Rochester Rally for Support of Iran Nuclear Treaty

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Submitted by AlBrundage on Sat, 2015-08-29 14:23

Earlier this year the US signed a historic deal with Iran to assure its compliance with the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty which will prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. The treaty was negotiated with the United Nations Security Council members The US, UK, France, Russia and China along with Germany and Austrailia. Germany's participation is especially important because much of the technology for Iran's peaceful nuclear power uses comes from Germany. The treaty makes a strong distinction between peaceful nuclear power and nuclear weapons, and enforces it through inspections. It represents years of dilligent work of Secretary John Kerry's State department. Unfortunately the treaty has to be ratified by a Republican controlled Congress. Therein lies the problem as Congressional Republicans seem bent on blocking all of the Obama administration's accomplishments.

Of special concern to the people of New York State is Senator Charles Schumer's announcement that he intends to vote against approval of the treaty. Senator Schumer is a Democrat as is President Obama. He is also in line to become the Senate Democratic leader when the current leader Senator Harry Reid retires at the end of his current term. Other local representatives Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congress Member Louise Slaughter have announced strong support of the treaty.

Schumer's opposition appears to be coming from the pro-Israel lobby and the far-right Israeli government. Years ago former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made some threatening comments about Israel. Even some of his fellow Iranians described his rhetoric as "an incredibly low bar for dignified behavior." Iran is a democracy and like the US their president has a two term limit. Ahmadinejad has since been replaced by a much more moderate president Hasan Rouhani.

Rejection of this treaty could potentially lead to war with Iran which is why so many groups supported this rally. Some of those include MoveOn.org Metro Justice Peace Action and Education, Progressive Democrats of America , Just Foreign Policy, CodePink, Roots Action, United for Peace and Justice, Peace Action New York State, Credo, National Iranian American Council, The Daily Kos, Council for a Livable World, Win Without War, Veterans for Peace, Rochester Against War and Band of Rebels.

Even some prominent Israelis support the treaty, as explained by Doug Noble of Peace Action & Education

Doug Noble on Iran Treaty

Local blogger and activist Judy Bello explains details of the agreement and explores Sen. Schumer's opposition. She has travelled extensively in Iran during the past several years.