Forgetting their Oath: Rep. Allen West

Confused Representative Needs to be Schooled

by Max Johnson
On Thursday Representative Allen West of Florida was interviewed on NPR for perhaps the most confusing interview ever on public radio. He is a rare African American member of the tea party, and has no understanding of economics or his oath to preserve and protect the constitution.

Rep. WEST: Well, this is the thing. You know, I could very easily sit up and say, sure, let's raise the debt ceiling. And then, what happens as far as our long-term spending problem that we have in Washington, D.C. and our long-term economic situation? Anyone that is reasonable will say that we need to contend with the spending issue that we have in Washington, D.C.

A couple of problems here Congressman. First, your party built this debt with a couple of wars that were not paid for and a whole bunch of unfunded programs put on the nation's check book over the last 10 years. Remember, we were under a trajectory for federal surpluses in 2000 and then we gave a huge tax cut to the wealthy and now we have a major debt. Republicans have raised the debt ceiling under President Bush regularly, but have now found religion under Obama. Finally, since your party is in charge of one branch of government, why do you have to link long term spending with the debt ceiling.

Why can't your party figure out a solution to long term debt instead of going on your August recess and decoupling it from the debt ceiling debate? Anyone who is reasonable agrees that we need to deal with spending by bringing in more revenue, Mr. Congressman.

Here is the dumbest thing ever said on the radio:

Rep. WEST: Yeah. As a matter of fact, I'm just looking at a chart that was sent out from the U.S. Treasury, as well as Goldman Sachs, that alludes to that point, that there's revenue that will be there, about 250 billion, that will allow us to prioritize and then take care of that debt interest payment, take care of our seniors and take care of our military as well.

Then there was some back and forth with host Robert Siegel about which departments can or cannot be funded. This is a violation of his oath of office. He did not sign up to pay only some debts of the United States. How can he suggest that the courts shut down or not pay for any food inspectors? This is bordering on treason to suggest that the President has a right to pick which debts to pay and which not to pay. Don't they teach this in freshman orientation to new Congressman?

West had a career in the military, which came to an abrupt end when he was charged with assault and Article 134. He left the military after paying a fine. Now, he is suggesting paying active military over veteran's benefits. He is suggesting not paying military contractors. Rep. West is suggesting that we not pay for Florida's beloved space program debt in August, and not paying any of the doctors who should be reimbursed by the Medicaid program. It is treason and the NPR host should not allow this to stand.