Moment of truth for Sen. Schumer

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To the editor: 

Congress received 60 days to review and concur on the treaty with Iran (“Rep. Engel cautious on Iran nuclear deal, July 30). President Barack Obama, in his usual arrogant way, has already said he will veto any votes by Congress to cancel the deal. It will require the votes of 67 senators out of 100 to overturn any presidential veto. Assuming all 54 Republican senators object to the deal, you need 13 Democratic senators to come up with the magic number of 67.  

Democratic Senate minority leader Harry Reid wants to make New York’s Senator Charles Schumer majority leader. This means that he can protect up to 12 senators who are concerned about being re-elected with a wink and a nod to stand with Israel and vote against Obama. 

Will Schumer be a profile in courage and vote against this disastrous deal? Will Schumer stand up and fight for Israel by seriously lobbying his fellow Democrats to insure 13 or more defect from the president and vote against the deal and kill it? 

It may mean Schumer choosing between becoming senate majority leader (by incurring the vengeful wrath of President Obama) and standing with friends of Israel. Reid wants to protect members in potentially competitive districts in 2016 from a pro-Israel Democratic primary or Republican general election challenger.  

Will Schumer put aside personal ambition to stand with Israel in this defining moment in history?   

Larry Penner

Senator Charles Schumer, senate majority leader, Larry Penner

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