Gen. Colin Powell: He Was An Optimist to the End

©iStock/jokerpro

Gen. Colin Powell is widely acknowledged by a grateful nation as distinguished and exemplary.  Indeed, for many years he has been recognized as one of the most admired Americans.

We [Roger B. Porter] last met in mid-July. He was characteristically cheerful, optimistic, engaging and positive. When asked how he was feeling he responded without hesitation: “Other than my multiple myeloma cancer and Parkinson’s disease, I feel fine.” Our discussion ranged widely, and his energy, quick mind and forward focus suggested that he did not expect an abbreviated future. He was an optimist to the end.

As Porter goes on to say, "For Powell people were as important as policies. For those of us privileged to work with him he inspired without hubris and did not allow the things that matter most to be at the mercy of the things that matter least."

Roger B. Porter is IBM Professor of Business and Government at Harvard University, and served as the assistant to the president for economic and domestic policy from 1989-93.

Note:  The flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on October 22, 2021. 

May Gen. Colin Powell R.I.P.