Dear Congressman Allen West

Dear Congressman West,

I do not reside in your congressional district, but I am an American and as such am in a broader sense your constituent. What you do as a Congressman has an impact on me. When you fail to go about your work in a way that befits an elected representative who is trying to solve problems, it is my responsibility as an American citizen to let you know. Your response to Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz was inappropriate on any number of levels. It was nasty, inappropriate, smacking of sexism, and certainly not the stuff of cooperation and collaboration.

Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz criticized your position on a bill and accused you of not representing the best interests of her constituents. I can see where that might upset you, but it wasn’t out of line. She is entitled to criticize your position and say it is wrong and out of step the interests of your constituents. She is allowed to do it even if you are not in the room when she has her chance to speak. I think her comments fall within the category of acceptable disagreement. You can disagree, but what you did was more than disagree and it was inappropriate. I think it is more than enough to justify your constituents giving their votes to someone else next year.

How you carry yourself, how you deal with your colleagues, and how you approach serious problems go a long way toward determining what kind of representative you are. Calling a congresswoman a coward is inexcusable. Accusing of her of not saying something to your face in a press release isn’t exactly consistent. Responding to her criticism by telling her to focus on her own congressional district isn’t much of a response to valid criticism. What about saying why your position isn’t detrimental to seniors? What about defending your positions rather than responding with personal attacks? Saying that a congresswoman has “proven repeatedly that you are not a Lady,” is sexist and a personal attack where there should be a substantive statement.

The time has come for you and your colleagues to behave like adults who have serious business to do. The time has come for you to get down to business with thicker skins and an eye to solving problems. Your fellow citizens are going to start demanding it from you. You can respond appropriately, or find a new job.

Sincerely,

Me