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Jewish Dems Slam Rep. West for Hostile, Sexist Email Directed at Rep. Wasserman Schultz

NJDC — July 20, 2011 – 2:57 pm | Budget | Congress | Democrats | Domestic Policy | Economy | Republicans | Social Safety Net Comments (9) Add a comment

The National Jewish Democratic Council today condemned Representative Allen West (R-FL) for his sexist and hostile email that attacked yet another of West’s Democratic House colleagues. From the text of the email, which is now public, West was apparently unhappy that Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) alluded to his support for the congressional Republicans’ plan to increase the cost of Medicare for seniors during a speech on the House floor—a common talking point used by House Democrats during floor debate on Tuesday. NJDC President and CEO David A. Harris said:

“This latest tirade by Representative Allen West is beyond unacceptable. His email’s hostile tone and belligerent language further demonstrate that West cannot coexist peacefully and respectfully with his House colleagues. Worse, his declaration that Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz is ‘not a Lady’ and will not be ‘afforded due respect’  confirms yet again that West has a problem with progressive women.  American Jews overwhelmingly support women’s rights and have nothing but tremendous respect for Debbie and all that she’s accomplished. West must apologize immediately for his email and, once and for all, contain his sexist hostility. Even more importantly, he should heed the words of Debbie and her House Democratic colleagues and finally stand up for the nation’s seniors—and not try to solve our economic woes on the backs of the neediest.”

West wrote in the message, which he copied to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA):

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. [Politico, July 19, 2011]

West also took sexism to a new level by implying that only “ladies” are deserving of respect. West wrote:

You have proven repeatedly that you are not a Lady, therefore, shall not be afforded due respect from me! [Politico, July 19, 2011]

This is just the latest tirade from West against one of his colleagues and it fits in his long line of inappropriate and inexcusable statements. West recently attacked progressive women for “neutering American men and bringing us to the point of ... incredible weakness.” [The New Times, April 25, 2011] [NJDC Statement, April 27, 2011]

West also attacked Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN) and the religion of Islam. Rabbis Jack Moline, the Rabbinical Assembly’s Director of Public Policy, and David Saperstein, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism’s Director and Counsel, joined a group of interfaith religious leaders in rebuking West for his “intemperate comments about Islam.” [Washington Jewish Week, February 2, 2011]

West’s blatant disrespect for women and his house colleagues confirms just how out of step he is with the vast majority of American Jews.  With rising stars in the Republican Party such as this, there should be little doubt remaining as to why American Jews remain solidly Democratic. [Gallup, July 5, 2011]

Comments

Mickey Burstein | July 20, 2011 – 5:45 pm

Congressman West, it is OK to disagree without being disagreeable.  Your personal attack on Congresswoman Schultz is grossly unacceptable.  If your attack on her is the best answer that you have for the needs of our country, maybe you should leave politics to those who can forge compromises to resolve issues of State.

Mary | July 20, 2011 – 7:54 pm

r i AM A MISOGYNIST. And the reason is BECAUSE of women like Sergeant Debbie W-Schultz. Whining, spoiled, demanding, deceitful, this is how I see MOST women in America today. Don’t like it. Too bad

mom | July 20, 2011 – 10:33 pm

Ms Wasserman could have tempered her remarks a little bit.  What she said is true, however.  It is not right to reduce social security, medicare, and medicaid benefits without asking the most wealthy to lend a hand.  If 250000 max income per couple is too low to increase taxes, why not try 500.000?  If our lawmakers really wanted to do this, it would have been done.

Francine Silver | July 21, 2011 – 3:28 am

It is your language and attacks that are unprofessional and divisive! Stop it now!!

Sheldon Gottlieb, Ph.D. | July 21, 2011 – 6:44 am

Dear Congressman West.
I am a resident of South Florida who also happens to be Jewish and a senior citizen.  Although I am solidly with you on most of your views on foreign policy, I must take issue with you concerning your comments about Congresswoman Schultz.  I listened to the full comments of Congresswoman Schultz and found nothing wrong in her reference to you. In fact, her referring to your attitude and behavior on the specific budget issue was in line with comments I have heard Congresspeople say in the last 50 years of my life. 
Ergo, I find your disrespectful comments about Congresswoman Schultz to be uncalled for and completely out of proportion to what she had said:  your comments were intemperate, sexist, threatening and grossly disrespectful..  Disagreement is expected behavior among people living in a civilized society, however, being disagreeable is an unacceptable behavior, especially by officials who have been elected to represent all of their constituents.
You owe Debbie Wasserman Schultz,  the American citizenry - particularly the ones you represent in South Florida - an apology.
As being the man of honor that I always thought you are - you are a retired colonel, an officer and a gentleman, from the US Army - I would hope such an apology would be forthcoming.

BJM | July 21, 2011 – 9:44 am

Allen West’s remarks reflect solely on his own unfitness for public office.  It is sad to realize that he is voting on life altering matters in congress.

Andrea Rosen | July 21, 2011 – 2:41 pm

Rep. West has shown his hand with the bizarre assertion that American women have “neutered” American men.  His angry bluster comes from a place of great inner weakness.  Yet he carries no compassion or sense of responsibility toward the weakest members of society.

MSGU | July 21, 2011 – 4:28 pm

Dear Congressman West: Like me, my relatives who live in your district are ashamed of your behavior toward your colleague, Rep. Wasserman-Schultz, and enraged at your lack of concern for their Social Security and Medicare benefits.  Thankfully, Congresswoman Wasserman-Schultz, does feel this concern, and she, like all conscientious legislators, should be free to articulate it on the House floor without anticipating personal vilification from you.

You owe her an apology, and you owe your constituents your support for the benefits that allow them to subsist in this dire economy.

bbswpb1 | July 22, 2011 – 4:03 pm

Dear Mr. West.  I am appalled and thankful at the same time:  APPALLED that you, as an elected official and supposed role model for our youth, would send such a nasty, sexist e-mail to another member of Congress when, from my perspective, she said nothing in her comments regarding you except that she couldn’t believe that as a South Florida congressman you would vote against your constituents’ best interests; and THANKFUL that you are not my congressman, and that I have a congressman who does not plan to lay the onus of our current dire financial crises on my senior-citizen back.

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