EFFORTS BY SOME GOP FANATICS THWARTED

Below is an email from Sara Haghdoosti, a MoveOn member in New York and co-founder of Berim.org. Sara's MoveOn.org petition has more than 147,000 signatures calling on Congress not to undermine President Obama's diplomatic negotiations with Iran. Lots of MoveOn.org members have taken action in this effort, and we thought you'd be interested in her update on this important campaign. 

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Dear MoveOn member,

A few weeks ago, we were looking at the prospect of Senator Menendez's sanctions bill getting a veto-proof majority in the Senate and torpedoing the president's negotiations with Iran. 

Then things changed. Check out the headlines from the past two weeks:

Previous Iran Sanctions Co-sponsor won't back new sanctions now –National Journal, January 16

Support for new Iran sanctions wanes —MSNBC, January 17

Another blow to the Iran sanctions bill 
–Washington Post, January 22

How did this turnaround happen? As one Senate staffer said: "more voters contacting the Hill with phone calls and emails, voicing opposition to the bill."*

In other words, we made this happen. Over the past few weeks since this legislation was announced, over 150,000 people have taken action, we've made over 10,000 phone calls, and we've had petition deliveries all across the country.

What we're doing is working, and that's exactly why we can't let up now. What we've achieved over the past few weeks is proof that not only can we fight back against war, we can help create the space for politicians to become champions for diplomacy.

Now is the time for us to turn supporters into champions and the undecided into supporters. That's why over the next few weeks I'll be in touch about things you can do in your local area. 

Today, I just wanted to say "Congratulations!" I've never seen a political turnaround like this. We may not have money or fancy lobbyists, but what we do have is each other. The power we have when we stand alongside each other is truly inspiring.

Yours with hope, 

–Sara Haghdoosti, on behalf of Berim.org 

*MSNBC, "Support for new Iran sanctions wanes," Steve Benen, January 17, 2014

P.S. The interim deal with Iran went into effect last week. Here's a snapshot from our infographic about the deal. Click here to check out the full graphic and share it with your friends and family so we can get more people informed, excited, and bring them into our movement.