Former Secretary of State Colin Powell called the jury verdict that cleared the killer of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin “questionable” and urged President Barack Obama to speak more on issues of race during an interview that aired Sunday.
The first black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said the Martin verdict soon would be forgotten but said Obama — and all presidents — have a responsibility to discuss the nation’s history of racial injustice. Powell spoke as Washington marked the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s march that included the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
“If Dr. King was here, I’m quite sure he would say, ‘Congratulations on all the progress that’s been made, but let’s keep going. The dream is not fully achieved yet,'” said Powell, also the first African American to serve the nation as secretary of state.
Asked about the Martin killing, Powell questioned its impact on the civil rights discourse. A Florida jury found George Zimmerman acted in self-defense and acquitted him during a criminal trial.
“I think that it will be seen as a questionable judgment on the part of the judicial system down there, but I don’t know if it will have staying power,” Powell said. “These cases come along and they blaze across the midnight sky and then after a period of time, they’re forgotten.”
That doesn’t mean Obama should keep silent, though, Powell said.
“I’d like to see him be more passionate about race questions,” Powell said of Obama, whom he endorsed during the 2008 and 2012 presidential election.
“For the president to speak out on it is appropriate. I think all leaders, black and white, should speak out on this issue,” the Republican added.
Powell said he didn’t fully grasp the civil rights upheaval happening during the early 1960s until he returned from Vietnam. His wife, Alma, didn’t share the developments with him from their home in Birmingham, Ala., and his service blocked him from engaging in the political upheaval.
He said the civil rights era helped blacks but more needs to be done.
“A lot has been accomplished, and we should be so proud of our accomplishments,” he said. “But at the same time, that mirror should show us that there are still problems in this country, that there is still racial bias that still exists in certain parts of our country.”
Powell spoke with CBS’ “Face the Nation.”
(AP)
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15 Responses
Today in America it is whites who are discriminated against and such discrimination is tolerated and legalized reverse-discrimination.
When it comes to race issues, some people have blinders on. Where is his outrage at black youth indescriminantly killing whites for fun or for gang initiation?
I would like to know if the Honorable Mr powell have anything to say about the verdict in the OJ Simpson case ordoes only concern himself whena the supposed victim is black also does he have an opinion about all the black people who wear their pants half down. In other words does he ever wonder whether some of these people have made their own bed
I too have a dream. That one day white people will get the same treatment that blacks get in this country. I am tired of bending all the rules to favor them and ignoring white people’s needs to pacify the blacks. No I’m not a racist; I just want an even playing field.
With all due respect General Powell but it is very obvious to us all that because you were a general doesn’t make you the smartest person in the world. In fact, this comment makes you look like a REAL unintelligent person who as we saw with your endorsement of Obama, only sees things in black & white.
YOU are part of the reason race relations are in the toilet!
I have great respect for Colin Powell; however since I have not heard him say a word how Blacks Americans; [not African Americans since they are Americans and most have never ever been in Africa]have help tp improve their own lives. He for one work very hard and made it as Secretary of State and I think would have been a better president than the rubbish in the white house. He still can run for the white house and will get my vote. Now stop blaming whites for what is causing the black ills now
“For the president to speak out on it is appropriate. I think all leaders, black and white, should speak out on this issue,” the Republican added. I didn’t realize the RINO was actually still a Republican. After all that love he shows Barry Obama.
Powell’s grievance is what, exactly? He’s done fairly well for himself; far better than 99% of Americans. His son headed the FCC. What’s his complaint? If anything, he’s done better than any white with the same abilities and qualifications. For him to whine about racial inequalities is an insult. Powell is the quintessential affirmative action model, and then some. Shut up, Colin, you’re muddying the water.
Race hustlers like COLON Powell and Shapton are embarrassments to Black people.
Most blacks are “racist”!!!
More than 95% of blacks voted for Obama, the number is so high because they voted for “skin color” rather than idealism!!!
In the past few years Mr. Powell has shown his true colors, he is a bonafide racist.
Why would anyone be surprised when he questions a verdict that did not go well for the “black” kid, but is silent on a clear cut racial killing that just happened in the past few weeks?
שנאה מקלקלת את השורה.
When someone has emotional involvement, bias puts logic to sleep. As a politician, Powell needs to support and uphold the judicial system, not question it. He might express his sadness that this verdict emerged, but his statement questions its veracity. That is unprofessional, and undermines the system of government mandated by the Constitution. Or is it that there is a different set of rules to appease blacks who wish to break the law?
If MLK was here, he would tell Powell to shut up and stop being a rabble rouser for political benefit.
It is lucky that he did not have to practice law for a living. The original investigation by the local authorities found no evidence that race was a factor. In fact they recommended no prosecution. When the race baiters got involved the special prosecutor( who was looking under any stone) recommended prosecution but found race was not a factor.The FBI investigated and concluded that race was not a factor. The jury ( picked in part by the prosecution) found that race was not a factor but Mr. Powell is of a different view. Presumably even if Holder makes such a finding Mr. Powell will still feel the same way. I truly pity him for living in this racist country. There are alternatives.
Obummer has said enough on the subject. He should never have opened his mouth on this subject (or any other subject, for that matter). All Obummer does is sow discontent. These people talk about racism?!? A black president, black attorney general, black general, etc. What more do they want?? Obummer is a HORRIBLE president, and deserves to be impeached, not because of his color, but because of his ACTIONS!
If obama had a son he’d look like colin powell.