Condoleezza Rice Essay -- Politics Political

Condoleezza Rice   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At this point in time the name and image of Condoleezza Rice is commonplace among the majority of informed Americans. As the first female to serve as the National Security Advisor to the President of the United States, Dr. Rice was propelled even further into the spotlight following the attacks on America on September 11th 2001. I too, like most Americans, saw a lot more of Condi, as she is known by her many friends and colleagues, after September 11. Clearly she was intelligent and always remained calm and poised in the face of adversity and standing before the cameras. I also noticed and appreciated her articulation and was even moved by what seemed like her stoic yet compassionate presentation. It was not until I read Dr. Rice’s biography, Condi, by Antonia Felix, however that she gained my utmost respect. By the 21st century a black successful black female is not as uncommon as it was fifty years ago. Black women had fought their way to the top in many arenas, including political such as the U.S. Senate. What is truly amazing about Condi’s story is speed and finesse with which she ascended to the top of everything she took on. An endearing friendship and mutual loyalty with both of the George Bushes surely did not hurt her. Condi’s  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   success was hardly limited to the world of politics. She approached music, fitness, academics, sports, religion, and family with the same decisiveness, consistency, and determination that she brought to the public sector. Condi is also no stranger to controversy. Now more than ever she faces a host of critics, especially regarding her supposed knowledge of possible terrorist threats before they came to pass on September 11. Her Republican politics made her less than popular among African Americans although she maintains a more liberal perspective on social issues and remains pro-choice. In spite of her ups and downs it is ultimately her unfaltering character to which sh e can attribute her success as well as her status as what many call the most powerful woman in politics.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The high academic pursuits of the Rice family did not exactly begin with Condoleezza and her generation. The foundation of this idea can be seen in chapter 2 of her autobiography in which the author begins the chronological record with a look at Julia Head Rice. Julia was born into slavery, albeit house slavery which was h... ...onsibilities were never ending and she approached them with the same grace and drive as she does everything in her life. Although the book end its documentation in 2002, shortly after 9/11, Condi’s duties have become no less urgent. Since that time she has had to defend her Administration against suggestions that the attacks could have been prevented and has done so quite well. The 2004 elections have just been completed and George W. Bush is returning to the White House for another term. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell has submitted his resignation and Condoleezza Rice has been nominated as a predictable replacement. If she survives the Senate approval hearings she will become the first black female and second female to fill the role. While I have full faith in her abilities I am concerned with the fact that without Powell in the National Security Council there will be no dissenting opinions. The proposed administration is politically homogenous. Surely Dr. Rice wo uld understand this concern as she herself is quoted in the opening lines of chapter 8 of her biography as saying â€Å"If you find yourself in the company of people who agree with you, you’re in the wrong company.†