Anthony Weiner: “I fundamentally believe, and I have said for some time that aid to the Palestinians has not achieved any of our foreign…”

“I fundamentally believe, and I have said for some time that aid to the Palestinians has not achieved any of our foreign policy goals. It hasn't been accountable, it hasn't gotten us a more peaceful administration there, and fundamentally I believe that it doesn't achieve what we seek to do in foreign aid. I commend the sponsors of the legislation. I agree with both of them that this doesn't go far enough. It allows far too many loopholes. Among other things, it permits the PLO, the last vestige in the throes of the terrorist organization that passed, to continue to have a mission in New York City, in my hometown. Let us not forget that we have provided $1.5 billion dollars in U.S. assistance to Gaza and the West Bank. We always lead this debate with our hearts rather than our heads. When Wye River was signed, the United States said its citizens and taxpayers will put dollars on the barrelhead. When Oslo was signed, we said we will put dollars on the barrelhead. Invariably, we the American people, are very generous in trying to live up to the aspirations we have for that region, despite the fact that every single time it proves to be for naught. So I believe that this is a very important first step. But I also think it is important that people understand that democratization in the territories is a good thing. I agree with President Bush that having democracies and free, open elections are good things.”