Sellout Sunday? 

There is speculation based on the travel schedules of the key figures involved in the Iranian nuclear negotiations that a potential deal could be announced this Sunday. From everything we know, that deal will be a disaster for us and our allies, and a gift for the Iranian regime.

Consider the news just from the past week:
 

• The New York Times told us that the Iranians were resisting "any kind of formal 'framework' agreement." In other words, they want as little as possible to be put in writing. The Times adds that this could lead to the Obama White House claiming one thing while Tehran claims something completely different, which happened the last time Obama claimed to have a deal with Tehran. 
   
• The Associated Press reported that Iran was refusing to permit "snap inspections" of its nuclear facilities by U.N. inspectors. 
   
• The Washington Post wrote, "The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said that Iran has failed to provide the information or access needed to allay the agency's concerns about the weapons potential of the country's nuclear program." 
   
• There are reports today that the Obama Administration "may allow Iran to run hundreds of centrifuges" -- this is truly unbelievable -- at "a fortified underground bunker."  
   
• The Iranians are bragging about how much we have conceded. A key Iranian negotiator said this week, "The [West] has withdrawn from its positions compared with the past, otherwise we wouldn't have stood at this point and stage in the talks at all."

  Responding to the latest revelations, Senator Robert Menendez, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said, "We are not inching closer to Iran's negotiating position, but leaping toward it with both feet." 

  If there is a deal announced this weekend regarding Iran's nuclear program, by all indications it will be a sellout of U.S. and Israeli security interests. Not surprisingly, such a sellout will only accelerate nuclear proliferation in the Middle East as Arab nations realize that the Obama White House has no intention of reining in Iran's nuclear ambitions. 

  Demonizing Religious Liberty 

  Yesterday we reported that Indiana Governor Mike Pence had signed legislation protecting the religious freedom of business owners. The law is similar to existing federal legislation and the policies of dozens of other states. The tyrants of tolerance were quick to unleash their vitriol. 

  That fount of wisdom, Miley Cyrus, tweeted, "You're an a**hole @govpenceIN." Of course, she didn't censor her tweet. And she wasn't the only celebrity attacking the governor. Ashton Kutcher, Montel Williams and Hillary Clinton all weighed in. 

  The NCAA, which is hosting the Final Four games in Indianapolis next week, got in on the act too. NCAA President Mark Emmert issued a press release saying, "We are especially concerned about how this legislation could affect our student-athletes and employees." Emmert vowed to "work diligently" to make sure players and visitors to the Final Four "are not impacted negatively by this bill."

  Give me a break! 

  Let me reiterate once again what this is NOT about. It is not about denying gay couples the right to marry. 

  It is about protecting the religious liberty of men and women of faith. It is about making sure that those with strong religious objections are not forced to violate their faith by being compelled to participate in a same-sex wedding. 

  When it comes to bashing America or accommodating Islam, the left will bend over backwards to demonstrate its tolerance. Yet the left is incredibly intolerant when it comes to traditional Judeo-Christian values. 

  Dueling Budgets 

  The House and Senate passed budget blueprints this week. They offer starkly different visions for the future compared to President Obama's budget. For example:
   

• Obama's budget raises taxes by $2 trillion over the next ten years. The House and Senate budgets do not raise taxes.
   
• Even with those higher taxes, Obama's budget spends so much that it predicts a $600 billion deficit ten years from now. The congressional budgets cut spending and balance in ten years. 
   
• Obama's budget assumes Obamacare's mandates and regulations continue to grow, exerting even more control over our lives. The House and Senate budgets repeal Obamacare. 

  Cruise With Kristol, Barnes & Bauer 

  Have you ever wanted to take a cruise to Alaska? If so, here's the perfect opportunity! 

  Join Bill Kristol, Fred Barnes and me for The Weekly Standard's 20th anniversary Alaska cruise, August 14th through the 21st. In addition to the majestic beauty of God's creation, you'll enjoy panel discussions, seminars and numerous social events. 

  Cabins are going fast, so make your reservation today. Click here for more information. 

  I look forward to seeing you in Alaska!