SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:55 P.M. ET:

GOP CONGRESSWOMAN PESSIMISTIC ON IRAN – From The Hill:  A high-ranking GOP lawmaker predicts that President Obama will use the "bully pulpit" to pressure lawmakers into backing a yet-to-be-seen deal to restrict Iran's nuclear program.  Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Fla.), a former chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, wants her colleagues to buck the White House on what she calls a "very weak deal," but is bracing for Congress to approve it. The Republican says Democratic lawmakers will buckle after Obama presents stark options to the public about the deal — due by June 30.  "The president has so much power, he’s got the bully pulpit, and he's gonna tell everybody in all of our communities that if your member of Congress isn’t for this deal, then that member of Congress wants to go to war with Iran. That's not true. So I'm afraid of the president using the megaphone that he has to get members of Congress to go with him on this very weak deal," the Foreign Affairs Middle East and Central Asia subcommittee chairwoman tells The Hill's Molly K. Hooper.  I think she's right.  Obama will use one of the lowest tactics in politics – accusing his opponents of being warmongers.  That will scare the Democrats into voting for any Iran deal.  That is the state of American politics.

RUSSIA MARCHES ON – From The Times of Israel:   Saudi Arabia and Russia reached an agreement on Friday under which Riydah is reportedly to build up to 16 nuclear reactors under Moscow’s supervision, further bolstering ties between the two countries days ahead of the deadline for nuclear talks between Iran and six world powers.  According to Saudi owned al-Arabiaya TV, the agreement, which provides for the “peaceful use of nuclear technology,” was signed at a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at an economic forum in St. Petersburg. The Saudi report, which cited unnamed sources, was not immediately confirmed.  We seem to be losing everywhere in the world.  I have no great admiration for Saudi Arabia, but it used to be a reliable American ally.  Now it seems to be looking elsewhere as Obama cozies up to Iran.

WONDERFUL – From hereandnow.wbur.org: For the eighth year in a row, the entire senior class at Verbum Dei High School – an all-male college and career preparatory Jesuit high school in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles – has been accepted into college.  The 68 seniors, many of whom are the first in their families to go to college, will be leaving their inner-city neighborhood to pursue higher education across the country.  “The Verb,” as the school is called, caters to low-income students – some of whom are behind in their academic standing by about two or three years. The school packs six to seven years of high school into four, and does so with a four-day school week. Administrators say that rigorous course work, small college preparatory classes, corporate work experience and a supportive environment from teachers and family is the key to students’ success.  You see, it can be done, with discipline, determination, and respect for high standards.  Good luck to these kids, and a pat on the back for those who pushed them.

June 21, 2015