Ari256:
Disagree if you choose. But your pronouncement about Reb Shmuel is beyond ignorant. I am not of the opinion that someone’s prowess in learning has earned the qualifications to guide the Klal on political decisions, etc. Here, I must protest your claiming that to be relevant to Reb Shmuel. For quite some years, his son, Reb Sholom, has been the functional Rosh Hayeshiva in Philadelphia. Reb Shmuel has dedicated the greatest bulk of his time to serving in a leadership role for the Klal. This includes the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah of Agudah, the Vaad Roshei Yeshivos of Torah Umesorah, and a go to person for Klal issues for many, many years. Your local orthodox rabbi might do enormously well at saying the Daf, drashos on Shabbos and Shalosh Seudos, even paskening shailos. This does not necessarily qualify him to represent the Klal or pasken/guide the Klal. Regardless, Reb Shmuel has been a public servant for many years, and unquestionably has the experience to be considered a gadol with vast knowledge in such areas. Again, you are not obligated to agree with him. But it is baseless to dismiss him as just a “Rosh Yeshiva in Philadelphia”.