Palestinian supporters try to give letter to Obama

As President-elect Barack Obama went to play golf today with friends while vacationing in Hawaii, a small group tried -- but failed -- to give him a letter supporting the Palestinian cause.

According to the press pool report, a couple from California and a Honolulu man approached the security checkpoint set up by the Secret Service and Honolulu police and asked if they could give a box and letter to Obama, who has carefully said it is up to President Bush to respond to the Israeli assault in Gaza in retaliation for rocket attacks.

Bush has blamed Hamas, which controls Gaza, and during a trip to during the campaign to an Israeli city that is a frequent target, Obama said he sympathized with residents who deal with rocket attacks.

After the Secret Service refused to take the box, Fred Shepherd of Greenbae, Calif., told reporters that it contained informational DVDs about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

“I don’t think he’s taking a vacation, he’s preparing to be the next President,” Robert Steiver, the local man, told reporters. “I’m deathly afraid he’ll continue the failed policies of the Bush administration. I’ve been suffering with the Palestinians for years.”

“This gift of films is offered in hope that you will take the time to view them and that you will gain an insight as to why the Palestinians have been fighting for their land, pride and children for over 100 years. Today, one of Israel’s major newspapers, Ha’aretz, has condemned Israel’s slaughter of Palestinian men, women and children and in no uncertain terms: Israel is and has been committing war crimes. We look forward to your presidency…more than any other in our lifetime. Best wishes to you and your daughters. Thank you. Warm regards,” the letter read, according to the pool report.