10/18/2021

My Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            I share your grief over the news of Colin Powell’s passing. I saw a cute 2015 video from Jay Leno’s show where you, two, are racing your Corvette Stingrays. He came across as a kind, self-deprecating man with an affection for you.

            I feel a kinship with CLP, because my uncle, SEA, tried to get him to run for POTUS in 1995 & appointed himself CLP’s speech writer. SEA took a shine to CLP after CLP wrote him a complimentary letter about his book, Band of Brothers.

SEA’s deep knowledge of Ike’s presidency led him to see CLP as the next military man who could unite the country after the ugly scandals of the Clinton (WJC) administration. SEA & my dad found WJC’s marital infidelities abhorrent, but that’s another story.

SEA was especially impressed with CLP’s international reputation & was excited about the potential of having a Black POTUS, writing, “I see race as an advantage for Powell and I wouldn't say that about any other black politician. I live in the Deep South. White people who would never dream of voting for a black are willing to flock to the polls for Colin Powell. He's a military man, a patriot and he stands for what they stand for. If there's anyone who can deal with angry young white men and angry young black men it's Colin Powell."

            SEA also pointed out that the Far Right was scared silly he might get the nomination, noting, “They are threatened by a candidate who "doesn't have to preach family values because he lives them."  I’m sure SEA was disappointed when CLP decided not to run.

            I know that you have your own kinship with CLP & are also saddened by this news. I hope you have the time to process his passing as you face all of the challenges of today.

            HYITL,

            RCA

PS-  Did you see the news that the Tatmadaw is releasing 5600 prisoners? Glory, Hallelujah!