Thank you for the link. Congressman West makes a lot of sense and I appreciate the opportunity to listen to him.
Dear Patriot,
Greetings to our constituents, fellow Floridians, and all Americans.
It is time once again for our weekly update and this has been a “doozy” of a week.
This past Saturday was touted by some fella as being the day the world would end. The day was actually Armed Forces Day and we should have celebrated the men and women who stand upon freedom's ramparts in order to secure our liberty each and every day.
I believe President Barack Obama is completely incorrect when it comes to his Middle East foreign policy. I was hoping that the President would clarify the statement at his AIPAC speech. However, the President did not rectify the unconscionable policy faux pas statement on “pre-1967 borders” to resolve the Middle East peace process. He did not seek an honorable way to publicly apologize; in turn I have come to one concluding assessment: America has a President who lacks moral courage and integrity when it comes to America's long standing relationship with Israel. Here is a statement I released after the President's Speech last week. Please see the statement here.
I say this based upon a speech that then - Senator Obama gave to AIPAC a mere three years ago emphasizing a totally different policy position. In reviewing history, I would say Sir Neville Chamberlain was naive in his negotiations with German Chancellor Adolph Hitler. However, when one examines the current state of affairs in the Middle East, including the Fatah-Hamas reconciliation pact, increase of rocket/mortar attacks from Gaza, the definitive Hamas Charter statement vowing the destruction of Israel, and the Hamas condemnation of America for killing Osama bin Laden... I cannot attribute this incompetent statement to naïveté, but rather to conscious, nefarious, and malicious intent.
Yes, I am very aware these words and the statement I released will be carried forward all across America, and possibly beyond – and yes they are strong words. However, it is time that someone rose up to speak the truth. The statement President Obama made, one without sharing with Prime Minister Netanyahu, is one of the most insidious and heinous policy statements ever made by any United States President, and completely unacceptable. I will not sit back idly and watch us saunter down the road to perdition!
I look forward to attending the AIPAC evening dinner tonight and hopefully will get a moment to speak with Prime Minister Netanyahu and let him know I have his back. As well, I shall enthusiastically applaud Prime Minister Netanyahu when he addresses a Joint Session of Congress this coming Wednesday… he is a Brother Warrior!
Also this week, on Friday, the 60 days under which President Obama can engage in combat operations in Libya without Congressional approval under the 1973 War Powers Act ended. The President, by law, now has 30 days to cease these combat operations in Libya or be in violation of the laws of this Constitutional Republic — we call the United States of America.
Giving a typical Obamaesque speech during prime time television does not constitute requesting Congressional approval, nor does the letter sent to House and Senate Leaders suffice. The President must follow our laws and address a Joint Session of Congress and put forth a resolution for approval – which he does not have from this 22 year U.S. Army Veteran and Congressional Representatives.
Stand by for more on this.
Lastly, we may have a vote at the end of next week on three key provisions of the PATRIOT Act (record checks, roving wiretaps, and lone wolf provisions). I voted back earlier this year for a 90-day extension. The Congressional Leadership seeks a four year extension to these provisions. Let me make myself clear, there is no one more focused on the security of the United States, but I also believe in preserving the liberty of our citizens. The record checks and roving wiretap provisions cause me concern, resulting from my research and query of local and federal law enforcement officers. Over the coming days, I will be reviewing documents to make a careful assessment so I can determine my support or opposition to this further extension to the PATRIOT Act.
Legislative Update: The House was not in session this past week so there is no legislative business to report.
Highlights of the Week:
- Monday, 16 May — Started the day with a tour of the Coral Springs Medical Center and met with the CEO of the Broward Medical System. Great facility! Met with and spoke at the Broward Vets Clinic and updated them on Veterans’ specific legislation which we have supported. I held a press conference at a gas station and pumped gas at a West Palm Beach Chevron station. What a great opportunity to hear from constituents about the effects the exorbitant gas prices are having on their daily routines. Conducted a town hall meeting in Riviera Beach at Inlet Grove High School.
Probably the most hilarious moment during the town hall was when a gentleman yelled out to me, “Where were you five years ago in 2006?” Presumably he must have thought I was in Washington, D.C. causing the many problems I am now working to address. I replied, “I was in Afghanistan, where were YOU?”
- Tuesday, 17 May — Started the day addressing the Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce Wake-Up breakfast meeting. Always great to share with our local business entrepreneurs. Conducted a midday town hall meeting in Pompano Beach with over 200 in attendance. At one point, a fella began repeatedly shouting, “take your hands off my Medicare!” I then directed my attention to him and confided that I would be more than happy to, and responded, “in 13 years, 2024, when Medicare is broke (as reported by the Medicare Board of Trustees last week) I will come looking for you to ask if you still want me to take my hands off Medicare!” It was interesting to see him slump down into his seat. The day ended with our first meeting of our Small Business Advisory Board and what a stellar group of local private sector leaders. Expect great things from this group.
- Wednesday, 18 May — Started the day addressing the leaders and employees of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions in West Palm Beach — a great group of Americans trying to help other Americans. We then transited south to the Boca Raton Community High School where we spent two hours speaking to upper level history, government, and Navy JROTC students. Nothing like being on a High School campus to make one feel old, but what a great group of young people.
I addressed the Boca Rotary weekly luncheon meeting providing them a Capitol Hill update. Then I met with Boynton Beach Mayor Jose Rodriguez to discuss support to his city. Ended the day with a security seminar discussion on America and Israel at the Chabad of Boca Raton hosted by Rabbi Denburg — how appropriate considering what was to be said by President Obama the next day. My dear friend Mark Kahlberg, former Israeli Police officer, made the trip over and was the primary presenter and part of the panel discussion.
- Thursday, 19 May — Started the day with a tour of the Imperial Point Medical Center and held a short town hall meeting and a Capitol Hill update with the medical professionals. Participated in a roundtable meeting and discussion with the South Florida Lubavitch Rabbis held at Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach. It was there we sat and watched the President's address on the Middle East. Needless to say, the audience was not pleased.
- Friday, 20 May — Started off addressing the Small Business Empowerment Forum breakfast along with President of the Florida State Senate, Senator Mike Haridopolus. Then visited and spoke to young people at the Palm Beach Juvenile Detention Center. If one is willing to speak to the Honor students at Boca Raton High School, one must take the same message to kids who need even more encouragement.
I toured the facility of CrossMatch, a local biometrics company in Palm Beach Gardens responsible for providing the technology which was useful in the confirmation in the killing of Osama bin Laden.
Later, I held our first Veterans Advisory Committee meeting and what a great group of Vets and supporters make-up this board. We already have the creative juices flowing to improve the quality of life for our South Florida Veterans. We closed the day speaking at the Shabbos services at Temple Beth Kodesh in support of Israel and honoring our local Jewish War Veterans.
- Saturday, 21 May — Given the distinct honor of being the keynote speaker at the Cooper City Christian Academy graduation ceremony.
- Sunday, 22 May — Addressed the Florida District Exchange Club Convention at their “One Nation Under God” breakfast. I discussed America's Godly Heritage- based upon the simple but profound book of the same title by David Barton of “Wallbuilders.”
In closing, how about that Patient and Protection Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)? Another 200+ waivers granted this past week, bringing the total to over 1,400 waivers. And interestingly enough, in this new batch of waivers, 20% (38) were granted to the district of one female U.S. Congressional representative in California…
Steadfast and Loyal,
Allen
Sincerely,
Allen West
Member of Congress