26 Senators Defy Obama, Back Iran Sanctions Bill

[Tom Rinaldo]

26. I called my Senators offices in Washington two days ago

I live in NY so I spoke to office staff for Gillebrand and Shumer.

I stressed not wanting Congress to insert itself into the negotiations with Iran by introducing any legislation regarding the stand off with Iran during the 6 month negotiating window. I pointed out that there are always extremists on any side of a conflict looking for an excuse to inflame the situation to scuttle negotiations and torpedo any peaceful resolution of differences. The Senate may think it has reasonable proposals but they become fodder for blowing up negotiations in the hands of hardliners on either side. I said that is what happened between Israel and Palestine when Rabin was assassinated - the extremists on both sides won even though men of good will stood ready to make peace. I said hands off the negotiating process- take your concerns directly to Secretary Kerry in private for now during this negotiating window. This is not the time to go looking for political points with any special interest groups. They may have legitimate interests and concerns, but while I too support Israel's right to exist and understand that we stand ready to protect Israel, we have legitimate national interests also and these Senators were elected as United States Senators to represent our interests.

When I spoke to Gillebrands office I heard typing going on throughout our entire call, so I think the woman I spoke to was taking notes to pass on. I got a polite listen from Shumer's staff - no indication of how they were noting my concerns, or if they were.