Condoleeza Rice

[Uhu]

The USA is fragmented when it comes to the different racial groups. Considering the continuing problems that minority groups face in terms of economic, educational and social disadvantages, I applaud the rise of Condoleeza Rice, irrespective of her politics. I think she is an inspiration to all people and demonstrates that if you work hard (and get the lucky breaks!), you can achieve anything.

Personally, I wish she was a Democrat and demonstrated more of Colin Powell's desire to work more closely with the international community. (I'm from the UK by the way).

[doobydoo]

She should know better!
Speaking in run up to U.S election terrible stuff she said-ie
America is the greatest democracy in the world(excuse me)and loads of other elitist rubbish which i cannot remember and is annoying me.I think she is a robot.Only got where she is,I would imagine,by not sticking her neck out and being generally maleable.BUNKUM and TRIPE

[Uhu]

Mmmm. I fully understand your sentiments but considering America's history towards black people, you cannot trivialise her achievements as a black female. I've read Colin Powell's biography and he has had to put up with a lot a rubbish in order to succeed. No doubt she has also. She is clearly a driven, fiercely ambitious,intelligent woman and knows what she wants and how to get it.

I hate the fact that she is a rabid neo-conservative and I loathe what she and the US administration promote but I admire what she has achieved, considering her humble beginnings and America's appalling treatment of anybody who is not a WASP.

[OldieMum]

I udnerstand your viewpoint, Uhu, but there are limits to my ability to think this way and she goes beyond them. She has been a weak NSA and her appointment ensures that the State Department will now be eliminated as a potential dissenting voice on foreign policy. I also find her views repulsive. Someone who refers to less powerful nations as 'the roadkill of history' isn't likely to have much understanding of the causes of terrorism.

[colinsmommy]

Yes, Uhu, I see what you're saying and agree with that. But I still said S* when I heard she was announced as Colin Powell's replacement. I'm afraid with her hawkish views and her obvious role to be the yes-woman to Pres. Bush's foreign policy decisions, she will turn the department that was once in charge of diplomacy into a throwback of the department of War.

[KateandtheGirls]

Uhu, I agree with you 100%. I think she is an incredibley smart ambitious woman. I respect and admire her a lot. But I also said s**t when I heard the news because I hate her politics.

[Blackduck]

Way back in the late 70's women were told we should applaud the fact that we had the first female prime minister in Thatcher - never saw it as something to be pleased about actually. Feel the same about this appointment.

[august24]

I am pretty sure Conoleeza Rice grew up very wealthy which afforded her good schools and university. I don't think she came from "humble" beginings. She did grow up in the segragated south which was a challange I am sure. She was a piano prodigy in fact(she could play at 3). I agree she is a robot, and is very scary. Collin Powell at least spoke his mind, and disagreed with the president. I am very sad to see him leave and be replaced with the likes of her, and as for her running for President, I don't see it happening, as a single woman with no attachments, most Americans will not be able to relate to her.

[Uwila]

Uh, I think to say she grew up very wealthy is quite a stretch. I'm not surprised you don't like her politics -- after all this is mumsnet. But, to say that her amazing list of achievements is due to having a priviledged background is the furthest thing from the truth.

I did grow up in a weathly American suburb, and I didn't know anyone who went to university at 15.

You hate her politics, and you think she is a right wing facist. Okay. But, to say she didn't earn it is sooooo off the mark.

[jabberwocky]

Okay, I too would like to applaud her rise as a successful woman, but I hate her politics and the aforementioned yes-woman status too much to be very generous on the matter.

[august24]

I didn't say she didn't earn it. She didn't come from "humble" beginings that is my point. She is obviously a genius and had a supportive family who helped get to where she is. Bill Clinton came from "humble" beginings. Yeah it is great we have an African American (and) woman in such a high place in the white house. I am American too, I know all about segragation, and the way race works in the USA. But I also know that there is a big difference in growing up during segragation being a poor black person from the South and being a well off black person from the South.

[doobydoo]

Tbh I would be more impressed if someone like Martin Luther King (todays female equivalent)reached such a position.Her "achievement" I would suggest,some might say i am cynical is that she has been carefully chosen so that people can think Wow what a great achievement when really she has been carefully chosen as there is no way she will rock the boat is there?