Onsite: Powell’s challenge for America on a great Tuesday at GAC!
Retired General Colin Powell created quite a buzz as he delivered his keynote address to a packed house at Tuesday morning’s general session of CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference.
Most of the more than 5,000 GAC attendees created a standing room only crowd to hear Powell speak on many subjects, including the current state of our country.
He acknowledged the problems in America, saying, “If you dare stray from the far left or the far right, you’re going to get hammered,” and “the discord among black and white, that’s not us. As Americans, we are one.”
Powell said it is up to us to fix the problem. “We the people have to start pushing back against the polarization in America. We have to teach our children that it’s love, not hate, that makes the world go ‘round. Stop insulting each other.”
He also says it’s time to stop insulting one another in the political landscape as well.
“We deserve better and we must fix a political system that insults each other and can’t work together,” he told the crowd of credit union advocates.
Powell mentioned how the US Constitution was written in only a few months, and yet today, Congress can’t even pass an appropriations bill.
Gen. Powell also applauded credit unions for their “job well done serving members,” saying, “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you do for our fellow citizens. I appreciate that you exist solely to serve.”
His respect for credit unions dates back to his early days in the military. He put his money into a credit union at a young age and commends credit unions for taking the time to explain financials to their members.
Telling credit union leaders to “work smart and work sharp,” he reminded us that “leadership is all about followership,” and asked leaders to “empower your people,” by letting them know, “You are vital. You are important.”
Powell said he realizes that there is a lot of anxiety in the U.S. right now, but to not let that stifle our energy and optimism. It’s important that we not forget “the amazing people who have come here from distant shores.”
While he didn’t say a lot about President Trump, he did say he hoped we’d one day have a president who “can embody the spirit of the American people.”
“We will remain the best nation on earth as long as we remain open, diverse and we remember our heritage.”
NCUA’s Rick Metsger and J. Mark McWatters also spoke on Tuesday, with Metsger saying that “the future of the credit union system can never be put on autopilot,” as he encouraged advocates to continue fighting for credit unions.
As the afternoon rolled around, attendees were given another diverse set of breakout sessions to attend, including hearing from the Creating Awareness Advisory Group and a look at what credit unions can expect from the Trump administration in the future.
Check below for more from #CUNAGAC!
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