The Loyal Solider says "Enough!" of G.O.P.

Colin Powell's endorsement today of Barack Obama is huge for a number of reason. First of all, Colin Powell is one of the most respected figures in this country. Second, he is a die-hard Republican who has shown absolute loyalty to his party throughout his life. Finally, the specific reasons he gave for the endorsement are a powerful argument for Obama and against the G.O.P.

Stressing that Obama was a lifelong Christian, Powell denounced Republican tactics that he said were insulting not only to to Obama but also to Muslims. “The really right answer is what if he is?” Powell said, praising the contributions of millions of Muslim citizens to American society. “I look at these kind of approaches to the campaign, and they trouble me,” Powell said. “Over the last seven weeks, the approach of the Republican Party has become narrower and narrower.”

The fact that General Powell came out against the Republican party and the McCain campaign so strongly tells me that this loyal solider understand the peril of four more years of the same old same old. Powell would have never come out for Obama and against the political party that gave him his career, if he didn't sense the real danger of a McCain / Palin administration. I share his fear.

“I don’t believe [Palin] is ready to be president of the United States,” Powell said flatly.

Powell's arguments why Barack Obama would be a good President are persuasive. He likes Obama's intelligence, temperament, curiosity and the people he has chosen to consult with on the issues. Colin Powell has been around and worked for a number of Presidents so when he says that Barack Obama has what it takes - we should take notice.

"Obama displayed a steadiness, an intellectual curiosity, a depth of knowledge," Powell said."He has met the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president," he said. ... "I think he is a transformational figure, he is a new generation coming onto the world stage, onto the American stage, and for that reason I'll be voting for Sen. Barack Obama,"

I hope that this endorsement resonates with voters. It should. Colin Powell is a sober, thoughtful and intelligent man. Any voters sitting on the fence, leaning toward McCain or thinking of skipping the election should take note. If General Powell see the urgent necessity of a President Obama then we should all take that very seriously.