That would be Lt. Col. Allen West, running for Congress in Florida’s 22nd district. Because America needs more clear-eyed, unflinching truth-tellers like him:
You may recall the Atlanta-born Col. West from his service in Iraq, during which he was became embroiled in controversy for his actions in the field and was made subject to an Article 32 hearing, from which he emerged with both his dignity and service record intact and, in the eyes of many, his stature increased.
From his website, here are some of Col. West’s awards, citations and decorations:
In his Army career, Col. West has been honored many times, including a Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals (one with Valor), and a Valorous Unit Award. He received his valor award as a Captain in Desert Shield/Storm, was the US Army ROTC Instructor of the Year in 1993, and was a Distinguished Honor Graduate III Corps Assault School. He proudly wears the Army Master parachutist badge, Air Assault badge, Navy/Marine Corps parachutist insignia, Italian parachutist wings, and German proficiency badge (Bronze award).
Wouldn’t he be more interesting to hear from once in a while than another Florida congressman — and MSM darling — the snarky Alan Grayson (FL-8)? You remember him:
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From his website, here are the Bronx-born Grayson’s awards, citations and decorations:
Alan was a sick child. His mother took him to the hospital four times a week, for treatment. Without health coverage, he would not be alive today. He remembers that.
Alan rode the subway to school each day, and he worked hard. He was the valedictorian of his junior high school. By passing a test, he was admitted to an exclusive public high school. In high school, he achieved the highest test score among almost 50,000 students who took the test. Harvard College saw something in him, and admitted him.
For Alan, life at Harvard wasn’t easy. Alan cleaned toilets, and worked as a night watchman. Yet he earned a bachelor’s degree in only three years, with high honors, and he was Phi Beta Kappa. Alan graduated from Harvard in the top two percent of his class.
Alan took economics classes at Harvard, and he worked as an economist after college. But he felt a calling, to learn more. He returned to Harvard. In only four years, Alan received a J.D. with honors from Harvard Law School, and a master’s degree from the Harvard School of Government, and Alan finished all of the course work and passed the general exams for a Ph.D. in Government.
Well, what do you think? Who would you rather see in Congress? A decorated African-American military officer or a lawyer with a Ph.D. in Government?
Your thoughts, comments and comparisons welcome here.