. But your point is still a profound one.

[Fudgefase]

I too was moved to tears by this photograph - the story behind it and the disgusting people who could call this young man's loyalty to his country into question.
They are the un-American ones, sitting on their fat butts, wondering where their next self-publicising opportunity is coming from.

[suhud]

This poor mother's face brings tears to my eyes...and fury to ma heart at POW Vet McCain's response to the woman who called Obama an Arab: "No M'am, he's a good man...." What an outrage. And what an insult to American Muslims and Arabs everywhere.

[GrainOSand]

After 9/11 it was thought that the question of and the reason for unity had been answered and illustrated. Seven years later, what do we find but Powell still trying to teach the basics to fledgling humans -- no matter their age. Infantile is the behavior on display. It is an “I will blow up the world if I cannot have my way” shockingly adolescent, regrettably and dangerously mischievous, shenanigan-filled tirade that we are witnessing from the Republican Party. From Bill Ayers smears to calls for congressional witch-hunts, the ugly side of America is on full display. America the beautiful? We had better get our national eyes checked for we are seeing rumors, illusions, and ghosts of grandeur not the personification.

[yasmeen]

finally, someone who recognizes the sacrifices of America's Muslims. since 9/11 we had to serve and protect a country that despised us and called us the enemy (even though 9/11 terrorists were foreigners). this has indeed led to the radicalization of some of our youth who feel like social outcasts through no fault of their own.

it doesn't help that republicans make being a muslim = terrorist and non-whites = the other (like blacks, we too sought political refuge with the democrats). however, i am optimistic that gradually these tensions will subside come nov. 4th. obama's message of religious unity and universal acceptance in berlin was monumental and powell's remarks are endearing. it is rare we feel appreciated. THANK YOU, SIR. a picture is indeed worth a thousand words.

powell is obama's october surprise......joe the "plumber" is mccain's....nuff said.
MUSLIMS FOR OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

[TchoupitoulasCanal]

You did us all proud, Cpl. Kahn! Your sacrifice is beyond measure, and our gratitude is without end.

You didn't do such a bad job today either, General Powell.

[dkerrice2861]

My heart aches to see this grieving mother, and I as a mother of two can only imagine myself in that picture longing to hold her son once again. May God bless you, your son Kareem and our brave soldiers!

Why Lord, must there be so much hate in this world? Please stop the insanity! We are all Americans who happen to be differrent in many ways, but in the end ....... we all shed tears and bleed the same color!

[Hawaii4Obama]

To use an oft-quoted phrase: UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL!

To use the McCain-Palin campaign tactic: divide and conquer.

Which one is best for America?

OBAMA-BIDEN '08, BABY!!

[dkerrice2861]

AMEN!!!

[Britta100]

I completely agree with Powell. McCains tactic of associating Obama with terrorist"s", surrogates using his middle name was intentionally done to associate him with being Muslim extremists. Knowing full well in this country Muslims aren't real Americans. When that woman told McCain Obama was an Arab McCain said he was not that he was an honorable man. In other words Arabs are not. I don't think McCain meant it that way but that's the way it sounded. As a woman and a minority (Mexican/Scottish heritage) I have to say I find it so annoying when people ask me where I'm from . When I tell them America they say they mean what is my ethnicity . When I tell them many people ask which culture I identify with. Both sides of my family have been in this country for generations. I don't identify with either. I'm American through and through. At times I get the impression people may think I'm not a "real: American because I look "exotic"-their words not mine . I'm so glad those people are small minority but ignorance is so irritating.

[MeiLing]

Don't always assume that because folks ask you where you are from that they are looking to find a way to discriminate against you. For a great many of us, there is a sincere fascination with those who are "different" simply because they are! Who wants to always live on a diet of white bread??? I know too many people who are just like me, do the same things, eat the same foods, etc. I want more multi-culturalism, so I moved from a boring small town on the east coast to a multi-cultural city. Actually the same one where Obama was born. Actually, Hawaii is probably the only state in America where, if you are white, YOU'RE the minority. Puts things in a whole different perspective!

[bliss0027]

just wanted to add, where i live, "where are you from? what ethnicity are you?" are common questions, but it more because everyone is usually from somewhere else, and as well people take uber pride in their roots.........yes we are all country men and women, but for most of us, how we got here is just as important

[SouthPrairie]

This woman represents not only the mother of a Muslim patriot, but of all our beloved patriots. It means so much to me that Powell acknowledged what has been lost through this ill begotten war. This is what separates him from Rice, Cheney, Bush, and the smear mongers that have all slithered over to the McCain/Palin camp. There are so many times that classy, dignified individuals are demeaned for stating the truth. There is no shame in the truth, and Powell had the courage to state it. I too am humbled and sincerely appreciative of his admonishment to remember that America is encompassing of all faiths.

You can't love America without loving Americans.

Obama/Biden '08

[Hawaii4Obama]

Let the Repug machine pull out their list of supporters to try and counteract the singular force of Colin Powell's decision to vote for Obama. They're running out of cards.

[MeiLing]

They can try, but I am more worried that they will try to "steal" the election as it appears is already happening in West Virginia.