White House Press Secretary Dana Perino briefs reporters on the President Bush's schedule during a press briefing, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at the White House in Washington.
An exchange between Dana and—this reporter isn’t identified by name, but it has to be Helen Thomas. No one else could be this callous and stupid.
Dana: [speaking about the Israel/Gaza situation] The easiest thing to stop the situation would be for Hamas to stop sending rockets into Israel. I think there were 35 that were sent from Gaza into Israel yesterday, and if that was to halt, I think a cease-fire would be something that would be achieved much more quickly than if they don't.Q -- stop the bombarding of the innocent Palestinians. The U.S. has not called for anything and the President gave the green light for this slaughter.
Dana: First and foremost, the Israelis did not ask the United States' permission. I do not believe that the --
Q They didn't ask permission, but they got the backing.
Dana: I do not believe the that Israelis are targeting innocent civilians. But we do know that innocent civilians have been caught up in this fighting, and that's why we are concerned about it. And they have halted --
Q They're not caught up, they're being bombarded.
Dana: I think they are caught up in it. And I -- it's a terrible situation. You have one -- I think over a million people living in a very small area. The best thing that they could do for themselves is to have their leaders make a decision to renounce terror and violence, and at least, at the very least, to stop sending the rockets right now so that a cease-fire could be put in place that could be lasting.
Q How about the U.S. vetoing any attempt for a cease-fire?
Dana: What we are seeking is a cease-fire that would actually last. I think the worst thing that we could have is to have this vicious cycle continue.
Q Why? Stop the killing.
Dana: Well, would you say the same, that Hamas should stop the killing of innocent Israelis?