(Thanks so much for coming to Blue Hampshire, Jay. I look forward to the discussion as well. - promoted by Dean)
It has been a month since I announced my possible Senate run. Since then the feedback has been very positive and I thank the many people-friends and strangers alike-who have given their encouragement and pledges of support.
Our exploratory committee just launched a web site, www.buckey08.com, that summarizes my background and highlights the issues I feel are important. I hope the web site gives you an opportunity to learn about me and about how I'd represent New Hampshire.
As I explore launching this Senate campaign, I'd like to have a dialogue with those who are following the issues closely. The Democratic Party should be the party of new ideas, and I'd welcome a discussion of new approaches to our current problems with Iraq and national security, energy, the economy, health care, economic opportunity, and other issues.
Right now, Iraq is at the top of our national agenda. On the website, we've included the e-mail I sent to our representatives in October 2002. At the time, I strongly urged them to vote against the Iraq War resolution. But that decision is in the past. We need to find a new way forward.
The current debate worries me. If we want to set timelines, the first one should be a firm schedule for reducing our foreign oil imports. Without this, we won't be addressing a key factor driving our Persian Gulf involvement. We may be able to remove some troops now, but any number of events (al Qaeda control of oil pipelines, fighting in Kirkuk, Iranian control of Iraqi oil) could create strong pressure to send the troops right back in.
The Iraq study group report received attention when it first came out, but two facts in the report weren't talked about enough. One is that Iraq has the world's second-largest known oil reserves. The other is that, if the instability in Iraq spreads, oil prices could rise and damage the global economy. In other words, we have managed to link our economic future with the stability of the Middle East. The only way to break that link is by sending the clear message that, starting now, we are going to significantly reduce our petroleum imports. This is the most important action we can take for our long-term national security.
The neo-cons had it wrong five years ago. We need a new direction that develops a smart security plan for the country. This is one of the overriding reasons for me to explore a Senate candidacy. I look forward to having a dialogue with you all. |
