You know what they say about Republicans in Florida these days:
Republicans. Can't live with 'em. Can't live....with 'em.
Well take heart Florida, this week The Nation's online edition feels your pain. They've noticed that Florida has its share of off the rails Tea Party Republicans, and they've honored them in a slideshow feature entitled "13 Republicans Too Radical For Their Constituents." Yes, I say them, because of those 13 Tea-nuts, three, count them, three are from Florida:
Rick Scott, of course because he's the worst and least popular Governor in America after only six months in office, among other things on a long list.
Then there's David Rivera who managed to get elected in the midst of his ethics scandals. In spite of welcoming him to Washington with a "what could go wrong?" attitude, the Republican Party is now rethinking that move and he has become such a ball and chain that they won't let him play in any reindeer games be inviting him to a big upcoming fundraiser back home.
Then finally there's the crown jewel of crazy town, Allen West. Where to begin.....
Well, Allen West seems determined to hang on to that reputation right up until he loses his reelection, and this week he's doubled down.
First, in a post on a website called Red County, he wrote of the farce he and his colleagues are conducting over the debt ceiling fight against the President, Democrats in Congress and against the American people. He had choice words in particular for those who support President Obama during his rant of party line misinformation:
I must confess, when I see anyone with an Obama 2012 bumper sticker, I recognize them as a threat to the gene pool.
Wow. So apparently he sees anyone with a grasp of, oh I don't know, facts, as an obvious threat to the "Mensa" gene pool he came from. Lucky for him, when he loses his reelection and finds himself out of a job, I suppose he could always keep writing blog posts like that one for Jane Hamsher who shares his feelings towards anyone who supports President Obama. I won't repeat her "colorful" little outburst of ugly bile here, but you can use your imagination or click on the link above and read it for yourself.
West continued his foul rants today when he lashed out at fellow U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Shultz for calling him out on what his and the Republican's "Cut, Cap, and Balance" legislation to raise the debt ceiling would actually mean for his constituents:
"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 from a Member from South Florida," Wasserman Schultz said, saying the legislation "slashes Medicaid and critical investments essential to winning the future in favor of protecting tax breaks for Big Oil, millionaires, and companies who ship American jobs overseas."
In response West wrote this email to Wasserman Shultz along with members of the House Republican and Democratic leadership and his chief-of-staff:
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)
Yes, how dare she let actual facts get in the way of his Tea Party snow job! Republicans get pretty testy these days when you point them out:
Facts. Pesky little things.
(As I was writing this post, Jane Hamsher actually appeared on The Ed Show on MSNBC to comment on West's tirade. After acting as if she were above this kind of thing, she then proceeded to push her own twist of the Obama debt ceiling particulars, minus the four letter words. Angry birds of a feather.)
I don't think that Congressman West is upset at the Congresswoman, but rather with the fact that she highlighted that he and other Republicans are once again trying to balance the budget on the backs of seniors, children and the middle class.
As someone who lives in Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz's Congressional district, Congressman West knows that we have hundreds of thousands of seniors in South Florida who have paid into Medicare throughout their lives and now rely on this program to keep them healthy and active.
The truth hurts.
Yes, the truth certainly does hurt. It also gets in the way of a good narrative, whether you're a greedy Republican desperate to stay in power or an angry blogger with an "agenda" who lashes out at anyone who disagrees with her.
Ka-ching!
