All his life African American Colin Powell has seen his career advanced by white Republicans who typically gain, each election cycle, about 6-8% of the vote of the black community. This means that Powell had to live with the perception among large percentages of the black community of being an Uncle Tom. This accusation has followed many many black people like Walter Williams, William Grigg, Clarence Thomas, Ward Connerly, J.C. Watts and Thomas Sowell, whose convictions found them being to “white” according to the majority black report. One only has to remember the foul things said by black people against Clarence Thomas when he was nominated to the Supreme Court.
When Colin Powell came out in favor of Barack Obama, Colin Powell did two things. First, Powell, got his blackness back. Second, Powell advanced his chances to ride the anticipated black Barack wave.
One thing that people should learn in this Powell endorsement is that most people’s loyalty (and their certainly are exceptions) to their people is stronger than their loyalty to foreigners who advance their career. This simple observation has for centuries been taken for granted by people as can be seen by people in leadership surrounding themselves with family members placed in important positions. (Think of John Kennedy putting Bobby in charge of the Justice Department as just one example.)
Another thing that should be learned from the Powell endorsement is that multi-culturalism doesn’t work. When push comes to shove people will gravitate towards their natal culture.