My name is Don Smith.  Some of you saw me before, as one of the “My Tucson” writers.  When Mark and Ryn started the new TucsonCitizen.com,  I begged asked for the chance to blog on the new site.  So…here I am.

I’m a defense contractor on FT Huachuca, retired Army Reserve Military Intelligence officer, politically conservative and a foot soldier for local GOP candidates at election time.  As for now, I expect my blog posts to focus on these areas:

- Conservatism

- Defense and national security intelligence affairs

- National security issues.

I’m going to steer clear of areas where (a) I don’t have a lot of in-depth knowledge (e.g., the ins-and-outs of Tucson politics), or (b) other blogs are already on the beat.

If you’re wondering where the name “Fort Buckley” came from…

- “Fort” commemorates Tucson’s Wild West heritage.  Also, US Cavalry forts were often isolated (and occasionally beleagured) during the Indian wars…and modern-day conservatives in the Old Pueblo often feel isolated in a largely liberal Tucson.

- “Buckley” honors the godfather of the modern conservative movement, the late William F. Buckley.

For now, I plan to post on Wednesdays.  Once a month, I’ll link to and comment on a blog from another Arizona conservative blogger (there are plenty of us).  

Comment Policy

I view “Fort Buckley,” first and foremost, as a column. I’ll engage as often as I can in the comments section, but to be honest and upfront with y’all, running a vigorous online discussion is not my first priority with this blog.   Don’t get upset if I don’t respond to your comment.

Having said that, I will make an effort to let you have your say in the comments section, even if I disagree wholeheartedly with you.  But, there are a few things that will make me more likely to delete your comments and mark your address as “Spam:”

• Routine, endless bashing of conservatives and Republicans.  I’ve made it pretty clear where my sympathies lie.  If you want to trash conservatives and Republicans, there are several blogs on TC.com that (IMO) cater directly to you.  Go visit them.
• Foul and abuse language.  ’nuff said.
• Insulting the American military.  Don’t do it.
• Conversations that are way off the main topic of a particular blog.  This is called “threadjacking.”

Who makes the final decisions on these matters?  Yes, exactly. 

Let the games begin…