Nothing like having a commencement speaker whose reputation has been tarnished by his willingness to manipulate America's patriotism into support for Bush's vendetta in Iraq, and most recently vigorously defending the "integrity" of Ted Stevens, the Alaska congressman on trial for corruption and known for pork, a practice that both presidential candidates have used as an example of what's wrong with America today.

Gen. Colin Powell should have been running for president of the United States right now, instead of John McCain. Powell has repeatedly demonstrated real leadership in difficult situations. His service in Vietnam convinced him of the need for effective leadership. A four-star general, he also served as president Ronald Reagan's national security adviser. During his tenure as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he ably dealt with more than two dozen crises, including the first Gulf War.

Gen. Powell served very well as GW Bush's first Secretary of State, and did an excellent job of handling international relations in the wake of the tragedy of 9/11/01. Unfortunately, as an Army officer, Gen. Powell also believed in being a good soldier. When clearly instructed by GW Bush to present to the world justification for the invasion of Iraq, Powell did so to the best of his ability. The unfortunate fact that the information Powell was fed was based on lies has forever undermined his credibility.

Had GW Bush treated Gen. Colin Powell with integrity, Powell could very well have been our next president. Instead, Powell has ended up in the dustbin of history.

This is indeed a real tragedy. We are poorer as a nation as a result.

I agree. Powell would of probably been one of the few, if running for a major party, I would vote for, but his hands are too stained of Bush, quite sadly.