'A FAVOURITE OF PRESIDENTS': Colin Powell, former U.S. secretary of state, dies of COVID complications

Reuters -- Publishing date: -- Oct 18, 2021  •  4 hours ago  •  6 minute read -- Source - https://torontosun.com/news/wo...-covid-complications

Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell speaks by video feed during the virtual 2020 Democratic National Convention as participants from across the country are hosted over video links from the originally planned site of the convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 18, 2020. Photo by Democratic National Convention /Pool via REUTERS

WASHINGTON — Colin Powell, the first Black U.S. secretary of state and top military officer, died on Monday at the age of 84 due to complications from COVID-19. He was fully vaccinated, his family said in a statement on Facebook.

“We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American,” his family said, offering thanks to the staff of the hospital near Washington, D.C. who treated Powell but providing few details about his illness.

Powell was one of America’s most prominent Black figures for decades. He served three Republican presidents in senior posts and reached the top of the U.S. military as it was regaining its vigor after the trauma of the Vietnam War.

In a brief statement, the Powell family said he had died on Monday morning from COVID-19, had been fully vaccinated against the disease, and it thanked the medical staff at Walter Reed National Medical Center near Washington.

It did not address such matters as what vaccine he received or whether he had gotten a booster shot, when he fell ill, when he may have been hospitalized and whether he may have had underlying health conditions that contributed to his illness.

Condolences poured in, including from former President George W. Bush.

“Many presidents relied on General Powell’s counsel and experience,” Bush wrote in a statement. “He was such a favorite of presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom – twice.”

Powell served as U.S. national security adviser under President Ronald Reagan from 1987 to 1989. As a four-star Army general, he was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush during the 1991 Gulf War in which U.S.-led forces expelled Iraqi troops from neighboring Kuwait.

A moderate Republican and a pragmatist, Powell later served as secretary of state under President George W. Bush and was the public face of the erroneous intelligence that the United States cited to justify its March 2003 invasion of Iraq.

He considered running for president in 1996 but his wife Alma’s worries about his safety helped him decide otherwise. In 2008, he broke with his party to endorse Democrat Barack Obama, the first Black person elected to the White House.

Illustrating his deep misgivings about the evolution of the Republican Party as it moved to the right in recent years, Powell endorsed Democrats Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election and Joe Biden last year against Donald Trump. Powell called Trump a liar who presented a danger to the United States.

Powell will forever be associated with his controversial presentation on Feb. 5, 2003, to the U.N. Security Council, making President George W. Bush’s case that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein constituted an imminent danger to the world because of its stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons.

He admitted later that the presentation was rife with inaccuracies and twisted intelligence provided by others in the Bush administration and represented “a blot” that will “always be a part of my record.”

REACTION TO POWELL’S DEATH

Following are reactions from politicians and military leaders:

FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH IN A STATEMENT

“Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Colin Powell. He was a great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam. Many presidents relied on General Powell’s counsel and experience.

“He was such a favourite of presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom – twice. He was highly respected at home and abroad. And most important, Colin was a family man and a friend. Laura and I send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man.”

U.S. SENATOR DICK DURBIN

“Sending my prayers to the family and friends of General Colin Powell. He was a groundbreaking and devoted public servant who dedicated his life to American democracy and diplomacy. May he rest in peace.”

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JAMAAL BOWMAN

“As a Black man just trying to figure out the world, Colin Powell was an inspiration. He was from NYC, went to City College, and rose to the highest ranks of our nation. Sending love, strength and prayer to the family and friends of Secretary Powell. Rest in power sir.”

TOM RIDGE, FORMER PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR WHO WAS GEORGE W. BUSH’S HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISER

“Colin Powell served with great distinction & honor, a patriot who led our nation’s foreign diplomacy in those difficult days after 9/11. He was a steady and trusted advisor to the President and I was proud to have served with him.”

FORMER JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF CHAIRMAN MARTIN DEMPSEY

“First met him in 1981 when he was a Brigadier General, and he was considering retiring from the Army. Thankfully he did not. General Powell was a friend and mentor.

“He was a dedicated husband and father, a superb soldier, a warrior on the battlefield and in Washington, and a lifelong public servant. I once asked him which of his many accomplishments made him most proud. He answered without hesitation: ‘the many schools that have been named after me.’

“A good man. May he Rest In Peace.”

U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD AUSTIN

“The world lost one of the greatest leaders that we have ever witnessed. Alma lost a great husband, and the family lost a tremendous father and I lost a tremendous personal friend and mentor. He has been my mentor for a number of years. He always made time for me and I could always go to him with tough issues. He always had great counsel…

“First African American chairman of the joint chiefs, first African American secretary of state — a man who was respected around the globe … quite frankly, it is not possible to replace a Colin Powell. We will miss him.”

U.S. SENATOR MITT ROMNEY, ON TWITTER:

“Today, the nation lost a man of undaunted courage and a champion of character. A statesman & trailblazer, devoted to America and the cause of liberty, Colin Powell’s legacy of service & honor will long inspire. Ann & I offer our love & sincere condolences to Alma and his family.”

FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR

“Colin was a towering figure in American military and political leadership over many years, someone of immense capability and integrity, a hugely likable and warm personality and a great companion, with a lovely and self-deprecating sense of humor.

“He was wonderful to work with, he inspired loyalty and respect and was one of those leaders who always treated those under them with kindness and concern. His life stands as a testament not only to dedicated public service but also a strong belief in willingness to work across partisan division in the interests of his country.

“I am so sorry to hear the news of his death. He still had so much to give. My thoughts and prayers are with Alma and all his large and loving extended family.”

CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST REVEREND AL SHARPTON ON TWITTER

“My condolences to the family of Colin Powell. Though we disagreed on many issues, I always respected him and was proud of his achievements. When he and I ran into each other and conversed, I always left feeling he was a sincere and committed man to what he believed in. RIP”

RETIRED U.S. GENERAL MARK HERTLING – CNN

“He was a terrific soldier, a phenomenal leader.”

U.S. SENATOR OF VIRGINIA MARK WARNER ON TWITTER

“General Powell was a patriot and a public servant. May he rest in peace.”