Allen West for Congress Blog

From Afghanistan

Jul 19, 10:27 AM

Dear big brother, I have been following your campaign from Afghanistan. This is after reading many fantastic things about you and your distinguished career from a very close.

It is obvious to me that, not your words but your actions have proven your true leadership abilities to the people that you have served. Few in the world today really have these special leadership capabilities.

The United States is a Nation that the world’s nations have always looked to for support and the United States has always been there to support them. It is in these trying times for the United States that there should be real leaders, like yourself, who really know how to lead.

As I and many of my Afghan people believe, it will only be leaders of great character and integrity who know how to lead from the front and see and feel the real story on the ground as it really is.

The United States has always been a shining beacon of democracy and hope for people all over the world especially for Afghanistan.

With warm regards & wishing you a good elections

Your little brother

Ismatullah Ibrahimi

From the Palm Beach Post, July 18

Jul 19, 07:44 AM

... New on this year’s campaign trail: the politician who refuses free TV time. Congressional hopeful Allen West, a veteran who served in Afghanistan and is taking on incumbent Ron Klein, was invited on a news show the other night and nixed the appearance. Why? The former U.S. Army lieutenant colonel won’t appear on the Arab network Al-Jazeera. “They wanted to pick him up in a car and take him somewhere for a live interview,” said his campaign manager, Donna Brosemer. “There’s no way I’ll let him in a car with strangers from Al-Jazeera. Plus, how would we explain his appearance to Jewish voters?” ...

http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/4009

Jul 18, 07:42 AM

Lt. Col. Allen West,

The Next Ronald Reagan is Running for Congress. Did Al Jazeera Just Try to Kidnap Him? By Yomin Postelnik Friday, July 18, 2008

As readers know, I’ve written before about the national importance of Lt. Col. Allen West’s congressional race in FL-22. The seat is one of the most likely GOP pickups anywhere in the nation and Lt. Col. West is the most high profile minority Republican running anywhere in 2008. But that’s not why electing Allen West is so important.

What makes West’s election so crucial is his profound ability to communicate, a trait that is sorely missing among most GOP leaders. At event after event, I’ve personally seen long time Republicans walk away wondering why such a sincere and effective speaker isn’t on national television. All share one thought openly; we need this candidate to run on a national level.

Simply put, anyone who’s heard Allen West speak live is sure of one thing: Here stands the next Ronald Reagan. Unfortunately, al-Jazeera has realized this as well.

Two nights ago the West campaign received an interesting phone call. A national TV network wanted to interview the candidate that very night at 9, with no time to spare. The network? You guessed it, al-Jazeera.

When asked the details of the interview, the station coordinator said “well, we need West’s home address and we’ll pick him up and take him to the interview tonight (essentially to an undisclosed location).” At this point West told his communications director to emphatically pass up the “opportunity.” It’s a good thing he did, as he may have become a propaganda piece, arranged by the network most famous for showing video statements of terrorists and the like.

I would assume that this stunt was not planned by higher-ups at al-Jazeera. It may have been the work of a low level operative working out of there. But one thing is clear. Someone there recognizes the effectiveness, the powerhouse, that Allen West represents. And on this point they are quite correct.

The people who orchestrated this were first class buffoons. If anything happened to Allen West it would ensure that a slew of conservative writers would continue to write about him and his work for decades. Only a fool would make a legend out of an enemy. But what happened also demonstrates the opportunity that Republicans have with Allen West and what a unique, unparalleled and simply tremendous candidate we have in him.

The power that Allen West derives stems directly from his sincerity. Having recognized FL-22 as a key race, I decided that most of my volunteer time this cycle would be spent where it counts (and I’d encourage readers to do as well and get involved in West’s race, no matter where you are in the nation). As such, I can attest first hand to the profoundness of his authenticity.

There was one time that I was able to arrange a speaking event for West on a Sunday morning. It was an opportunity for him to meet new people, voters and potential supporters. He appreciated the offer but declined because it conflicted with his attending services. When I found that out I agreed with him that all matters are up to the Ultimate Decider and that connecting with the Almighty is what’s most important and what will help all other things. But I didn’t expect that someone running for Congress would share such a view, to the point of taking action. And indeed, it is his truthfulness, sincerity and dedication to public service, the last of these qualities being the most intertwined with humility, that make Allen West who he is.

In speech after speech, conservatives have gone home saying, almost in unison, how we need someone like Allen to represent our side on Sunday shows. At the same time, without Allen detracting from his conservative principles by one iota (and indeed, after he’d spent the past hour doing nothing other than present the most compelling cases for conservatism), the reaction of liberal Democrats is that they’ve found a Republican who they trust and who they’d be proud to support.

Allen West is possibly the only candidate who says things the way they are. For one, he’s the only congressional candidate who talks of an American fifth column. On energy independence he rightly tags opponents of drilling and exploration (of oil as well as alternatives) as “advancing an environmental agenda disguised as energy policy.” On national security he can launch into a clear, concise dissertation, citing numerous examples from both medieval and modern history, as he makes compelling cases for the need to strengthen our resolve. On every other issue Allen West is the quintessential conservative, yet, like Reagan, one who liberals come to realize is on to the truth.

Rush Limbaugh is right when he says that conservatives need to be conservatives and to educate and explain the reasons for our positions to others. But this is not where Allen West derives his strength from. Allen’s ability to communicate stems from a much more time tested principal; that words spoken in truth and with sincerity are words that penetrate.

Lastly, a word to the fiends who tried to pull off what most certainly seems to be a heinous stunt. Allen West’s career thus far has been one of outstanding and rarely seen honor and service. Many patriotic writers and columnists from across the political spectrum have come to acquire a profound respect for the man. I’d caution you against so much as threatening this man again, as the result would be a torrent of articles and books highlighting his exemplary nature and service. More writers than you care to know of have made this pact out of admiration for Allen and for what he stands for, those being values and characteristics that transcend political affiliations.

And a word to Republicans everywhere: If you plan on doing anything for a congressional race this year, do the nation a favor and get involved in FL-22. Allen’s website is allenwestforcongress.com and a brief overview of why this seat and this candidate have national implications can be found here: Lifting Up the House – If There’s One Race Republicans Should Focus On, It’s This One.

Those who do not wish this country well recognize what a force Allen West is. The question is whether we Americans, of all political stripes, will do so as well.

Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel

Jul 16, 08:00 AM

Klein’s energy plan empty words
July 10, 2008

Ron Klein’s “declaration of energy independence” sounds great, but they are empty words. His so-called solutions are no more than repetitions of his party’s talking points. While other nations will soon be drilling not too far from our coastline, he continues to say no.

We need to invest in research and development at the same time that we proceed with drilling. Nuclear power, clean coal and modern refineries also need to be addressed. We can only truly achieve independence by saying no to Ron Klein.

Julie Sabin

http://winningelections.blogspot.com/2008/07/no-minority-candidate-for-gop-with.html

Jul 15, 03:28 PM

No Minority Candidate for the GOP With a Chance of Winning? Really Politico??

“Governor Jindal is one of the nation’s foremost chief executives. But the leadership he exemplifies is even more abundantly found in one of the GOP’s foremost congressional candidates, Lt. Col. Allen West. And one would have to be politically oblivious to rule out his chances of winning Florida’s 22nd Congressional District.

Allen West is a true military leader. He’s also a dedicated public servant who decided to spend a year teaching high school in the district before announcing his candidacy. Most importantly, he brings vast knowledge and well thought out solutions to key issues, ranging from small business development to healthcare and pragmatic solutions to the mortgage crisis and job creation. The fact that he’s African-American just goes to show that the GOP is the party of people of all races who share in common sense.

What are Allen West’s chances of winning? At least 50-50. He’s not only extremely likeable and dynamic, but wherever he speaks he’s met with rave reviews. After he spoke at a major event in liberal Broward County, there wasn’t a Democrat in the room who didn’t think that this man got the issues of everyday people. Speaking with them afterward, it was the norm to hear them say “I’m a Democrat, but I’m going for Allen West.” To accomplish this he didn’t compromise his core conservative beliefs, he just articulated them. When he’s spoken at Republican clubs, he’s blown the audience away, with everyone saying we need communicators like him nationally and that if we had any the Republican brand would be in a far better position. I guess they mean that we need more real people who can properly express their core beliefs, something Allen West can do better than almost any Republican political leader today.”

Ron Klein: "Do as I say, not as I do."

Jul 6, 06:41 PM

Congressman Ron Klein’s contradictory actions never cease to amaze me.

He voted against funding our troops in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and then sent out campaign mail professing his support for our veterans.

Mr. Klein is head the congressional anti-Semitic task force, of which Minnesota congressman Keith Ellison is a member. Mr. Klein was given clear information regarding Mr. Ellison’s connections with anti-Semitic groups but rather than confront and remove him from the committee, Mr. Klein only “asked” Ellison about the issues. Mr. Ellison denied everything and Mr. Klein did nothing.

Now Mr. Klein has joined the chorus who would rather do nothing—at least, nothing productive and useful—than do something about high oil prices. His reasons seemed incomprehensible until a few days ago; his many years as a lobbyist and a politician have surely taught him the laws of supply and demand, and that a stagnant supply in the face of increasing demand will drive up prices. Now we know that Mr. Klein’s personal portfolio benefits from high prices, and his policies will ensure those prices stay high. To add to the irony, Mr. Klein’s particular investment is with Hornbeck Offshore Services. This company provides assistance on deepwater drilling projects!

Mr. Klein’s actions speak much louder than his words. His example is one of self-promotion and self-interest. My years of military service taught me that real leaders, unlike Mr. Klein, “lead from the front and set the example”. I look forward to setting a new example for the people of District 22 and of America.

Allen West

From Anne Patterson

Jun 30, 01:29 PM

Let me tell you about Allen West. My name is Anne Patterson, I am 69 years old, and I followed the shameless way he was treated. Allen is honest, caring, God fearing, and HE LOVES AMERICA. He wants to make this country safe for our children. I am not educated enough yet to tell you about his other goals, but I know Allen, so they have to be for the best of our American Country.

God Bless you Allen and God bless American. I corresponded with Allen the time he was being held on those ridiculous charges. I would have pulled the trigger.

Anne Patterson

P.S. For those narrow minded people who wonder, I am a white woman. His color is only skin deep. He is a red blooded American just like me.

In Response to Porter County Politics Blog

Jun 30, 08:16 AM

In response to the question of how the Republican party can reach out to black Americans, here is my response:

The Republican party first must define itself and get back to its fundamental values and principles rooted in conservatism. That message appeals to people of all groups. It must restore itself as “America’s Party”. Right now everyone else is defining the Republican party and the message is confused.

A prime example of the success of that message comes from Utah’s 3d Congressional District’s Republican primary, Jason Chaffetz vs Congressman Cannon. Another is in the success of Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. The American people of all races understand lower taxes, limited government, national security, enforcing our laws against illegal immigration, and moving towards complete energy independence.

The bottom line is that Americans want leaders—not petty charlatans with silly slogans—but right now this country is so thirsty for direction, it would drink the sands of a desert (or believe a mirage if you call it “hope”) thinking it is water.

I am sure no one “reached” out to Jason, but he felt the call to duty for his country, and I can certainly confess that no one
“reached” out to me. I answered the call to serve America as a US congressman after seeing the debacle of November 2006, while assigned in Kandahar Afghanistan.

There is a wealth of indivduals who would happily volunteer as viable candidates, if the national party has a clear vision for its future, and a legacy for our republic. However, even if they do not figure it out, there are patriots like Chaffetz, Jindal, and West who did.

Regards, Lieutenant Colonel Allen B West (US Army, Ret)
Candidate, Florida US Congressional District 22

A response to Rep. Hastings

Jun 26, 01:53 PM

My friends, I have just read the most disturbing words from someone purporting to be an American Congressman, Alcee Hastings, an impeached federal judge. His words, regarding the soaring price of gasoline, “There ain’t no answer, OK? ... All the talk is feel good talk”, are the most pathetic and abyssmal response I have heard. Perhaps I can offer Congressman Hastings and his cohorts a lesson from American history.

On the second day at Gettysburg, a young professor of rhetoric from Bowdoin College in Maine, LTC Joshua Chamberlain, was told he was the end of the Union line along Seminary Ridge. He was given a position at a place called Little Round Top. That day Chamberlain and his Maine Men took repeated attacks from the Confederate forces on that hot July day. Chamberlain’s 20th Maine Regiment eventually ran out of ammunition, and as the Confederates prepared for another charge up Little Round Top, Chamberlain gave a simple order, “Bayonets!”

Can you imagine Alcee Hastings at Little Round Top? “We aint got no bullets and there ain’t nothin we can do,?” and the salvation of our Union would have taken a different course. Because the victory at Gettysburg was the first defeat of Gen Robert E Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia, turning them back from an eventual attack on Washington DC.

If Congressmen Hastings, Klein, Wexler, Mahoney, and Congresswoman Wasserman-Schultz all share this defeatist attitude, then South Florida and indeed America, need them no longer. This is not leadership, not to mention bad grammar. It is abject failure and the lack of intestinal fortitude to take responsibility and accountability to find a solution. There are many solutions to our country’s energy independence.

Having served this Country in several combat zones, I can attest to this: when in a firefight, a bad decision is better than no decision at all. There can be no doubt as to why this Congress under the presumed leadership of Speaker Pelosi is a collection of whining losers, and we as the American people should not have to suffer for their lack of courage, competence, and character.

Finally, as to the issue of timelines for solutions; in World War II
Pacific theater, the USS Yorktown had received incredible battle
damage, I believe at Midway, and limped into Harbor. It was estimated that the damages would require 6 months to repair. The USS Yorktown made headway back into the fight three days later.

Americans are not quitters, Congressman Hastings! We find a way to win!

Best Regards, Lieutenant Colonel Allen B West (US Army, Ret)
Candidate, Florida’s US Congressional Distict 22

West Answers Obama:Run as a Man and Leader

Jun 26, 09:19 AM

June 22, 2008
Clarice Feldman
American Thinker

In response to Obama’s claim that Republicans will use race to stoke fear, Lt. Col Allen West, candidate for Congress in Florida’s 22 District issued this release:

My advice to Senator Obama is to run as a Man and Leader, and the American people will evaluate you as such, not as a victim. This is a Presidential race, based solely on a capacity to lead the United States of America. It is not about skin tone…however, perhaps we should come to expect these immature statements.

It also seems rather humorous that the Presidential candidate who was supposed to be such a “uniter” and transcend race is the one talking about it the most. If Senator Obama was confident in his abilities and character, he would not need to create a crutch for failure. Senator Obama has just tipped his hand, any criticism of him and his policies will be directly attributed to racism. I congratulate Senator Obama for taking race relations in America back some 30 years.