I watched President Obama’s recent presentation on the Iran negotiations and thought he made a solid presentation for approving this agreement. I’m now having doubts on whether to accept his interpretation and analysis because of secret side agreements, which can’t be revealed — not even to senators.
Webster’s Dictionary defines the word treaty as a formal agreement or contract between two or more nations or sovereigns, formally signed and solemnly ratified by the supreme power of each state.
How can the members of Congress vote blindly on a “treaty” not knowing its full content? I use quotation marks on the word treaty because this agreement may have some other classification. My understanding is that if this is a treaty, it can only be ratified by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Senate present — anything less would be a denial.
I now read that if this is not approved, the president will have the power to veto that rejection, comfortable with believing he’ll have the votes to avoid an override, even allowing for some faithful supporters political cover by not arm-twisting for a favorable vote.
Has the Senate relinquished its responsibilities and ducked a tough decision?
Robert Lewicki
Matawan