Colin Powell

* Leave it to George Will (Column Right, April 16) to pass off his wishful thinking as an expert affirmation that Colin Powell’s candidacy is “unlikely.”

An undeclared candidate who refuses to blindly embrace a mild variation of the Grand Old Party line, Powell is branded by Will as being in play solely due to his race. Would Will attribute any of the white candidacies to race? I can hardly wait to see his reaction to a future female presidential candidate.

MARK MANZ

Pasadena

* To state that Gen. Powell is only being considered because he is black is a slap in the face of a distinguished man. The fact that Powell moved up the ranks to become the first African American chief of staff in spite of racism in the military and the obstacles placed in the way of advancement for minorities shows more brilliance and courage than the attack by Will.

If Powell can lead the nation’s armed services why can’t he lead the government? Bill Clinton hasn’t exhibited the best leadership skills since his election. Powell is as suited to be President as any of the current candidates. Whether he runs or not, which party he affiliates with, or if he goes independent, is his right. We the people will be the judge of what his stance on the issues is and will vote accordingly.

To state that racism isn’t America’s principal problem, and that the race crisis is a class crisis arising from dysfunctional families and destructive behavior, shows the depth of Will’s ignorance. Racism is alive and well, it is institutional, it is a fact of life.

RENEE L. PATTERSON

Los Angeles