P. J. O’Rourke has a conversation with Colin Powell in The Atlantic Online regarding zero-sum. To many of our enemies in this world, zero-sum is a way of life, a certainty in their way of thinking. What it means is that if I gain in some way, someone else had to lose. I think our friends in the Democratic Party feel that way, which is why there is often a disconnect in conversation with them. Consider the attitude that if someone is rich, they got their money by exploiting someone else.
P. J. O’ROURKE: In terms of non-zero-sum thinking, is our country in the unique historical position of wanting other nations to be as powerful as we are?
Powell looked at me over the top of his glasses.
SECRETARY POWELL: Wanting other nations to be as powerful? No, I wouldn’t say that. I think our historical position is we are a superpower that cannot be touched in this generation by anyone in terms of military power, economic power, the strength of our political system and our values system. What we would like to see is a greater understanding of power, of the democratic system, the open market economic system, the rights of men and women to achieve their destiny as God has directed them to do if they are willing to work for it. And we really do not wish to go to war with people. But, by God, we will have the strongest military around. And that’s not a bad thing to have. It encourages and champions our friends that are weak and it chills the ambitions of the evil.
A deputy secretary interrupted. “That’s good,” she said. “Did you just make that up?”
SECRETARY POWELL: Yeah. Not bad, eh?
Extremely entertaining and informative. If you aren’t a Powell fan already, you will be once you finish reading it. Slatts saw it first!
Excellent read. I printed it to send to the husband too.
Comment by Sarah — August 24, 2004 @ 10:18 am
Bunker,
A couple of corrections regarding Slatts:
My fellow contributor “Nathan Hale” posted this:
Colin Powell, for all of us.
Via PoliPundit, the words of our Secretary of State, Colin Powell:
But, by God, we will have the strongest military around. And that’s not a bad thing to have. It encourages and champions our friends that are weak and it chills the ambitions of the evil.
When one least expects it, Powell just reminds us why he’s still around. Man, that’s a quote that could get to Bartlett’s! “Chills the ambitions of of the evil.”
Posted by Nathan Hale at August 5, 2004 09:01 AM | TrackBack
Here’s the link: http://www.paulieworld.com/blog/archives/000675.html
Note the citation to Poli Pundit, who’s the man:
http://polipundit.com/2004_08_01_polipundit_archive.html#109159490611514738
Keep up the fire: love your site.
Comment by Paulie at The Commons — August 25, 2004 @ 8:02 am
Sorry, what I meant was that Slatts pointed me in the right direction, he saw it before I did!
Now how did I miss Nathan’s post? I check ya’ll daily!
Comment by Bunker — August 25, 2004 @ 2:28 pm
Can we say Powell for President in ’08 yet?
Comment by Reckers — August 26, 2004 @ 6:18 am
I could support him, even though I don’t agree with his approach to all issues. But I tend to vote character, because that’s the only constant you can depend on. When the unforseen occurs, I want someone in that position who can think on his feet, and has the strength to do what needs to be done regardless of political expediency. Colin Powell certainly fits the bill.
Comment by Bunker — August 26, 2004 @ 6:23 am