Cure Goes to West Smiley Book Signing - Interesting Responses Follow

Tavis Smiley, one of my all time favorite Marxist and his good buddy Cornell West have co-authored a book called The Rich and The Rest of Us.  He should know about the rich since his net worth is reported to be $10 million.  Pretty darn good for someone who used to work in the Mayor's office in Los Angeles.  Now, Mr. West may understand poverty better since he only has about $3 million.  Not to shabby for academia.  You know those poor teachers who don't make any money.  


I would have a much easier time taking advice on helping the poor from someone who wasn't worth $10 million.  It would seem to me that he would be giving that money to organizations that help the poor instead of stockpiling it for himself.  


We also need to educate people on the lies that people like Smiley and West go around telling people.  We do not spend more on defense than on programs to help the poor.  That is fact, as inconvenient as that may be to Mr. Smiley.  The problem is that we don't use the money we spend wisely.  We end up ensnaring people into a life of dependency instead of giving them what they really need to lift themselves out of poverty.  


Mr. Smiley, when you are willing to help people like her, we'll talk.  

Romney Wins Big in Illinois - Let the VP Stakes Begin

First, I take no pleasure whatsoever saying this.  Romney will be the GOP nominee.  Santorum has run out of field.  There are not enough truly conservative states left to get him to the nomination.  Of course he will keep going in the hopes of a contested convention, but in their hearts of hearts they know it is not in the cards.  

Therefore, it is time.  VP Stakes:

There are plenty to choose from.  

Herman Cain: I don't see it.  The issues that came up about the affair would scare off any candidate in my mind.  Why deal with that distraction when you don't have to?  I give this almost no chance.  

Paul Ryan: A great choice, but very young.  He also has very young children who he doesn't want to put into the spotlight at their tender ages.  Which just makes me love him all the more.  Also, very remote chance of this happening.  

Chris Christie:  This is a non-starter as far as I am concerned.  I like many things about Christie, but he adds nothing to the ticket.  He won't bring NJ over to the GOP.  He is just as moderate as Romney is in most respects.  So I give this almost no chance.

Michele Bachman: She will excite the base, but let's be honest; she is a loose cannon.  Romney won't take the chance of her blowing his last chance at being president.  

Marco Rubio: He is dynamic and from a swing state.  He had a great deal of tea party support.  Notice I said had.  There are many in the Tea Party who have lost confidence in him.  He has some issues with a brother-in-law who has had some drug dealing issues.  Of course that has nothing to do with him, he didn't marry the guy, but the media will have some fun with that.  He also has said that he has zero intention of taking it even if offered.  Of course much easier to say no to a reporter than to the nominee.  He is also young.  He may feel he isn't ready yet.   I would give this a 50/50 chance.  

Allen West: West has been favorable towards Newt, although he never came out and endorsed him.  West has the entire package that the conservative base is looking for.  He will make an excellent attack dog on the stump.  He will pull no punches with Obama, which will allow Romney to stay above the fray and concentrate on comparing and contrasting policies with the Obama administration.  West had some issues in Iraq that will come up again.  He sometimes doesn't always filter what he is saying.  He also just moved in order to run for congress again.  I would give this maybe a 40% chance.  

Sarah Palin: Heaven knows she has been vetted.  But she is also very polarizing.  I also don't think she would accept.  Why be the small dog again when she had the chance to run for the big seat and decided to bow out?  I give this less than a 20% chance.

Rand Paul: I like Rand.  A lot as a matter of fact.  He also is another that will take on Obama without fear.  His down side is that it will add fuel to the fire to the people who accused Romney and Ron Paul of working together and Rand getting the VP seat as the payoff.  It will alienate the people who believe this.  But, it may bring in Ron Paul fans.  Not likely, but some may be willing to vote for him.  I would say this is about a 30% chance.  

I don't see him taking any of the candidates he went up against.  The blood between Newt and him is way to bad for it to be repaired.  It looks like it is starting to get that way with Rick now as well.  I would give this the least likely of the scenarios.  

My pick is Gov. Bob McDonnell of Virginia.  He is currently the head of the RGA.  Has a rising profile nationally.  He has spoken at the Reagan library recently and was received well.  His administration has been very successful.  He has increased revenues without raising taxes, VA's ratings has increased under his administration, he has kept most of his promises when he was elected, (one more year to fulfill the balance).  He is also a very good campaigner.  He is a staunch conservative, which Romney needs to excite the base.  Virginia is a swing state, and right now is trending to Obama by 8 points with Romney as the nominee.  (Which Romney was the best of the remaining candidates).  

Your predictions?  

A Little Black History Lesson From Congressman Allen West

In case you have not seen this, it is well worth the listen.  Tell it to your liberals friends.  They have completely rewritten history on this topic, heaven forbid they admit to the racism that was part and parcel with the democratic party for more than a century. 

The next time a liberal tries to tell you that dems (if they are willing to even admit this one) who were the racists became republicans, just remind them there is only one documented case of a racist democrat becoming republican.  That man was Strom Thurmond, who by the end of his life had turned his back on his racist past.  Also remind them when the south became mostly republican was also the time that the culture wars in this country started.  The era of free love, sex without consquences, women's lib, and all the other assualts on conservative values became the norm.  The conservative dems finally woke and realized that the democratic party had left them behind. 

Tea Party Caucus Vs. Progressive Caucus West and Edwards on Fox News Sunday

Talk about diverging views:

Congressman West Pumping Gas and Talking Oil Drilling

Congressman West Gets Some Love from his District

The congressman went home for the weekend and went immediately to a meeting with his constituents at 10:30 on a Friday night.   He gave a short speech and they break out singing God Bless America at the end of his speech.


The chorus for him to run for president is getting louder. I hope that he stays within himself and continues to realize that he isn't ready for that.



H/T The War Room

Allen West - Not a Libertarian Fav

Allen West, a tea party favorite, apparently is not loved by the libertarians. I came across an article on The Tenth Amendment Center calling the freshman congressman a "Tea Party Statist".



His votes to keep The Patriot Act in place as well as his first vote for the CRE ruffled some feathers in libertarian circles. But, his real sins seem to be his votes and strong support of our military forces:

West is a huge proponent of the warfare state. According to his congressional website, he favors increasing the size of the military and sees threats to the United States all over the world:

Make no mistake, we are a nation at war against a totalitarian theocratic political ideology that glorifies death rather than celebrating life. To defeat it, we must stay on the offensive. From Afghanistan and Iraq to the Greater Middle East and South America, radical Islam is on the march. And while our attention is focused on combating global terrorism, we must not forget other looming threats just on the horizon in China, North Korea, Venezuela, Russia & Iran. These nations and their leaders represent the biggest threat to our great nation. As your Congressman, I will work to reestablish American Exceptionalism by growing and modernizing America’s Armed forces to ensure that we are prepared for the strategic challenges ahead. I believe that peace is best kept through a strong national defense.

Increasing the size of the military will naturally entail an increase in defense spending. But how much defense spending is enough? The United States already spends on defense as much as the rest of the world combined. The true amount of U. S. defense spending is already over $1 trillion a year. It should come as no surprise to see that Congressman West recently voted against H.J. Con. Res. 28, “Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan.” Is there any U.S. war he wouldn’t support? Is there any U.S. military intervention he would oppose?

None of this is any surprise to me, as this is the view of the libertarian. They would much rather wait until we are attacked before doing anything when it comes to national defense. But, what I did find very comical were some of the comments on the post.

""West is a huge proponent of the warfare state. According to his congressional website, he favors increasing the size of the military and sees threats to the United States all over the world"


Uhhhhh....Yeeeahhhh and THANK GOD!! "


Wow, not sure even where to start. How about this. The constitution authorizes national defense. Our military spending is greater than the rest of the world combined. Who exactly are we defending against? Aliens? No, that kind of spending is "national offense" which is unauthorized and which the founders and many presidents warned us against standing armies.


Stop with the kool-aid. read the constitution and think for yourself.

Oh, where to begin. We are defending against al Qaeda. We are defending against lunatics leaders from North Korea and Iran. Both of which are crazy enough to use WMD. Also, how does one defend if you don't have an offense to start with? Sometimes the best defense is a strong offense. If you are able to keep people from attacking you because they believe in your offensive abilities, the need to be defensive will not come to pass. We won the cold war without firing a shot at The Soviet Union. One of the reasons that bin Laden has said that he could attack the U.S. was because he believed us to be a "paper tiger" who didn't have the heart to fight. That is the world that the libertarian would have live in.


But, what I found most offensive about the article was the obvious disdain the author has for the military. Look how he describes West's service to our country:

Before his election to Congress, West was a lieutenant colonel in the army until his retirement after an investigation into his harsh interrogation techniques while fighting in the Iraq War resulted in a $5,000 fine. After his “service” in the military, West worked for a defense contractor as an advisor to the Afghan National Army

It is very shameful how libertarians view not only the military, but the people who serve. Allen West would have given his life to support and protect them men who served under him. He has proven that in spades with the "harsh interrogation techniques". He shot off his weapon to get information from a terrorist. The life of the prisoner was never in danger and West went immediately to his commanding officer and admitted what he did. He took full responsibility for his actions and resigned his position in the military, and he saved the lives of the men in his unit. Once that man gave up the information, the sniper attacks on his unit stopped. You may disagree with a war or the president who requested to send them there, but don't disagree with the men and women who fulfill the oath that they took. Don't disparage the very people who are willing to put their lives on the line to protect your freedoms. Allen West ran on a strong defense. That is who he is, and I wouldn't want him any other way.


Read the whole article here.

Allen West Answers the "Will You Run for President Question"

He is right, he is not ready yet to run for president.  He needs some more time.  But, he has said he wouldn't rule out a VP bid.  I also think he should consider the senate seat that will be open in Florida next year.

Enjoy.

The Hill's VEEPStakes

The Hill has compiled a list of hill contenders for the role of VP Candidate next year. 

Sen. Kelly Ayotte

New Hampshire

Too new, very few people know who she is.  But, she would put NH in play and that would be positive in her column. 

Rep. Michele Bachmann

Minnesota

While Bachmann is a tea party favorite, the party looks at her like a loose cannon.  She also didn't help herself with her recent gaffe on historical references.  Especially since that was such an easy thing to fact check.  Her staff should have done a better job.  Minnesota could be put in play with her on the ticket and if the nominee is a moderate she would be a good choice. 

Sen. Scott Brown

Massachusetts

The tea party is not jazzed with him.  He has little to no chance to put MA into play for the republicans.  The only way this would work is if the nominee is a staunch conservative he could even out the ticket to attract the indies. 

Rep. Eric Cantor

Virginia

His voting record has been all over the place.  I don't see how he brings anything to the ticket. 

Sen. Jim DeMint

South Carolina

He is the opposite of Scott Brown.  The only way he makes sense is if the nominee is a moderate and I don't see him accepting the VP slot with a moderate.  His views are very staunch and I don't see him wavering on his principles for ambition. 

Sen. Ron Johnson

Wisconsin

This is ridiculous choice by The Hill.  The guy has virtually no experience. 

Rep. Kevin McCarthy

California

He adds nothing really to the ticket.  The chances of him bringing CA to the GOP is about nill. 

Rep. Kristi Noem

South Dakota

Very inexperienced.  She is better off staying where she is.  She is the future of the party.  She also adds nothing to the ticket either. 

Rep. Ron Paul

Texas

While he has a rabid following, he is widely viewed as a nut. 

Sen. Rob Portman

Ohio

This is a possibility because of the importance of Ohio.  He is experienced, but the problem is that most of his experience comes from the Bush administration. 

Sen. Marco Rubio

Florida

Rubio is probably the best on the list.  He comes from an important swing state, has a great deal of tea party support yet has been able to keep a certain amount of distance from it at the same time.  He will help with the Hispanic vote. 

Rep. Paul Ryan

Wisconsin

Ryan is still very young.  He is not interested in the big chair right now as he feels his children are too young.  So, this may be premature for him.  He is a policy wonk, he would wipe the floor with Biden in a debate. 

Sen. John Thune

South Dakota

He decided to forgo running for the big chair, so this may be the opportunity for him to raise his profile.  His biggest problem is that he adds nothing to the ticket being from South Dakota. 

Sen. Pat Toomey

Pennsylvania

Another very staunch conservative who doesn't feel the need to waver on his positions to please other people.  Which would make it hard for him to run with a moderate.  PA will be an important state and he could help deliver it. 

My question is why isn't this guy on the list?

Allen West Calls Out Jupiter Mayor

The Mayor of Jupiter, Florida told Congressman West that the people of the city are happy with the status quo on illegal immigration and city funds going to support illegals.  The people at the town hall seem to disagree. 

Join Me In A Dream - Allen West Gives Keynote At CPAC 11

Sadly, CSPAN cut off the end of his speech because of Obama's weekly address or some such thing.  He knocked it out of the park. 

I will give a wrap up tomorrow, because I am little pooped. 

Also, his introduction took forever.  Put it up to about the 7 minute mark. 

I think he missed his plane. 

Off to CPAC

They finally announced the keynote speaker after Gov. Palin backing out last week.  It is going to Congressman Allen West.  So, I am really looking forward to hearing him speak again.  Yes, I just heard him speak the other night, but that is OK with me. 

I will check in when I can.  Have a good weekend all, and let me know if you are in town.  You can get me through twitter at shoegal90

You can watch it live here

Tea Party Town Hall

Tonight was a town hall held at The National Press Club for the tea party movement.  Mike Lee, Steve King, Allen West, Michelle Bachman, Orin Hatch, and Rand Paul were in attendance. 









Yes, most of my videos are of Allen West.  I am not going to upload everything.  But feel free to go to my you tube page.  There are plenty more to see.

Allen West's First Townhall as Congressman of FL 22

LOVE this man.  This was released by the congressman's office, so it is kind of like a campaign video.  If I can find more video I will post. 

Welcome Speaker Boehner

Yesterday the 112th Congress started off with the election of Speaker John Boehner. I had the opportunity to attend a viewing party given by the NRCC, so of course I took advantage of the invite and went. The room was packed with guests from all over the country. Even with some relatives of new members that couldn't get a seat inside the chamber.



Afterwards there were receptions being held by many of the new members. Some offices were much more full than others. Tim Scott's office was so packed it spilled out into the hallway. I actually came about his office by accident because the updated office listings were not to be posted until today. So, I got to have a little chat with him. My local tea party has decided to welcome the new tea party fav's with some baking, and I went around today finding out about baked goods requests. Although, that was not all I did, but it was part of my assignment. We want the new members to feel welcome, yet we also want them to understand that we are watching.


I also went to a few other tea party favorites to say hello. Senator Rubio wins the prize for worst ever senate office. It is no better than a cubicle. It is literally across the hall from the senate stationary office in the basement. Rand Paul has not fared much better, but it is still a step up from Rubio.  I do hope that they get better digs soon.  Those offices are shameful. 


I happen to run into Congressman Pence during my travels as well. I explained to him that while I realize that he was looking for the office of Governor, we really need him to be president. I asked him nicely and even said pretty please. So I figure he will be announcing for president any day now!! In all seriousness, he would make an amazing president. If you have not read his speech given on the limits of the executive branch you should.

Without proper adherence to the role contemplated in the Constitution for the presidency, the checks and balances in the constitutional plan become weakened. This has been most obvious in recent years when the three branches of government have been subject to the tutelage of a single party. Under either party, presidents have often forgotten that they are intended to restrain the Congress at times, and that the Congress is independent of their desires. And thus fused in unholy unity, the political class has raged forward in a drunken expansion of powers and prerogatives, mistakenly assuming that to exercise power is by default to do good.

I also paid a visit to Congressman (I really like the sound of that) West, Congresswoman Bachmann, and to the new Speaker. I had an interesting run in with Congressman Sandy Levin. For those who are not aware, some of the elevators in all the congressional buildings are for "members only". Sandy must have forgotten where he was, because he wouldn't let this lady get on the elevator with him, but he was on the public elevator. I guess he didn't want to mix with the "people" who were there to support the new republican class. There was a large group of people who were all stunned by his actions. I also ran into Congresswoman Waters and she didn't seem all that pleased with all the hustle and bustle around the new republican class offices. Oh well, she will get over it.



It was a very nice day filled with way too much food and more cake than I should have allowed myself to eat. My night ended with a dinner that was given by Americans For Prosperity. There were some very interesting people there, such as Terri Christoph; one of the founders of Smart Girls Politics, Stacy McCain of The Other McCain, and some writers from Townhall.


Sadly, I didn't make it to every party that I had an invite to, but it was still a very full and happy day. The only question that I have is why did Nanny Pelosi enter the chamber after Boehner? Did she not realize that her time has now passed?

In case you missed the speech:

 

Fox News Sunday - Allen West and Mike Lee on Tea Party Campaigns and Real World Governing

Congressman-elect West in all his awesomeness

Love him.  He hits on the congressional black caucus; which he will be joining, the economy, taxes, don't ask don't tell, and supporting our soldiers in the battlefield and the rules of engagement. 



H/T Newsmax

Go West - Allen West on the CBC and Lewis' Racebased Defense of Ethically Challenged Charlie Rangel

Pulling out the race card to some how justify Charlie Rangel's corruption is low.  So is Lewis saying because he was at Selma in the 60's he now has a get out _________ card for the rest of his life?  Where exactly is the line drawn?  One of the things that Rangel did that was horrible was using four rent control apartments for his own use.  Four families did not get those apartments.  Aren't they part of  the reason that they went to Selma?  The majority of the people who live in Charlie Rangel's district are minorities. 

So Mr. Lewis, what exactly can't Rangel do? 

"You're Just Given a Hammock" Allen West and the Monolithic Voice of the CBC

Allen West was to attend his first meeting with The Congressional Black Caucus yesterday.  The meeting was delayed due to the democrat caucus meeting to elect the leadership for the upcoming congress.  He was interviewed outside. 

I applaud the fact that Congressman West has decided to join this caucus.  While I agree with Tim Scott's point of groups that are broken out by color are not a good thing, the reality remains that the CBC will not be going anywhere anytime soon.  The CBC contains at least 12 members that are also members of the socialist party.  

The main message coming from The CBC is that more and more handouts are necessary.  Allen West is saying that a hand up is what is really needed.  If you fall, you will catch you and help you until you get back on your feet.  It is time that there is another voice telling people that living in generational poverty is not the American dream, nor is it the only option.

I am sure that the Caucus just can't wait to sit down with Allen West.  After all most of these people don't believe that a "real" black man can be a conservative.  According to Eleanor Norton Holmes they only "propose to be a black man". 

Go West - Allen West and Gutfeld

I am was very glad to read today that the radio talk show host that Congressman Elect West hired has decided not to accept the job.  She is very bombastic and the left is going to do anything and everything to turn this man into a joke.  Politico has already labeled him the most likely to be the Alan Grayson of the right.