Colin Powell has often taken dubious positions on issues, and our nation's chief diplomat certainly can make some suspect statements. In the past, he has commented that "Hamas does some good things" which would be the logical equivalent of stating that Mussolini did some good things (because he made the trains run on time) or Hitler did some good things (by discouraging smoking and adhering to a vegetarian diet). He is a serial leaker who has impugned our President via cut—outs like Bob Woodward. Now he interjects again.
 
The Japanese hostages have been harshly received upon their return to Japan, since they have been seen as agitators who shamed Japan and interfered with Japanese foreign policy.They disobeyed an express advisory for civilians not to travel to Iraq because such travel could ultimately result in damaging Japan.
 
One was a member of an anti—war group; another was interested in spreading the fallacious story that depleted uranium shells were being  inhumanely used by Americans and causing great harm to innocent people.
 
Despite this, our esteemed Secretary of State stated here that he was "pleased that these Japanese citizens were willing to put themselves at risk for a greater good, for better purpose. And the Japanese people should be very proud that they have citizens like this willing to do that".
 
Despite their suspect backgrounds and motives and their refusal to obey the advisory issued by their government?

Posted by Ed  04 23 04