Condi Rice: 'gimlet intellect'

Stopping in at blackprof.com is a part of my morning routine (was my billmon jones really that bad?) and the stop in each day is rewarding both intellectually and logistically.

Those are some eloquent voices posting there and my understanding of things is enriched by them.  It also serves as my 'portal' to Boondocks (2/3 down on the right).

In my mind, use of language is simply one of the many toolboxes of your mind.  How clearly and effectively one talks and communicates is the application of the skills and devices available to you, much like a good mechanic would keep a garage with filled with widgets, winches and whazits standing at the ready.

In 'Captain Obvious to the Rescue!!!' (currently top of the page but pending dislocation by something seasonal), Christopher Bracey offers an excellent analysis of some Condi-speak from her "worth the investment" interview with AP.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was on a Captain Obvious tear this week.  Rice, who by the way, is NOT running for president, recently told reporters that "Yes, I think a black person can be elected president."

A couple of things stood out.

I would say unequivocally yes, but I’m sure others have differing opinions on the issue.

I love the recognition that there will always be someone who holds beliefs and opinions contrary to yours; an excellent point to keep constantly in mind.

The other item which drew my attention was this:

Wow.  Of course, Rice couldn't leave well enough alone.  Her gimlet intellect revealed yet another hard-to-discern tidbit about American life. "We should not be naïve," remarked the Secretary.  "Race is still an issue in America."

ROFLMAO!!!

gimlet intellect

More importantly, perhaps, is that it might be revealing of her core values regarding race; 'its bad, let's move on'.  If she had something truly significant to say about the question of race, this was an outstanding venue.