On the Eve of August 15: Brief Personal Thoughts On #IranDeal

  

August 15 2015 is before us.    Iranians around the world are gearing up for a day of action in support of the deal.      It has been gratifying to see the grassroots effort on such a grand scale around the World.    As I add my voice to this as a private citizen, I wanted to also underscore this that I personally chose from +Jonathan Huie that our team regularly reviews and chooses for some of the on-going curation for our network in the spirit of this day of peace:

 

This land, this water, this air, this planet -

this is our legacy to our young.

- Paul Tsongas

If future generations are to remember us more with gratitude than sorrow,

we must achieve more than just the miracles of technology.

We must also leave them a glimpse of the world as it was created,

not just as it looked when we got through with it.

- Lyndon B. Johnson

Consider seven generations in the future when making decisions that affect the people.

- Wilma Mankiller

Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet.

We all breathe the same air.

We all cherish our children's future.

And we are all mortal.

- John F. Kennedy

In South Orange County,  the following has been organized to help build up community support:    

• Community Petition Drive for #Vote4Peace:  Saturday, Aug 22,  2015 :  10:00AM to 8:00PM :
  Location: in front of Super Irvine located at 14120 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604, phone # (949) 552-8844
  Direction: from San Diego 405 South: Depart I-405 S, At exit 5, take ramp right to Culver Dr,
  Turn left onto Culver Dr, Pass Circle K/Circle K on the left Arrive at 14120 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604
  Direction: From La 405 North: Depart I-405 N ,take ramp right for CA-133 South toward Laguna Beach
  take San Diego, take I-5 North toward Los Angeles At exit 99, take ramp right toward Culver Dr
  Turn left onto Trabuco Rd,Turn left onto Culver Dr, Make a U-turn at Scottsdale Dr,216 ft
  Arrive at 14120 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604
• Walk for #Vote4Peace: Monday Aug 24th 2015 From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, we will be gathering  and walking on both sides of the street which  is across from our U.S. Representative Mimi Walters office ,  the 45th Congressional District of California, Republican Party.  We want here to hear our voice to #Vote4Peace.
  Location address: 3333 Michelson Drive Suite 230,Irvine, CA 92612,Phone: (949) 263-8703 ,Fax: (949) 263-8704.  Corner of Mother market, Verizon shopping center.
  Direction: from San Diego 405 South: Depart I-405 S, take ramp right Jamboree Rd,Turn right onto Jamboree Rd,Turn left onto Michelson Dr, Arrive at 3333 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
  Direction : From La 405 North: Depart I-405 N,take ramp right for Culver Dr.Turn left onto Culver Dr,Turn right onto Michelson Dr.
  Parking:  The  shopping center and they have two parking structure inside the shopping center on the right side 24Hr fitness and left side office building parking.
• Walk for #Vote4Peace : Friday Aug 28th 2015 From 6:00pm to 9:00P:   
  Location address : in front of Super Irvine located at 14120 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604, phone # (949) 552-8844
  Direction: from San Diego 405 South: Depart I-405 S, At exit 5, take ramp right to Culver Dr,
  Turn left onto Culver Dr, Pass Circle K/Circle K on the left Arrive at 14120 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604
  Direction : From La 405 North: Depart I-405 N ,take ramp right for CA-133 South toward Laguna Beach
  take San Diego, take I-5 North toward Los Angeles At exit 99, take ramp right toward Culver Dr,
  Turn left onto Trabuco Rd,Turn left onto Culver Dr,Make a U-turn at Scottsdale Dr,216 ft,Arrive at 14120 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604
  Parking: Two shopping centers are available  
  
  

  
  

  
  

As the debate over the #IranDeal continues, what I found striking was this I received when I reached out to Congressman Rohrbacher's Office.   I had asked for a constituent meeting with either himself or his staff in my private capacity--although I hope that the expertise and understanding would be helpful.  I had been in touch with his office and a member of his staff had done some responses.   But I found it so striking that I received the same answer "verbatim" approximately 30 Days after the same response I received back in July when I released a column on it in my "corner" here at the Daily Outsider:

Mr. Mike Pouraryan

Laguna Niguel, California 92677-2364

Dear Mr. Pouraryan:

Thank you for contacting me with your views regarding the Iran nuclear deal.  I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns.

As you may know, on July 14, 2015, Iran and the six powers that have negotiated with Iran about its nuclear program finalized a "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," (JCPA) that attempts to ensure that Iran's nuclear program will be used for purely peaceful purposes, in exchange for a broad suspension of U.S., European Union, and United Nations sanctions.

Since the JCPA was not submitted to Congress before the July 10, 2015, deadline laid out in the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which was enacted into law earlier this year, an automatic 60 day congressional review period has been triggered.  As such, Congress is expected to vote on the deal sometime in September. 

One of the major flaws in this deal is the relinquishing of the international sanctions regime.  These sanctions, which have been in place since 2006, have crippled the Iranian economy and helped slow the growth of its nuclear industry.  On November 24, 2013, the strategy of sanctioning Iran was validated as Iranian leaders were forced to the negotiating table with the major world powers.  However, through the proposed JCPAagreement, Iran will gain access to $100 billion to $150 billion in hard currency without the limitations and safeguards even President Obama once claimed were necessary for an effective deal.  

It is naive to believe that Iran, one of the largest state sponsors of terrorism, will not utilize the additional flood of money to further fund terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah that threaten U.S. interests and our regional allies.  This is a high cost for the illusion of peace and only temporarily limits Iran's nuclear program.  While I desire a peaceful resolution to the situation in Iran, and certainly support diplomacy before pursuing any potential military action, it is my belief that this current deal is counterproductive to achieving our ultimate goals and threatensU.S. and international security.  

As a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, you can rest assured that I will continue to closely monitor this issue and keep your concerns in mind.  Again, thank you for giving me the benefit of your views.  Please continue to keep me informed on any other federal issues of concern to you.

Sincerely,
Dana Rohrabacher

Member of Congress

This deal is not about the Islamic Republic--but about the 80 Million Iranians.   We will also never forget and remember the four Americans who are held unjustly--including Jason Rezaian and Amir Hekmati.   But, I also wanted to make sure that we  remember the children--many of whom in that part of the World are not able to go to school and have been deprived of the basic necessities of life. 

Will we have the courage to embrace what Nelson Henderson told us we can?    I hope and pray that we do.