Powell on Kosovo: 'We can't avert our eyes' to crisis

Retired Gen. Colin Powell says America can't ignore the atrocities taking place in Kosovo, where one-half million people have fled Serbian troops who are accused of carrying out a campaign of genocide.

"We can't avert our eyes from what is happening," said the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "I don't know how it will turn out, but we must do something."

Powell touched on Kosovo and a variety of other subjects Saturday night as the featured speaker at the annual UNLV Foundation Dinner, held at the Bellagio hotel-casino.

During his speech he entertained, inspired and challenged Las Vegas' elite at the invitation-only, black-tie affair that honors members of the foundation's groups that contribute more than $1,000 to the university's academic programs.

Before introducing the acclaimed former military man, Mirage Resorts Chairman Steve Wynn praised the almost 850 people at the event as "the 'A' list -- everybody who cares the most about the community."

Powell, who gained international recognition during the 1991 Persian Gulf War's Operation Desert Storm, retired from the Army in 1993 after 35 years of service.

Since his retirement, the general has written a best-selling autobiography and has been touted as a possible presidential candidate, but thus far has shown no interest in entering the battlefield of politics.

Powell's major interest today is the young people who will be running the world tomorrow, the main theme of his speech Saturday night.

"I am devoting my time and my energy to the young people of America," said Powell, who has been chairman of America's Promise -- The Alliance for Youth, since its founding in 1997.

Of the young people, his greatest concern is for disadvantaged youth who may not feel they have a shot at the American Dream.

Powell says Americans must launch a united effort to make sure every child has every opportunity to succeed.

He draws upon his military experience as the way to save the at-risk young people.

"My task (as a soldier) was to prepare young men to go into combat -- to instill in them a mission, vision and sense of purpose so when they met the supreme challenge they were ready for it," Powell said.

That is his goal for America's youth -- to give them hope and purpose where there now is despair, drugs, crime and violence.

It is vital, he stressed, to make the youth aware they are "loved and valued."

Powell said most young people in America are not in danger.

"Most of them are fine, but up to 15 million are not on a path to success," he said, urging listeners to start a crusade for the youth.

He listed five basic goals:

Powell said high school students should be required to perform community service, and is pushing for a mandatory community service program.

Last year, Powell was in Las Vegas to issue an official membership charter to the Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club.

Saturday night he noted that as much brick and mortar went into the building of the Boys & Girls Club as goes into building a jail.

"We either build our children, or we build jails," he said. "It's time to stop building jails and get back to the task of building children."

At the conclusion of Powell's speech, he was given an honorary doctorate by UNLV President Carol Harter.

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