Powell Reflects on Service, Life as Private Citizen

General Colin Powell, former United States Secretary of State under President Bush, addressed the Kennedy Political Union at American University’s Bender Arena Wednesday evening. Powell has been an open political critic since his time as secretary, working as a speaker for the Washington Speakers Bureau and endorsing Barack Obama for president in 2008.

The event started off with two members of Code Pink, a woman’s anti-war group, with signs stating “Real men make peace” and “Powell = War criminal”. The protestors were quickly escorted away by security. Powell brushed off the encounter saying that any protestor deserves to be heard if they want to have a civil discussion. “I learn so much about the issues in the country by doing speaking engagements like this,” Powell said.

When reflecting on his years as secretary, Powell jokingly said he misses the airplane and said he bought a Coorvette to compensate. Powell had the crowd laughing every several minutes, saying, “What’s a tweet? I’m too old to be a tweep,” when speaking on social media. Powell also said he “waits in line like everyone else” and gets patted down by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) when he travels.

On a more serious note, Powell said students should motivate themselves to make a difference in the world and their communities. “You’re expected to challenge ideas,” Powell said on the responsibilities of college students. Powell, a graduate of George Washington University, proudly touted his 2.0 grade point average but did not advocate students to perform the same. “It doesn’t matter where you start in life [but] it matters where you end.”

The program ended with Powell answering questions from students. One question regarded terrorism, to which Powell said confidently, “[Terrorists] cannot change who we are. We’re American’s. We’re not afraid.”