Sometimes we say things in anger we’d like to take back. Sometimes we say things with all full intent. Such was the case in an email sent by Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla. Wasserman Schultz took to the House floor during the debate on the Cut, Cap and Balance bill, to attack West as betraying seniors by supporting the bill. The statement is targeted specifically at creating a problem for West with constituents in his district.
The following excerpt from Wasserman Schultz’s statement triggered off an email from Rep. West and full warfare from the Democrats in Congress:
“Incredulously, the gentleman from Florida, who represents thousands of Medicare beneficiaries, as do I, is supportive of this plan that would increase costs for Medicare beneficiaries. Unbelievable for a member from South Florida.”
West and Wasserman Schultz have history, as the Florida Democrat put on a full-frontal assault against West’s candidacy last fall by holding a public protest against him right outside his campaign headquarters. Wasserman Schultz’s House floor tirade was more than West could allow to stand and he fired off an email to Wasserman Shultz that has set off outrageous attacks against West. The following is the full-text of West’s email to Wasserman Schultz:
From: Z112 West, Allen
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 04:48 PM
To: Wasserman Schultz, Debbie
Cc: McCarthy, Kevin; Blyth, Jonathan; Pelosi, Nancy; Cantor, Eric
Subject: Unprofessional and Inappropriate Sophomoric Behavior from Wasserman-Schultz
Look, Debbie, I understand that after I departed the House floor you directed your floor speech comments directly towards me. Let me make myself perfectly clear, you want a personal fight, I am happy to oblige. You are the most vile, unprofessional, and despicable member of the US House of Representatives. If you have something to say to me, stop being a coward and say it to my face, otherwise, shut the heck up. Focus on your own congressional district!
I am bringing your actions today to our Majority Leader and Majority Whip and from this time forward, understand that I shall defend myself forthright against your heinous characterless behavior…which dates back to the disgusting protest you ordered at my campaign hqs, October 2010 in Deerfield Beach.
You have proven repeatedly that you are not a Lady, therefore, shall not be afforded due respect from me!
Steadfast and Loyal
Congressman Allen B West (R-FL)
West’s email clearly depicted his anger towards Ms. Wasserman Schultz, but nowhere in the email did he state anything other than his personal opinion about Schultz’s behavior. West didn’t take to the podium and lash out against Ms. Schultz, but rather expressed his resentment in a personal communication to Ms. Schultz and copied the email to the House Majority Leader, the House Minority Leader, his Chief of Staff and the House Majority Whip. Agree or disagree, Congressman West had the right to express his feelings to Ms. Schultz.
It’s not a surprise that many of her Democrat House associates have come to her defense, and no one should be either shocked or offended by her compatriots being supportive of the Congresswoman; but somewhere loyalty has jumped from reasonable to crazy.
Rep. Mike Honda, D-Calif., released a statement about Rep. West likening him to Pastor Terry Jones who torched the Koran in March. Apparently Ms. Wasserman Schultz’s attack on the House floor is akin to a holy book. In the Democrat world despicable attacks against Republicans in a public forum is tantamount to words of the almighty.
Honda’s full statement follows:
“First, let me first say how honored I am to serve with Debbie Wasserman Schultz, easily one of the most courageous colleagues in Congress. Anyone who calls her less hasn’t been paying attention to anything that’s been happening in the halls of Congress recently. Debbie and I serve together on the House Budget Committee and it is clear that this woman – or may I say lady – shows unparalleled commitment to the concerns of this country, something not all Members have exhibited in recent days. Secondly, I have serious concerns about the context in which these salacious slurs are allowed to happen and are even encouraged. Public opinion of policymakers is already quite low, why in the world would Rep West want to undermine it further by stooping to such undiplomatic demagoguery? Not unlike the pastor in Florida who burned the Koran, knowing all too well the forthcoming media frenzy, this action by West is hardly different. Extremism in all forms must be chastised immediately – by policymakers and by the press.”
Honda’s statement is one of more than a dozen Democrats that have taken to the podium and media to decry West’s email demanding an apology and a reprimand from the Republican Leadership; but neither West nor the house leadership is budging one inch. Majority Leader Cantor and Speaker Boehner have kept quiet about Rep. West’s email, offering neither support nor condemnation. West has made it clear; he will neither apologize nor back down from the comments in his email.
A little background on Rep. West is in order. The following information was taken directly from Rep. West’s campaign website:
“He has served in several combat zones: in Operation Desert Storm, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was battalion commander for the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, and in Afghanistan, where he trained Afghan officers to take on the responsibility of securing their own country. In his Army career, Col. West has been honored many times, including a Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals (one with Valor), and a Valorous Unit Award. He received his valor award as a Captain in Desert Shield/Storm, was the US Army ROTC Instructor of the Year in 1993, and was a Distinguished Honor Graduate III Corps Assault School. He proudly wears the Army Master Parachutist badge, Air Assault badge, Navy/Marine Corps parachutist insignia, Italian parachutist wings, and German proficiency badge (Bronze award). “
Rep. Allen West is a hero by all measures. Asking a man of his makeup to sit back while a politician, who just happens to be the DNC Chairwoman, personally attack him masquerading as concern for the senior citizens in West’s district is ludicrous. Whether Wasserman Shultz’s partisan attempt to execute a flanking maneuver against West qualifies as unladylike is something each person will have to judge for themselves. Nonetheless, Rep. West has the right to voice his opinion of Ms. Wasserman Schultz’s behavior and she is free to fire back an email telling West where to park it; but that’s not the Liberal way. Following the Saul Alinsky handbook, West served up a softball and the Liberals won’t pass up an opportunity to demonize him. It’s time we all get behind Rep. West whether we agree with his tactics or not, otherwise everyone’s freedom to voice their opinions is diminished. Worst of all, demonizing a man that has given 22 years of his life to defend Wasserman Shultz’s right to stroll up to the well of the House and fling out vile, unprofessional and despicable words should offend us all.