Steve... Powell was assured by the CIA and Bush that they had solid evidence of WMDs. They wanted a statement immediately... he gave them he benefit of the doubt and read it......... and began to suspect a problem and regret it within a very short time.
   Yes, we can play "shoot the messenger", but General Powell's loyalty as a good soldier was at once a virtue... and a problem.
   He did suffer for his attempt to follow the lead of those who simply wanted the invasion. For me, it doesn't tarnish his basic character & legacy much at all.. the 'mistake' should be only a footnote in the history books on the pages describing how Cheney..thru Bush.. pushed this story.