Catching Up with Rep. Allen West
Q. Congressman West, you have decided to run for reelection in newly drawn Florida District 18, where there are more Republican registered voters, instead of your current Florida District 22 that will also be redrawn to include more registered Democrat voters. This decision points to a realization that your conservative message only plays well in Republican-leaning districts, and that if you stayed in your current District 22 your chances of reelection would have been substantially reduced. Why do your strongly held conservative principles seem to be so polarizing among the general voting population?
A. Conservative principles are not new — after all, our nation was founded on conservative principles of limited government, individual responsibility, and a strong defense. The problem is these principles have been ignored by the liberal progressive politicians and certain media which have convinced much of the voting population that government can solve all their problems, will take care of them from cradle-to-grave, and it is our nation’s fault that our enemies wish to do us harm.
Traditional conservative principles are threatening to a populace spoon-fed liberal progressive lies and misrepresentation.
Q. Martin County Sheriff Robert Crowder will be challenging you in a GOP primary in FL-18. Crowder has said that “outsiders shouldn’t be able to move in and get a free ride.” Are you concerned about Crowder’s primary challenge? Will Crowder’s entry into the race force you to make any changes to your campaign strategy or message?
A. Every member of the House of Representatives must stand for reelection every two years. There is no such thing as a “free ride.” It is up to the voters to decide who will best represent them on Capitol Hill. My conservative message is not a campaign strategy, it is my fundamental belief. I always have and will continue to stand for the strong conservative principles on which this nation was founded.
Q. The conventional wisdom among Democrats is that you are “too radical.” Do you resent that label? Do you believe there is any truth to that moniker?
A. What concerns me deeply is that today, the traditional principles upon which this great nation was founded are somehow considered “radical.” Some argue 236 years ago, the idea of forming a nation where power derives from the individual and not from a monarch was “radical.” The fact that patriotism, belief in God and a willingness to fight for our constitutional freedom and liberties is labeled by some as “radical” simply demonstrates to me how misguided liberal Democrats have become.
Q. Democrat congressional candidate Patrick Murphy, who was in a primary battle with Democrat Lois Frankel for the opportunity to run against you in FL-22, announced on February 8 that he is now following you to FL-18, where he most likely will be your opponent in the November general election.
When Mr. Murphy announced his intent to run against you in FL-18 he said the following: “Today our campaign is putting Mr. West on notice. … There is no safe district he can run to.”
Please comment on Mr. Murphy’s assertion that you are running to a safe district.
A. Fascinating.
Q. Regardless of what any Democrat says about you, the fact remains that your message is resonating with conservatives. The proof is you have raised just under $5.8 million from around the nation in the 2012 election cycle.
This is remarkable because it is more than any member of Congress except Speaker of the House John Boehner, who raised $12 million. By comparison, fellow Florida Congresswoman and DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz raised just under $1.7 million.
Allen West is one of the few American politicians that I admire.
Actually, I hate calling him a politician ……..
of course, he’s a politician. Look at his voting record vs. his rhetoric, particularly regarding all the budget stuff from last year. He ran as a Tea Party darling and has governed as an establishment Repub.
Congressman West does not “govern” – that is the perogative of Presidents and Governors. He is a Representative and therefore part of the Legislative, not Executive Branch.
And your point is? Surely not, “the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts”.
I like West’s self-presentation. I do think he is being silly in criticizing Paul on his national defense stance, particularly since he’s the only vet in the race, has the most endorsements from those in active duty, and is as far as you can get from pacifist. He’s just the only one that isn’t whistling in the dark about the inevitable demise of our empire. And on that he’s consistently courageous. All the chest pounding crap is just more establishment FUD.
The secret simply will no longer keep
For America is losing sleep
It’s time to break the spell
Who is Allen West and what is he up to, do tell?
Rumor has it he’s a cannoneer
He’s a dashing buccaneer
I hear he’s handy with the quips
He’s the annihilator of Obama statist creeps with information on their lying at his fingertips
They say he’s nearly seven feet tall
And yet quite graceful… … all in all
I’m told there are lightning bolts when he walks
And thunder when he talks!
He’s been many times seen
Wearing DCU and then full OD green
I hear he’s steely as you please
He could be Samurai Japanese
He may be shrewd
He may be rude
Ah well, it’s hard to tell
Who is this Allen West, do tell?
The Obama statists may think he comes from Hell
But he may come from somewhere just around the dell
But he will be here and he will be there
You could see him giving the Obama statists Hell most any time and most anywhere
He meddles with the Obama statist devolution
Stomping them mightily throughout each week
Spoiling every Obama statists lying elocution
La, what cheek!
Colonel West tis brillig with his slithy toves
They do gyre and gimble in the wabe
All mimsy are his borogoves
And his mome raths do outgrabe
Beware the Wasserwock, my valiant one!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Obgolf bird, and shun
The frumious alinskysnatch!
Colonel West took his vorpal sword in hand
Long time the destructxome foe he sought
So rested he by an old palm tree
And stood awhile in thought
And as in thought he stood
The Wasserwock seeking an election and the country to put to flame
Came whiffling through the slimy swamp
And burbled lying smears as it came!
One, two! Red, White and Blue!
The Colonel’s vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left the Wasserwock political dead, and with its head
He went gallantphing back
And will thou also defeat the Obgolf bird?
Call me to arms, my beamish knight!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
With you leading this epic fight!
In brightest day, in darkest night, no Al-taqiyya will escape his sight, may those who worship at Islam’s banner, beware the power of Allen West’s Hammer.
“Conservative principles are not new — after all, our nation was founded on conservative principles of limited government, individual responsibility, and a strong defense. The problem is these principles have been ignored by the liberal progressive politicians and certain media which have convinced much of the voting population that government can solve all their problems, will take care of them from cradle-to-grave, and it is our nation’s fault that our enemies wish to do us harm.”
This is why THIS man needs/has to be president of the United States. He really would be a true conservative that people could stand behind, holding high the banner of conservatism. Not only do I hope he wins, I hope somebody picks this man to be vice president one day, just so that he could get a little more experience for when he becomes president. He is one of the few Republicans today who can articulate the conservative cause, and he is to be much admired for it. This is the man we’ve been waiting for and I think he will have a very solid future with conservatives and this nation.
West is s war criminal. As a Republican, I am appalled that he was ever elected to public office and that the party continues to fawn over him.
And what is his alleged war crime?
Being a conservative apparently.
Abusing a detainee was his war crime. I’m a Republican, a conservative and an Army veteran. I was on active duty when West committed his crime. I was angry and ashamed then, and I still am. I am revolted that he has spun his shameful behavior into a story of heroism that a bunch of credulous naifs actually believe. Chicken hawks love people like Allen West. People who think “supporting the troops” means putting a magnet on their cars love Allen West. People who love and care about our military do not. He was a disgrace to the uniform. Naturally, he ended up in Congress.
@ BaldProf
Disingenuous about the Army “vet” and “Republican” perhaps ? LeftTards often cloak themselves in fantasy status.
Lt. Col. West’s men had detained Yahya Jhodri Hamoodi who was being interrogated by Intelligence about a planned ambush of American troops. (Hamoodi was a member of the Iraqi Police, which was then heavily infiltrated by the enemy.)
During the interrogation, Hamoodi attempted to grab a weapon, which was wrestled away from him. Then, Col. West fired his pistol NEAR Hamoodi’s head, after which names and information were given.
From then, until Col. West left Iraq there were no further ambushes against American forces in the Taji area, where this incident occurred.
A letter supporting Col. West was signed by 95 members of Congress and sent to the Secretary of the Army.
Rick,
You’re going to make the “Prof’s” head explode.
Please continue!
Liberals have to tear every good man down.
Try to bring everyone down to their level.
His choice of words make me think “moby” as well.
Not at all disingenuous about my status as a veteran, or my political affiliation as a Republican. I proudly served our country as an Army officer for more than ten years. And I don’t think being a Republican means I have to accept, condone or embrace reprehensible conduct such as West’s war crime.
I’m not alone in my contempt for West: many fellow officers I knew thought West was a piece of garbage for what he did. Not many lieutenant colonels lose control of themselves as he did. His actions were the antithesis of good officership. The Army as an institution certainly wasn’t proud of him. Perhaps the entire organization is flawed for not applauding his out-of-control, criminal antics? That 95 members of Congress signed a letter in his defense is an indictment of those members of Congress, not evidence that West did the right thing.
My guess is that Rick Z hasn’t served in the military and perhaps doesn’t know anyone who has. Lots of chickenhawk chest-thumpers think reading a couple of Tom Clancy novels and spouting platitudes about “the troops” is practically the same thing as being a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine.
I have a son who plans to serve in the Army after graduating from high school. I trust he will be led by good officers like the ones I served with throughout my career–professionals who take care of the troops and act like officers instead of thugs. I hope he never has a commander like Allen West, and I’m glad I never did.
I suspect one could find 95 members of Congress to sign a letter stating that Obama is the greatest thing to ever have happened to our republic but that does not make it so. West talks the talk but, unfortunately, does not walk the walk. Look at his voting record on the budget. He was FOR the abomination Boehner brought forth. Rhetoric is nice; action is meaningful.
@ BaldProf
“Not at all disingenuous about my status as a veteran, or my political affiliation as a Republican. I proudly served our country as an Army officer for more than ten years. And I don’t think being a Republican means I have to accept, condone or embrace reprehensible conduct such as West’s war crime.”
So West is war criminal based on events you did not witness and your appeal to authority?
“The Army as an institution certainly wasn’t proud of him.”
You speak on the Army’s behalf? All members?
Your anger, accusations and verbage (chicken hawk, war criminal, etc…) is a bit unbecoming for a supposed officer. Unless you cough up a DD214, you’re full of it.
Without going into details, suffice it to say that I am no “chickenhawk”, BaldProf — in fact, during my second tour in the Southeast Asia War Games, in 1970, I performed acts very similar to those which LTC West was “charged” with, and I say good on Allen West, and long may he fight the good fight.
And as for you, BaldProf, if indeed you spent 10 years as a, (God help us), Army officer, I can only assume you were one of those JAG cojone-busters or some other REMF paper-pusher.
Palin-West ’12.
I’ve got my DD 214, Buckeye. I did not witness what West did. I wasn’t at Abu Ghraib, either, when other soldiers shamed their uniform. I dont need to personally observe an event to know it is right or wrong,
I don’t believe moral relativism is a conservative value. Mistreating detainees and abusing power is wrong, even if the person doing it is a fiscal conservative, a constitutional originalist, pro-gun, in favor of a balanced budget and in all other ways conservative. I am not a Florida resident, so I don’t have a vote in this matter. But when I do vote, I vote for conservatives who are not criminals. It isn’t hard to do.
@BaldProf
“I’ve got my DD 214, Buckeye.”
So you did 10 years and resigned your commission? I don’t believe you.
“I dont need to personally observe an event to know it is right or wrong”
Good for you, however your opinion on said event is based on what? You have an ax to grind, but what it has to do with West is unclear.
good call
the quick glossover of supposed credentials coupled with “chickenhawk” tends to reveal either a lefty or paulista and where foreign policy is concerned these two are one and the same
From what I understand West, turned himself in for violating the army field manual after the incident as to not put his troops in a position of having to lie for him. That is an officer and a gentleman.
You know who else loves people like Col West? Those of us who have sons in harms way and appreciate an officer who does what it takes to keep them safe. Believe me, you don’t want to know what people like us think about things like you.
I will always be proud that I contributed to the Allen West Defense Fund, when West was, unbelievably, brought up on charges for his brave actions in defense of his men. God bless him. A lot of soldiers owe their lives to him.
When and where was Allen West convicted of any “War Crimes”? And who appointed you a judge? Did you get a Section 8?
Who says you served our country, the United States of America, other than you? What services did you provide? Being in the military means you got a government pay check, it doesn’t necessarily mean you served America. Do you think General Allen served America when he grovelled to muslims about the burning of some korans? Do you think General Casey served America with his remarks after the Fort Hood murders by a muslim Army Major? Do you think General Petraeus served America with his muslim hearts-and-minds/COIN idiocy that puts the lives and limbs of American troops as inferior to the lives and even the “sensitivities” of muslims?
A real General, a pro-American General, like George S. Patton would have given Allen West a medal and put David Petraeus, George Casey and John Allen on trial.
Why only 10 years, couldn’t hack it. Who serves for 10 years and gets out? What a waste of time. That alone makes me question your bonafides bald guy.
I smell troll dung!! anyone, anyone!!
@ Bald Prof
Ad hominem reasoning is generally described as a logical fallacy. Yet you persist in this tactic.
Most vets I know will mention their service highlights, as you’ve seen in this comment thread — where they were stationed, their MOS. I do not see yours.
Given your long service defending our Constitution and nation from enemies, foreign and domestic, pray tell us:
How would YOU interrogate a captured enemy about the plans to ambush troops under your command. What would YOU do to elicit such information.
On a more personal note, as your nick implies college faculty, what made you encourage your son to join the Army without a degree? That would prevent him from becoming an officer, like his daddy, as well as limit his civilian options.
Baldy: We cannot establish your veracity. So anything you say is subject and probably a lie especially your defense of yourself-me thinks you protest too much. Second using your son to establish your bona fides is pathetic.
Third, I too read the account that West was in and he did nothing wrong. Perhaps in your progressive mind the ambush of American soldiers is okay as long as we abide by the Geneva Conventions. BS
In conclusion, eat shi$t prog and stay on your websites.
you sound like a racist.
You’re lucky then it was Col. West who fired the gun and not me. I wouldn’t have missed that small area between that muslim terrorist’s eyes.
Curious as to where you served and with which branch… Methinks ‘Back In The Rear With The Goods And The Gear’ commonly called a REMF in the days gone by or now commonly called a FOBBIT…
I too served in Iraq as a medic at the tip of the triangle… Baji and Tikrit, and for those of us who had to endure the PC crap of hearts and minds we admire Col West, we should have only hoped that were our butts on the line our Officers would have done the same to save our lowly grunt rear-ends… So you sir are either a LIAR or a damned treasonous bas*ard, to even think you would sacrifice our lives for a piece of scum like that.
John Wayne once said that ‘Life is Tough, Its even tougher when your Stupid, and I’ll add to that, Its Incredibly Tough When Your Officer Is Stupid, and that sums you up, Incredibly Stupid, I hope to hell your still not serving as your PC-NESS will if you haven’t already get good men killed.
Doc Out:
There are five philosophies, the studies and sciences of: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Politics and Aesthetics.
West is a philosopher of the fourth — essentially “Ethics for the Crowd”.
He is NOT what they today degenerately call a “politician”.
West is indeed the man we’ve been waiting for. Goldwater with a check on his tongue. A man who quotes Locke!
5 branches of philosophy
Where’s my checkbook!
Is this the same guy who was upset that it cost $70 to fill his Hummer?
Nope. His Hummer runs on Obama’s algae.
I applaud everything Allen West response in the above interview.
Last summer Debbie Wasserman-Schultz broke House protocol and called out Allen West on the floor criticizing “the gentleman from Florida” over Medicare. West responded in an email calling Debbie out as “…the most vile, unprofessional, and despicable member of the US House of Representatives.”
Truer words never written.
In fact, so many of those girls on the left that surround Barack…Debbie, Nancy P, Lisa Jackson at EPA, Valerie up close and personal every waking moment are…brain dead.
That musty be a qualification for being in Barry’s inner circle.
Priebus=West=We The Elite People of culture of corruption in Washington DC. Easy formula. Almost like 1+1=2.
West threw his “plantation slave” under the bus (Cain) while he West, is the “house slave.” Strange situation. Hummm! Veeeery Interesting!
What do We The Elite People of culture of corruption in Washington DC have next for Mr. West to perform? Guess We The People will have to just wait and see as this kabuki theatre goes to Act II. God Bless America. Amen!
Ridiculous, your talk about slaves, whatever your intent. And there is little similarity between republican chair Reince Priebus and Allen West.
For the record, most all the people who’ve made a living off of keeping racial animosity alive, all the race hustlers, those in the House Congressional Black Caucus and those out (like Jesse and Al) are highly resentful of Allen West and have even gone so far as to say he isn’t an authentic black man.
In their eyes you have to be a sodden victim to be an authentic black man and Allen West never has, or even would or could, see himself that way.
I admired West until he voted yes for the NDAA giving Obama the right to suspend the constitution, arrest, and detain American citizens indefinitely with no access to representation, or redress of any kind solely on suspicion of so called “terrorist” related activities.
West: Talk like a conservative. Vote like a liberal/communist.
Obama attached a “signing statement” to the NDAA saying words to the effect that he wouldn’t use such powers as you reference relative to American citizens.
Attaching signing statements to legislation is something candidate Obama swore he would never do, just as he swore he would balance the federal budget and never use budget “reconciliation” to pass massive social legislation like that 2000+ page thing no one every read, Obamacare.
Obama is a narcissist pathological liar His word is worthless. My spin on what he says is to believe the opposite. I watched his lips moving saying he could detain American citizens, but he won’t. Yea sure. Why did he insist on it being in the bill?
I also liked Paul Ryan, and Darrel Issa until they did the same as West. The option is there for Obama, and anyone who succeeds him. West voted yes. If he was unaware, then he is incompetent. If aware, he is a fraud.
Another troll!!
Git out yer varmit rifle boys!!!
I don’t see anything wrong with this. Detaining or killing American Jihadists like Al-Awlaki isn’t wrong.It’s good. Doesn’t mean I support Obama in any way but I believe Allen West was right to support it.
BaldProf didn’t resign his commission. He was passed over for Major and left active duty.
LCDR – Riffed for lack of fortitude? Pissed at the machos that tossed him? Baldprof is exhibiting the usual ivy tower attitude that they try to impose on their students. He would need to see the activities of the other side in killing children and torturing families in imposing their ideology and absolute control. Then he might suffer an attitude adjustment.
Excellent interview Myra. It is always a pleasure to hear from Col. West.
Also interesting are the comments of the BaldProf. The left invariably attacks West using the incident with Hamoodi. What Truth Squad members like BaldProf dont understand is that that incident highlights the very character traits in West that we on the right admire. By continuing to bring up that incident, they keep reminding us why we like the guy so much.
He did what he had to do, regardless of PC or consequences to himself, to defend his soldiers. He then stood up and took responsibility for his actions and suffered the consequences with head held high. To this day he does not deny any of it.
That says volumes about West’s integrity, and about those who criticize him for it.
Those of weak character hate those of strong character because in the contrast they can see just how weak they are. It is easier for the weak to drag them down than to rise to their level.
@ BaldProf,
As a 36 year Marine veteran, (Vietnam – Iraq) and a combat leader in Iraq ALSO during LtCol West service, I will tell you that the only officers who have read the actual incident cited that were ‘embarassed’ by his actions were those that have NEVER faced or been in a true life of death situation – ‘faced the elephant’ — as we use to say. You may not agree with the actions, but I will readily wager you never had to make a judgement call to protect your men in hostilities. As noted above, decisions bear responsibilities and, at the right time, one must determine how far to push an adversary to protect the lives of his troops. Like others in the string; I have pushed the envelope and have no regrets.
As #14 Suthenboy relates, what truly singles out this officer (West) is his honor. HE reported this incident to his superiors – himself; understanding that they should be aware of this course of action. Unlike the ‘discovered’ Abu Gharib, LtCol West was ready to accept the consequences. This validates a sense of responsiblity for his actions that is much appreciated and should be admired (particularly as we observe a C-in-C who blames others for all of his errors).
I have no qualms with you attacking Rep. West if you do not agree with his voting record or if you think he is now ‘playing to the crowd’ (as a Floridian, I don’t). I know that he has been overwhelmingly consistent in his beliefs,rational in his decisions, and unwavering in parrying attacks to protect his constituency.
There is a part of me that wants to start an ad hominem attack on your character – ten years and out as an officer. Means you maybe commanded a company in combat; we know LtCol West did, how ’bout it – tell us of you CIB tour and the death you witnessed. Perhaps you left because of people like West, those damn guys who WANTED to jump out of airplanes and ASKED for Ranger School and leadership positions – then, damn them, got promoted in front of REMFs like you? Tell us you experiences and then we will grant you credibility to comment on a combat leader…just sayin’
Finally, as one who, daily, was humbled by our guys and gals, the most genuine and dedicated individuals that this nation produces, get carried hurt by individuals that hide behind women and children and claim that we deserve to die based solely on our non-acceptance of their false theology – well, to guys like you that only talk a good game and can’t say you been in the arena – Semper Fi, Mac….
Well written, and service well done. My thanks sir.
Though words are not enough, thank you for your service Gunfighter.
Great comment, Gunfighter. Couldn’t agree more.
I salute you and thank you for serving our great country.
@Baldprof
You would have hated Patton, and for that matter, any other field commander worth his salt .. if you confronted him you would have to be picked out of the tracks of his tank with an ice pick.
You don’t approve of getting pissed and bracing murderous enemies huh?
Got the job done, din’t kill anyone, but wasn’t PC enough for you?
Weekend warrior, reservist, just plain insipid?
I feel sorry for the guys that had to associate with you and your smug, contemptuous blather. I’d say you’re just a pretty ugly person, uh, inside!!
I would not have fired by the man’s head. I would have fired INTO IT!
I am a retired vets wife and think Congressman West it right up there with President Reagan.
War is war and needs to be fought to win not molly coddle prisioners!
@Baldprof
I’ve dealt with a few like this one in my time and they remained alive because I learned to control myself. But they went home with dirty drawers. We find them in all walks of life and in all organizations. They can be described in greater detail but charitably and succinctly they can be summarized as “an ass.”
Allen West NEEDS to run for president next time.