×

Street talks find support for Iran deal

Since my last article regarding the Iran nuclear deal, I have kept my ear to the ground and have walked up to total strangers and engaged them in a conversation if time permitted. I have found people quite open and willing to speak to me, especially veterans.

In this installment I am urging U.S. Rep. Tom Reed to change from opposing this deal to supporting it.

According to The New York Times, 29 of the nation’s top scientists – including Nobel laureates, veteran makers of nuclear arms and former White House science advisers – wrote to President Obama to praise the Iran deal, calling it innovative and stringent.

Most of the 29 who signed the letter are physicists, and many of them have held what the government calls “Q” clearances – granting access to a special category of secret information that bears on the design of nuclear arms and is considered equivalent to the military’s top secret security clearance.

The Iran accord has “more stringent constraints than any previously negotiated nonproliferation framework. We congratulate you and your team,” the letter says in its opening to President Obama, adding that the Iran deal “will advance the cause of peace and security in the Middle East and can serve as a guidepost for future nonproliferation agreements.”

All of the constituents I have had the pleasure of talking to are supporting the deal and urging you to do the same.

“Diplomacy is better than war,” said Marcia. “It’s the best deal we can get the deal is a coalition of other countries besides the U.S., it is the only plan for peace in the region,” stated Judi. She continues, “There are ways to inspect and take action if necessary, note, those against this deal offer no alternative, except warwe want peace, not war peace.”

Walter said, “Five former heads of Mossad are for the deal as well as 38 retired U.S. generals and admirals.” Karl supports the deal, “This standoff with Iran has gone on since I was a kid. Enough.”

Aaron stated, “I don’t know the whole deal and I’m sure most lay persons don’t either. I look at what prominent persons are for it or against it. Most Republicans were against it before they even read it. Former Israeli generals accept the deal, three dozen retired generals and admirals released an open letter this past Tuesday supporting the Iran nuclear deal and urged Congress to do the same.”

Ginger said, “Obama and all the other leaders worked a long hard time. Those that oppose the deal hated it before they read it because they are anti-Obama. We can’t afford anymore wars; we need to concentrate on our country for a while.”

It is very apparent that the majority of the people I spoke with were in support of the deal because either they have served in the military previously or have sons and daughters over there right now.

This is why we need to ensure we do everything we can to prevent future war unless it is absolutely necessary. Our country needs to exhaust all diplomatic efforts before the possibility of military action is warranted. We owe it to the men and women that choose to serve this country.

The deal our State Department, and the other permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, has negotiated with Iran the best diplomatic effort we can agree upon. It has great potential to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and prevent the future deployment of our Armed Forces.

I urge you to reconsider your decision, Congressman Reed.

On Saturday at 1 p.m., Congressman Reed will be holding a town hall meeting at the Sheridan VFW on Route 20. Please take some time to let the Congressman know how you feel; I will be there.

Give peace a chance.

Cath Kestler is a Silver Creek resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today