Via Politico:

White House press secretary Jay Carney acknowledged that it was puzzling to some around the world that offensive speech is permitted in the United States — but that there was little the government could do to stop it.

“We understand that it is hard for some people around the world to understand why the United States does not prevent movies like this from seeing the light of day,” Carney told reporters traveling on Air Force One Thursday. “That’s impossible to do.”

“More importantly, our country as a long tradition of free expression that is protected by law. Our government does not and cannot stop individual citizens from expressing their views. Those of us who care about religious tolerance, respect religious beliefs must not allow a tiny minority of people to provoke conflict between different religions, cultures and countries. All leaders must draw a stark line against violence,” Carney said.

The White House is caught in the crossfire between inflamed rioters in the Muslim world demanding punishment of the maker of an anti-Islamic film and domestic critics who say the administration is not standing up adequately for free speech.