Rep. Allen West OP-ED for Politico “Still time to save small businesses”

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By REP. ALLEN WEST | 9/20/12 6:08 AM EDT

Our nation has a defining choice to make, and time is short. The Pentagon is bracing for devastating cuts through sequestration. For the sake of national security, jobs and the next generation, we must stop this in its tracks. There is still time to fix it — if we show leadership and make tough choices.

The House has presented alternative plans to replace sequestration with thoughtful spending cuts. President Barack Obama has already missed his deadline, and failed to offer Congress even the most meager outline to prevent these cuts. This deep bite could have far-reaching consequences to military planning and the struggling economy.

The House Small Business Committee is set to hold a hearing Thursday to examine how these cuts will affect many small firms. The threatened haphazard slashing of programs already has contractors scrambling, with more jobs at risk. Economic progress is still far too weak and our nation’s security too important to sustain new job losses in military manufacturing, supply, research, development, testing and more.

Small businesses need a measure of certainty to survive and create the jobs our economy needs. “Small companies like mine,” Perry Casto of Allied Associates International, already told the committee, “however, do not have the fiscal resources to stay in business while the government sorts out the issues surrounding sequestration.”

The damage will likely be exacerbated because of the sequester’s arbitrary design. Cuts are not based on logic or military tactics. What calls for a scalpel will instead be subject to a cleaver, smiting even the most essential programs.

Americans unapologetically value a strong defense. Our nation exists because some had the courage to take up arms and defend their homes and their neighbors. History, along with events around the globe, justifies the need for a powerful force to ensure peace and prosperity. Americans will be rightly incensed as they learn more about this so-called “plan” to gut the military.

CONTINUE READING THE ENTIRE OP-ED BY CLICKING HERE: POLITICO

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One response to “Rep. Allen West OP-ED for Politico “Still time to save small businesses””

  1. “Governments are established among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governered, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness…” Maybe, it is time to put our regresses down on paper for the World to see. The Oath or Affirmation of Office of the Presidentcy states that “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States, and to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” A President can be removed from Office by the “inabililty to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office ….” Section 4. The President, Vice President and all civil Officiers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of ,Treason, Bribery, of other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. Article VI. This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof, and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby and Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officiers, both of the United States, shall be bound by bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required ….” No person shall be Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officier of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. ” To this day, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution serve as powerful beacons to those that strive for liberty and seek to vindicate the principles of self-government, but also as a warning to tyrants and despots everywhere. There is one other area in the Constitution that I could not locate, but I know that it is there – no government or President can significantly alter the method of government. We were designed as a Republic, and we must remain a Republic. The above statements, of course, came from either the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution.

    With those thoughts in mind, a significant cut in our military spending will only weaken us and empower those that would do us harm. It is the responsibility of Congress to ensure that our military is able to protect and defend – it is part of their oath – they, too must abide by the Constitution. After the recent demonstration of the burning of 8 Embassies, and the killing of an Embassador which now appears to be directly related to the 9-11 terrorists. Our Commander-in-Chief, did not issue the order to enforce security during this period as has been common practice previously. He, subsequently, apologized which glorified and strengthened our enemy. And, then foreign aid was approved to some of these same governments. Now, he wants to continue with the sequesteration. It is a strong military that keeps this Country safe and has kept it safe. There are, of course, fat in all Departments in the government. However, in this particular situation, I believe that this President is weakening not only our economics, but, just as important, and maybe more, is our security. He is not working with Israel. He is trying to work our a “special deal” with Russia. We have “security breaches” where our military men and women may have been exposed and probably were exposed to more dangerous circumstances. The relationships we had with Iraq and Afghanstan have been compromised and there has been an increase in the number of killed soldiers. This is our Commander-in-Chief. He goes on a late night talk show while are embassies are burning. It is my personal opinion, that President Obama is suffering from extreme stress. There have been so many legal battles as well as others, that he is no longer fit for Office. I am not a doctor, but, I can see and hear the strain in his voice. I am trying to prevent WW III here. I wanted all Citizens to read for themselves what our Constitution actually said and I hope that they will think about that when casting their vote. Meanwhile, I am imploring our President to look out for this Nation and prevent it from harm. History will not take too kindly on a “leader” that does not lead and allows its enemies to just walk across the border. I am calling upon the Father to keep this Country in His bosom safe as it certainly does not look like our President is “into” it. Sure doesn’t seem to be “his thing.” Yes, I am angry, and you should be too. Please wake up folks. I fight Destruction and for all that is good. I have no fear as I am not alone. Pray for President Obama.