Colin Powell's conscience transcended the pressures of his peers and cronies, and he did the right thing. He had nothing to lose. He admitted that his decisions about the Iraq war were based on faulty intelligence, calling it a blotch on his record. Clearly, Powell does not believe in "staying the course" if that course leads to national embarrassment. Politicians like McCain and Bush had said the war would be quick and easy. Five years later, the war continues and the nation is broke as a consequence.

Naysayers assert that Powell's decision was racially motivated. On the contrary, Powell would never have cast an endorsement for the likes of Al Sharpon or Jessie Jackson. Powell endorsed a steady and intellectual candidate who thinks things through.

More than 2000 Obama supporters filled the Ringling Bridge in Sarasota on Sunday, October 19. I had printed my sign immediately after Powell's announcement, and joined the crowd. This photo appeared in the next day's Sarasota Herald Tribune.

Related links and photo credits:

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20081020/ARTICLE/810200366

http://www.dvonkessel.com/obama