Arthur Smith's Blog
Home for me is Long Island, New York; I work in the Information Technology industry, managing a software development group. As a citizen I have come to realize the critical need for a revolution in energy and have been working with scientists and engineers in the US and around the world to identify the most promising paths ahead for us. I expect to post some notes on our conclusions here.
I've also been a strong supporter of the Democratic party in recent years, as the poor direction of the Bush administration has become clear. And I share Senator Reid's membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; my faith compels me as a citizen to promote virtuous principles in government - honesty, integrity, decency in the treatment of all, principles I believe are best exemplified at the present time in US politics by the Senator's party. So I'm glad he's given us this space to talk about what we care about and believe in. Thanks, Senator Reid!
I've not posted here for a while, but was prompted today seeing the rabid headlines of others who have chosen to attack the truly honorable and brave Senator Reid through posts on this site. I'm a Democrat and a Mormon, and while I don't agree 100% with everything Senator Reid has done this year or in the past, given the tiny majority he has in the Senate (and not actually a majority of Democrats, but only including independents), I think his accomplishments are simply amazing.
On the Iraq war - Senator Reid speaks the truth. It would be wonderful if congress had more control of things, but the war is President Bush's and all they can do is try to set some parameters. Some have likened Bush's stance here to a hostage crisis, holding the troops hostage by threatening to veto any legislation Congress passes that isn't exactly what he wants. He's tried to keep blaming the Democrats, but the only reason there's anything coming before him at all is because *members of his own party* have started to see this simply can't go on, that the war no longer makes sense. Short of impeachment, which I think should absolutely be on the table (but very difficult to get to that point without many Republicans also on board) congress has little power to change what happens on the ground in Iraq - it's all in the administration's hands, and it's looking worse and worse every day.
So stick to your guns Harry, be assured there's far more with you than against you.
On the Iraq war - Senator Reid speaks the truth. It would be wonderful if congress had more control of things, but the war is President Bush's and all they can do is try to set some parameters. Some have likened Bush's stance here to a hostage crisis, holding the troops hostage by threatening to veto any legislation Congress passes that isn't exactly what he wants. He's tried to keep blaming the Democrats, but the only reason there's anything coming before him at all is because *members of his own party* have started to see this simply can't go on, that the war no longer makes sense. Short of impeachment, which I think should absolutely be on the table (but very difficult to get to that point without many Republicans also on board) congress has little power to change what happens on the ground in Iraq - it's all in the administration's hands, and it's looking worse and worse every day.
So stick to your guns Harry, be assured there's far more with you than against you.
Challenged on a mailing list with the question "Why are you Left of Center", I reviewed my political philosophy, which I think has been fairly consistent throughout my life and linked to my faith and religious values, despite changing party affiliations over the years. The following is a summary of what I believe is possible, and where government's focus should be. Read More »
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