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).

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?