Leaders follow someone I suppose and in the military, breaking ranks isn't appreciated much. He was following his Commander in Chief's direction. Perhaps he was doing it as a sense of honor to his country. I don't disagree with what you are saying. I was one of those who believed they'd never find WMD's in Iraq and was very disappointed when I saw Powell towing the line.

I was disappointed precisely because I do believe he is a good man and wants to do what is best. I too thought he was destined to be president some day. He would have been a candidate I would want to vote for.

Many times we learn more from failure than success. I say in this instance, Powell has learned a great deal and could be a better leader because of it.

In the end, his mistake was following and not being a leader when he should have been.