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| Rep. West's Response To CAIR Letter: "NUTS!" | ||
| 2011-08-16 | ||
| A South Florida Muslim group sent Congressman Allen West a letter asking him to disassociate himself from activists the group considers anti-Islamic. Congressman West did respond and the letter he sent back is raising some eyebrows. If it looks like the shortest letter you've ever seen from a member of congress, it probably is. How short? Try one word, in capital letters: "NUTS!" "I was shocked at first. I didn't expect this from a congressman," said Nezar Hamze, the executive director of CAIR Florida -- the Council on American-Islamic Relations. "We stand up for the civil rights of the Muslim community. That's what we do," said Hamze. Hamze says he wrote to the congressman earlier this month with his concerns about the congressman's relationships with groups and people Hamze considers to be anti-Islamic. "When I first saw that, I wasn't sure if he was calling me nuts, or he was calling my concerns nuts," said Hamze. Constituents in West's district 22 are just now reading the letter. "It doesn't look too professional to me. It doesn't look thought out," said one constituent named Chuck. Simone Oliver, another district 22 constituent thinks it's fine, but says it needs a little more. "Maybe another sentence, explaining," she said. West has not fully explained his position, but in other letters to CAIR Florida, he has said he is neither anti-Islamic nor anti-Muslim. Then CBS4 News discovered that during World War II, General Anthony McAuliffe famously wrote a one-word letter to the Germans in response to a surrender ultimatum. The word used: "Nuts!"
West turned down an interview request from CBS4 News on Monday. As of Monday night, his office had not yet responded to requests for a statement on the matter. | ||
| Posted by:tipper |
| #47 Just a friendly culture lesson, Shakey. We all come to Rantburg U for an education. Just helping to make sure you get it. I know you're not American. I know you're a male Canadian scientist whose overconfidence in your own powers of analytical objectivity leads you to make a lot of baseless assumptions. Like assuming I'm a dude. In fact, you can mark down one more hot piece of ass you'll never have, but I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess you're used to that feeling. |
| Posted by: RandomJD 2011-08-16 23:13 |
| #46 Gonna give you some advice, Stevie. I've been to Canada a few times. Done the Maritimes, Toronto, Montreal. And I've always had a good time. You know why? Because I don't insult anybody or pretend I'm an expert on Canada or Canadians. You might wanna remember that. |
| Posted by: tu3031 2011-08-16 22:07 |
| #45 This is a friendly warning to dial your rhetoric back several notches. If you want to maintain your commenting privileges, you should heed that warning. Sincerely, A mod... |
| Posted by: badanov 2011-08-16 21:36 |
| #44 Ignore 2. above. Misread that part of Random's post (thought he was calling me that). Sorry about that Random. I think I need to go to bed :) |
| Posted by: Shakey Steve 2011-08-16 21:20 |
| #43 "Any American who has to Google it, or blows it off as an obscure factoid of a bygone era, has just signaled very loudly to that warrior class that they're a gutless, ignorant, and lazy." 1. I knew the nuance of the term 'NUTS!', and I am NOT an American 2. 'Gutless', 'Ignorant', 'Lazy'...are you bloody serious? That crap I expect coming out of the pie-holes of the damn Islamofascists we despise so much, but not here. 3. When I mentioned 'Trivial Pursuit', I didn't mean to construe that the deep meaning of the 'NUTS!' response was trivial, but that the over-the-top bloody OUTRAGE expressed by the postee that how dare West's constituents not know the nuance of 'NUTS!' was, frankly, tiptoeing into the territory of, well, political elitism. To turn down an interview, West is appearing like he's hiding something, when there is nothing to hide. Look into the camera and explain exactly what he mean't by 'NUTS!' so there is no ambiguity and we can all go home to bed... |
| Posted by: Shakey Steve 2011-08-16 21:17 |
| #42 What RJD said. |
| Posted by: Barbara 2011-08-16 21:14 |
| #41 Shakey Stevey, "NUTS!" is not banal trivia. West's response was more for his constituents than for Hamze. It's a response loaded with history, meaning, and significance - practically a code word that separates the warrior class from everyone else, due to training, culture, and shared experiences. I got it immediately too, and not because I sit around memorizing military history for a Jeopardy audition. Any American who has to Google it, or blows it off as an obscure factoid of a bygone era, has just signaled very loudly to that warrior class that they're a gutless, ignorant, and lazy. It's appreciated when such people energetically insist on self-identifying, but it's usually not necessary. |
| Posted by: RandomJD 2011-08-16 20:35 |
| #40 “When I first saw that, I wasn’t sure if he was calling me nuts, or he was calling my concerns nuts,” said Hamze. I don't know what Col. West thinks about the above. For myself, I can say "Yes" and "Yes." I have found Col. West to express himself in a clear and professional way. His unprejudiced attitudes surprise me particularly after West got shot at by islamic nutjobs in Iraq. |
| Posted by: JohnQC 2011-08-16 17:16 |
#39 Now, now, Rob - no need to insult asses. You're right. I've known some fine and respectable asses, and they don't deserve that association. |
| Posted by: Rob Crawford 2011-08-16 17:02 |
| #38 I ever like when one of those who allied themselves with the Nazis and who on June 21th, 1941 were still doing everything in their power to help them has the gall to come here and call us far right. |
| Posted by: JFM 2011-08-16 16:35 |
| #37 "You have been told you're an ass, haven't you?" Now, now, Rob - no need to insult asses. |
| Posted by: Barbara 2011-08-16 15:44 |
| #36 West, in effect, said he doesn't surrender to Nazi's. His reply said many other things, to many other interest groups and individuals. I'm amazed at how much meaning can be packed into a single word in a given context. |
| Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 2011-08-16 15:33 |
| #35 #19 Frank G on the road: Thank you, sir, for that unearned compliment. If you are ever in the vicinity of Winnipeg (Centre of the continent) it would be my pleasure to buy you a wee drap of a suitable libation. I'm sure that whatever differences of opinion we might hold on any matters could be smoothed and the world's problems solved. My treat. Anytime. |
| Posted by: Canuckistan sniper 2011-08-16 15:26 |
| #34 West, in effect, said he doesn't surrender to Nazi's. Don't really see a problem with that stance. |
| Posted by: rjschwarz 2011-08-16 14:45 |
| #33 Fairly generic questions, either quite boring or a groupthink poser in to agitate, unexpectedly the same time astroturf was shipped to Iowa. But whatever. I am fairly certain Mr. West's consituants know who he is and what he is about, and why he was voted for. I am equally certain this Hamze fellow is either completely ignorant of US history, a professional pitty monger, or likely both. |
| Posted by: swksvolFF 2011-08-16 14:23 |
| #32 Rantburgers may remember that Congressman West had some choice words for his colleague Debbie Wasserman Schultz not too long ago. A politician who doesn't mince words is like a rare and refreshing breath of fresh air. My hat's off to him. |
| Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 2011-08-16 14:11 |
| #31 Frank have you ever known one to have anything original or new? |
| Posted by: Beavis 2011-08-16 14:06 |
| #30 "Far right". You're talking points are pretty stale, troll |
| Posted by: Frank G on the road 2011-08-16 14:00 |
| #29 "The authors of the Constitution thought about Baptists, Calvinists and perhaps Roman Catholics but definitely not abouit Muslims or Aztecs." Yep. Islamists may be living in the 7th century, but the American Far Right is still living in the 18th century. 'Pot', meet 'kettle'... |
| Posted by: Shakey Steve 2011-08-16 13:59 |
| #28 You get called an ass only once a month? |
| Posted by: swksvolFF 2011-08-16 13:46 |
| #27 Hamze stands up for the civil rights of muslims but no one else. West stands up for the rst of our rights and has proven that. Too hell with CAIR, take your asses back too the middle east where you can enjoy all the civil rights you want. |
| Posted by: chris 2011-08-16 13:42 |
| #26 CAIR seeks implantation of shariah privilege, by stealth. Muslims want to live under their own law because their quran describes a political system. After 10 years as a quasi religious-leader, Muhammad gathered a little over 100 followers. After 13 years as a political-leader, Muhammad had NO opposition. Most immigrants assimilate; muslims CANNOT assimilate. They are a supremacist cult. |
| Posted by: Injun Oppressor of the Swedes1340 2011-08-16 13:14 |
| #25 It doesn't look too professional to me. It doesn't look thought out It is both highly professional and well thought out. It draws on the mystic chords of American memory, exposes those who don't give a damn about American history and tradition, and honors the old Islamic proverb: "The best answer to a fool is silence. But in a pinch, any other answer will do as well." |
| Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 2011-08-16 12:42 |
| #24 Crisp salute to LTC(Ret) Allen West. I cincerely hope he one day leads our nation as he did our troops in the field. More men and women like him are needed. Many more. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2011-08-16 11:46 |
| #23 A History lesson narrated by the "Gipper". (Lowlights omitted) |
| Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC 2011-08-16 11:06 |
| #22 Free religion? Had the authors of the First Amendment thought of Islam or of the Aztecs it would be worded in a very differnt way. First Amendment was intended for religions who practice the "live and let live thing" not to "religions" who want to make w&ar on everything else. Neither for religions who don't abide by the "to Cesar what belongs to Cesar" ie religions who want to rule the state to the minutest details (doctors in islamic law advocate for traffic rules inspired by Shariah)and whose practicioners tell that their loyalty is to Islam not the country. The authors of the Constitution thought about Baptists, Calvinists and perhaps Roman Catholics but definitely not abouit Muslims or Aztecs. |
| Posted by: JFM 2011-08-16 10:50 |
| #21 West is just reprising General McAuliffe's reply to his enemy's call for surrender at Bastogne. For a people who spend a great deal of time wanking over historical grievances, Muslims seem remarkably ignorant of history. |
| Posted by: SteveS 2011-08-16 10:47 |
| #20 "So the Battle of the Bulge is just a matter of trivia for you? You have been told you're an ass, haven't you?" That time of the month, is it? |
| Posted by: Shakey Steve 2011-08-16 10:45 |
| #19 heh. address Canuckistan Sniper as "Sir"? Of course. You? Not likely |
| Posted by: Frank G on the road 2011-08-16 10:41 |
| #18 Ha! I love it. West knows how to tweak noses! |
| Posted by: DarthVader 2011-08-16 10:34 |
| #17 "remember, he's a mathematician, physicist and Sooper-Genius" You can address me as 'Sir', if you wish... |
| Posted by: Shakey Steve 2011-08-16 10:31 |
| #16 remember, he's a mathematician, physicist and Sooper-Genius |
| Posted by: Frank G on the road 2011-08-16 10:24 |
| #15 I wish the nation of Canada would stop spamming us with evidence of how crappy their educational system is. |
| Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain 2011-08-16 10:21 |
#14 Unfortunately, his constituents probably aren't as good at Trivial Pursuit as you are... So the Battle of the Bulge is just a matter of trivia for you? You have been told you're an ass, haven't you? |
| Posted by: Rob Crawford 2011-08-16 10:18 |
#13 Then CBS4 News discovered that during World War II, General Anthony McAuliffe famously wrote a one-word letter to the Germans in response to a surrender ultimatum. The word used: "Nuts!" My God, we are in the hands of idiots. As for CAIR -- I'm not shocked at their ignorance; I doubt they have any background in American history. |
| Posted by: Rob Crawford 2011-08-16 10:17 |
| #12 "trivial pursuit" indicates you are as competent to comment on American history and politics as the Miami "journalists". Troll |
| Posted by: Frank G on the road 2011-08-16 09:48 |
| #11 Some things never change. McAuliffe then asked Col. Harper to deliver the message to the Germans. Harper took the typed message back to the company command post where the two German officers were detained. Harper then told the Germans that he had the American commanders reply. The German captain then asked, "Is it written or verbal?" Harper responded that it was written and added, "I will place it in your hand." The German major then asked, "Is the reply negative or affirmative? If it is the latter I will negotiate further." At this time the Germans were acting in an arrogant and patronizing manner and Harper, who was starting to lose his temper, responded, "The reply is decidedly not affirmative." He then added that, "If you continue your foolish attack your losses will be tremendous." Harper then put the German officers in a jeep and took them back to where the German enlisted men were detained. He then said to the German captain, "If you don't know what 'Nuts' means, in plain English it is the same as 'Go to Hell'. And I'll tell you something else, if you continue to attack we will kill every goddam German that tries to break into this city." The German major and captain saluted very stiffly. The captain said, "We will kill many Americans. This is war." Harper then responded, "On your way Bud," he then said, "and good luck to you." Harper later told me he always regretted wishing them good luck. |
| Posted by: Nimble Spemble 2011-08-16 09:36 |
| #10 Then CBS4 News discovered that during World War II, General Anthony McAuliffe famously wrote a one-word letter to the Germans in response to a surrender ultimatum. The word used: "Nuts!" Discovered an important piece of American history did ya. Something every American should know through CBS4 News probably Googled it since University Journo classes don't teach anything about dead white men anymore. Hamze doesn't think he'll ever find out what Congressman West meant with the word because, he says, West has turned down all meetings with CAIR Florida. Why not consult the expert? |
| Posted by: Eohippus Phater7165 2011-08-16 09:19 |
| #9 "He doesn't need to. I got it." Unfortunately, his constituents probably aren't as good at Trivial Pursuit as you are... |
| Posted by: Shakey Steve 2011-08-16 08:55 |
| #8 Drat, it dropped the link. http://www.examiner.com/college-wrestling-in-national/ don-t-rob-an-ex-wrestler-63-year-old-coach-hofstra-mat-alum-takes-down-gunman |
| Posted by: Glenmore 2011-08-16 08:44 |
| #7 "Then CBS4 News discovered that during World War II, General Anthony McAuliffe famously wrote a one-word letter to the Germans in response to a surrender ultimatum. The word used: “Nuts!”" You have to be kidding! Do reporters have any historical knowledge at all? |
| Posted by: Alistaire Unack5670 2011-08-16 08:43 |
| #6 In other news from Boynton Beach - this is the brother of a friend of mine. |
| Posted by: Glenmore 2011-08-16 08:43 |
| #5 ...maybe West could elaborate? He doesn't need to. I got it. |
| Posted by: Steve White 2011-08-16 08:40 |
| #4 Then CBS4 News discovered that during World War II, General Anthony McAuliffe famously wrote a one-word letter to the Germans in response to a surrender ultimatum. The word used: “Nuts!” One of the proudest moments in American history, and they didn't know it...they had to 'discover' it. I weep for my country. Mike |
| Posted by: Mike Kozlowski 2011-08-16 08:37 |
| #3 "In a Boynton Beach Town Hall meeting, West told the Miami leader of CAIR that "I will always defend your right to practice a free religion under the First Amendment, but what you must understand, if I am speaking the truth, I am not going to stop speaking the truth. The truth is not subjective." Here-here. Words to live by... |
| Posted by: Shakey Steve 2011-08-16 07:58 |
| #2 "West turned down an interview request from CBS4 News on Monday. As of Monday night, his office had not yet responded to requests for a statement on the matter." While CAIR in all its forms are slittering worm-tards and Islamofascist fronts, maybe West could elaborate? |
| Posted by: Shakey Steve 2011-08-16 07:53 |
| #1 Hamze should learn some American military history. West is just reprising General McAuliffe's reply to his enemy's call for surrender at Bastogne. |
| Posted by: Glenmore 2011-08-16 07:38 |