Supporters Gather Again for Iran Treaty

Demonstrators gathered once again in front of the Federal Building on State Street on September 10 for a vigil in support of the Iran Peace Agreement.  New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and local Congress member Louise Slaughter have been supportive of the deal from its inception.  Signs showing gratitude toward them were displayed.  However New York's other senator Chuck Schumer voted with Republicans against the treaty.  

The vigils were held nationwide called by national organizations MoveOn.org and Code Pink. The local one held specific importance because earlier that day a full page ad appeared in the local Democrat and Chronicle accusing Senator Gillibrand of putting "ambition over country" and colluding with "terrorists."  A check of the Gannett paper's web site indicated a cost of $14,000-$18,000 to run the ad locally.

Senator Gillibrand did not collude with terrorists, she listened to her constituents, as well as our military, State department and President all of whom said the treaty was a good idea and a step toward peace.  Failure would likely lead to another disastrous war in the Mideast.  Senator Schumer on the other hand seemed to be more swayed by the same discredited liars and profiteers who misled us into war in Iraq.

The rally ended on a joyous note as Congressional Democrats amassed enough votes to sustain a veto of a Republican bill to nullify the accord. But the struggle is not over. Republicans are planning more attempts to derail the agreement. If a Republican wins the Presidency next year the US could back out of the treaty making war even more likely. The people must be ever vigilant.