Not just Helen Thomas. A take down from 2003.

[madfloridian]

September 10, 2003

The Honorable Howard Dean
P.O. Box 1228
Burlington, VT 05402

Dear Governor Dean:

We are writing to respond to your comments on the Middle East at a recent
campaign event and in Tuesday's candidate debate and explain why we believe
it is wrong to say the U.S. should "not take sides" in the
Israeli-Palestinian dispute.

American foreign policy has been - and must continue to be - based on
unequivocal support for Israel's right to exist and to be free from terror.
The Palestinians have at best been ambivalent about their willingness to
accept Israel's existence and from Yasir Arafat on down they have promoted
or acquiesced in the use of terrorism as a tactic in their struggle. It is
unacceptable for the U.S. to be "evenhanded" on these fundamental issues.

All of us want a genuine peace process to succeed, and all of us accept the
legitimacy of a Palestinian state once the Palestinian leadership and people
recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and not only renounce
the use of violence but at last take action to dismantle the terrorist
infrastructure inside the Palestinian Authority. Time and time again, the
Israeli people have shown their willingness to take risks for peace. But
they will only do so with the knowledge that U.S. support for Israel will
not waver.

It is important for America to help facilitate a peaceful resolution of the
conflict, but in playing this role we must be true to our values and make
sure that all parties clearly understand our policies. This is not a time to
be sending mixed messages; on the contrary, in these difficult times we must
reaffirm our unyielding commitment to Israel's survival and raise our voices
against all forms of terrorism and incitement.

Sincerely,

Howard L. Berman
Nancy Pelosi
Robert Matsui
Steny Hoyer
Martin Frost
Nita Lowey
Tom Lantos
Edward Markey
Chet Edwards
Ben Cardin
Steve Rothman
Steve Israel
Gary Ackerman
Barney Frank
Rahn Emanuel
Adam Smith
Anthony Weiner
Chris Bell
Adam Schiff
Hilda Solis
Robert Menendez
Shelley Berkley
Robert Andrews
Joseph Crowley
Jose Serrano
John Larson
Ellen Tauscher
Dennis Cardoza
Patrick Kennedy
Linda Sanchez
Harold Ford Jr.
Brad Sherman
C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger
Alcee Hastings


http://www.house.gov/berman/letter_new.html

[skeptical cynic]

1. From what I'm hearing from friends

People are beginning to see folly of unconditional support for Israel.

I'm tired of images of innocent people sacrificed for the sake of a "big picture" that requires the many be victimized for the benefit of the few.

I read an statement made by a California Democrat that he would see to it that any American participating in the flotilla to aid Gaza was prosecuted for giving aid to Hamas. Fuck him.

[Grey]

3. That is right and so are you.

NT

[madfloridian]

6. There has to be common sense...

on every issue...even this one.

So far there is not much of that.

People are seeing the folly.

[CountAllVotes]

2. K&R

:kick:

[Sebastian Doyle]

4. I remember this assault on him well.

It was only slightly less disgusting than the DLC funded, Robert Gibbs coordinated "Osama" hit piece that would follow 2 months later.

I remember some asshole trying to tell me Dean was an "anti-semite". I told him that would come as a huge surprise to his wife and kids (who are Jewish)

[madfloridian]

5. That hit piece and the video with thorough background on the group.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/1526

Ah, I remember it well.