Sen. Ron Johnson on expanding Iranian Sanctions inspite of the

We've got hard headed politicians in office who easily could be accused of megalomania.  But part of the problem is our own conditioned response that if someone changes his/her position on an issue he/she has waffled and is not firm in his/her beliefs.  Unfortunately that's absolutely ludicrous.  

As many of us know, sometimes being wrong is the most rewarding realization.  We cannot always be right and when new evidence is provided we ought to be willing to alter our perceptions.  Iran and America could be on the verge of re-establishing diplomatic ties.  The November 24th agreement is a step in the right direction toward peace.  The alternative is to strike the deal and impose more sanctions.

Sen. Johnson is one who seems unwilling to change his position.  Maybe he's scared about being labeled a 'waffler', maybe he truly believes Iran is the archenemy - the frontier of the new cold war - or maybe he doesn't have a clue and doesn't want to have a clue.  Maybe he just wants to walk the party line.  Whatever his motivation, his animosity toward the Iranian government pours out in this response to my recent letter and it overrides any possibility for peace.

Dear William,

 

Thank you for contacting me regarding Iran, their nuclear program, and the question of the United States implementing stricter sanctions on their government.

 

I fully support holding the Iranian government accountable for their ongoing efforts that destabilize the Middle East, and for their words and actions that continue to threaten America and the rest of the world.

 

Last congress, I was proud to support S.2101, The Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Human Rights Act, which passed the Senate on a bipartisan voice vote.  The bill enhances America's resolve to impose sanctions on Iran for their continued pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and for its ongoing human rights abuses.  By approving S.2101, Congress spoke with one loud and clear voice to impose strong economic sanctions against Tehran and penalties for those who knowingly choose to do business with the Iranian government.

 

I also joined 82 of my colleagues in co-sponsoring Senate Joint Resolution 41.  This resolution expressed the sense of Congress regarding the Iranian government's nuclear program. Unfortunately, Iran has defied the international community by continuing to pursue nuclear weapons.  If the Iranian regime continues down this path, America and her allies will be left with few options to prevent a nuclear Iran. 

 

Defending our nation is a top priority of the federal government. We live in a dangerous world and face a number of threats both at home and abroad.  The despotic Iranian government represents one of the greatest threats to world peace as they continue their efforts of acquiring nuclear weapons.    Maintaining the strongest possible sanctions and leaving all options on the table - including military - is the best way to persuade the Iranians to abandon their nuclear ambitions. 

 

Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts.  It is important for me to hear the views and concerns of the people I serve .   Please feel free to contact me in the future if I can further assist you or your family.  It is an honor representing you and the good people of Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate.

 

Sincerely,


Ron Johnson
United States Senator