Yes, we’ll talk about the Iran deal in a moment, but first, the coolest deals of the day. Of course, Amazon has its big Prime sale today, so if you choose to make sure purchases there, please remember to use the Radio or Not Amazon portal so we get a commission!
But I’m talking about the first (and probably only) Radio or Not Fundraising Auction which officially kicked off today. I hope you’ll check out the auction listings and bid early and bid often!
The big deal of the week is, of course, the Iran nuclear agreement that was announced early yesterday morning. The details are still being digested by all, but the dividing lines are being drawn here at home. Congress has 60 days to consider the agreement.
Yesterday, Congressman Alan Grayson released this statement
I am very much in favor of peace between Iran and the United States, and between Iran and its neighbors. I recognize that an extraordinary amount of effort went into the negotiations for this agreement over the past two years. And I am pleased to see that the sanctions imposed on Iran brought it to the negotiating table.
Having reviewed this agreement, there are three areas that concern me:
First, I’m concerned that the lifting of economic sanctions will not stop Iran from continuing to be a sponsor of global terrorism. In fact, that support would now be well-financed by an increase in its oil revenues.
Second, I’m concerned that Iran will continue its missile program, which would help it develop a missile directed against the United States.
Third, I’m concerned that this is just a pause in Iran’s nuclear weapons program, and not an end to it. I am hopeful that there will be peace between Iran and the rest of the world. That peace must include Iran no longer threatening the security of any other country, by nuclear or non-nuclear means, with missiles or otherwise. It must also include Iran no longer being a sponsor of global terrorism.
It remains critical that Iran, under the current regime or any regime like it, never be allowed to develop or possess a nuclear weapon – the security of the Middle East, and millions of lives, depend on it.
He joined me on the show this morning to discuss his concerns. When I asked him how he’d vote if the vote was today, he answered, “I haven’t decided yet.”
Interestingly, Senator Bernie Sanders – candidate for the Democratic nomination for president – weighed in with this statement:
I congratulate President Obama, Secretary Kerry and the leaders of other major nations for producing a comprehensive agreement to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. This is a victory for diplomacy over saber-rattling and could keep the United States from being drawn into another never-ending war in the Middle East. I look forward to learning more about the complex details of this agreement to make sure that it is effective and strong.
One article I recommend reading is via Peter Beinert at The Atlantic, “Why the Iran Deal Makes Obama’s Critics So Angry.”
Although I’m having a difficult time booking Sen. Sanders on the show since he announced his candidacy, he sat for a lengthy, in-depth interview with John Nichols of The Nation for the current cover story, “Bernie Sanders Speaks.”
John joined me on the show this morning to talk about presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, as opposed to Senator Bernie Sanders. Although I don’t agree with Bernie on everything, I am with him on most issues. But we have to change his mind about guns.
Stay tuned….
Tomorrow, Harvey J. Kaye on the quixotic presidential bid of Scott Walker, and Jeff Sharlet on his trip to Skid Row, and what ever else the day brings, radio or not!
