Finally, someone in Congress cuts through the bullshit (a little bit)

My Inner Frenchman -- After repeating the required soundbyte, Lois Capps gets to at least part of the truth:

For Immediate Release
December 29, 2008

Capps Statement on Violence in Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps today released the
following statement regarding the recent violence in Israel:

"Obviously, Israel has the absolute right to defend itself from Hamas
terrorists and other threats to its security. The ongoing rocket
attacks on Israel are unacceptable and must be stopped. However, I
fear the current military operation in Gaza represents a vastly
disproportionate response that will further destabilize the region.

"Simple humanity demands that we grieve for the dead Palestinian
child as much as we mourn the dead Israeli child. The numbers of dead
and injured in Gaza, and the televised images of the humanitarian
crisis now unfolding are truly shocking. And while this renewed state
of war is clearly a tragedy for the Palestinian people, it will also
bring a renewed state of fear in Israel because the threat of another
wave of suicide bombing in Israeli cities is all too real.

"As a Member of Congress strongly dedicated to Israel's security, I
believe an immediate ceasefire is necessary. And since this eruption
of violence in Gaza is so clearly detrimental to U.S. national
interests, I call upon both President Bush and President-elect Obama
to use their influence to push both sides to stop shooting and renew
the ceasefire."