Colin Powell's Comback To An Iraqi Reporter

	Nice Comeback, Colin (Part 1)

Created 2/28/2003 (2/28/2003) Quotes circulated via e-mail must always be greeted with a healthy dose of skepticism because of the unreliability of the medium. Unlike another chain letter that fictionalizes a real Powell quote, this one has its basis in humor, not reality.

SAMPLE CHAIN LETTER TEXT According to the New York Post, one of Saddam's newshounds asked Powell, "Isn't it true that only 13% of young Americans can locate Iraq on a map?" "That may be true," Powell countered. "You're probably right. But unfortunately for you, all 13% are Marines."

END CHAIN LETTER TEXT

No, this exchange between U.S. Secretary of State and an Iraqi reporter did not happen. There is no reliable account of the exchange in the New York Post or any other publication. In fact, the exchange appears to have its roots in a December 12, 2002 Doonsbury comic strip in which a fictional Iraqi official delivers the setup during a U.N. weapons inspection, and intrepid reporter Roland Hedley delivers the snappy punchline. The comic strip predates the earliest known examples of the rumor above and is likely the inspiration for it. Break this chain.

Category: No Joke Too Obvious
References: Doonesbury, December 12, 2002