Unlike the Twin Towers in New York, the Iranian Nuclear Deal did not go up in smoke. Instead, the U.S. Senate handed Obama his deal with Iran— which many, from every different political spectrum, find significantly flawed, absurd and dangerous for U.S. citizens and interests. As one presidential candidate summed up the Iranian deal, “they get everything and we get nothing.”
Especially ironic was that that the deal was approved on the eve of the 14th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks.
Think back to that day, 14 years ago. In an instant “politics as usual” was cut short. Even hardened secular news anchors talked about prayer and patriotism. We shed tears as one; “one nation, under God, indivisible…” U.S. flags waved on nearly every bridge in the country, and on city fire trucks nationwide. On that tragic day, we U.S. citizens—from every walk of life and every political party and every faith or non-belief—we immediately felt united; as one against the attackers.
What a difference 14 short years make. A different President, with different priorities. A different air among U.S. Senators who voted for the Iran Nuclear Deal, not in the heat of a recent attack but rather from the comfort of their leather Senate Chamber chairs. Ironic.
CNN reports that despite the Senate vote approving the Iranian deal, the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday strongly defeated a bill for the nuclear deal, with 25 Democrats joining House Republicans opposing the pact.
Additionally, the House of Representatives passed a non-binding measure stating that the President could not unilaterally lift statutory sanctions. The vote was 247 to 186, with two Democrats voting with Republicans.
CNN describes yesterday’s House votes on the Iranian Nuclear Deal as follows: “Paving the way for a possible legal challenge, the House passed a non-binding resolution on Thursday stating that the President violated the law by not giving Congress the details on “side deals” to the nuclear agreement related to inspections of Iranian sites, which are government by secret arrangements between Tehran and the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency.”
From a Catholic perspective, no one can say we don’t we don’t live in interesting times! That’s for sure!