Rep. Allen West Accepts Responsibility For Lack Of ‘Due Diligence’ On Pigford Funding Vote
by Lee StranahanWant to hear the sound of people making a difference on the Pigford story?
I mentioned in a previous post that Allen West had voted no on Rep. Steve King’s amendment to stop Pigford funding. This vote struck me as strange because of Rep. West’s reputation as an opponent of wasteful spending.
Talk show host David Webb asked West about his vote today and Rep. West seems to feel that he made an error in his vote. I watched the ‘lightning round’ of forty (40!) or so amendments live on C-SPAN and I can see where an honest error is certainly possible. I accept his explanation and appreciate his straightforward answer.
But listen to what Rep. West as soon as Webb asks him about Pigford – he says he’s answered the question about his Pigford many times. And THAT is the sound of the tide turning. Pigford is clearly getting onto people’s radar, thanks to you. If you haven’t done so, please sign the Pigford Petition.
And blogger The Right Scoop has another example of West answering a Pigford question.
Here’s Rep. West explanation from his newsletter:
FY 2012 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations – On Thursday, June 16, the House approved H.R. 2112 by a vote of 217-203, I voted YES. The bill would provide a total of $17.25 billion in non-emergency, discretionary budget authority in FY 2012 for government programs funded through the Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations Act. The bill would represent a decrease of $2.67 billion or 13 percent below the FY 2011 funding level and a reduction of $5.03 billion or 22 percent below the President’s request. H.R. 2112 meets and surpasses House Republican’s pledge by bringing discretionary budget authority for Agriculture and related agencies down to nearly FY 2006 spending levels.
There were some 40 amendments to this piece of legislation and there are those who questioned my NO vote on Rep. Steve King’s amendment on Pigford. I accept full responsibility for not doing a complete due diligence and personal research on this amendment. I am mortal and a fallible human being who seeks to do his best daily, and improve as such.”
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139 Comments
Too late now, isn't it ? Hope he dosen't turn out to be another pandering politician. I really like(d?) him.
+Hanzo+
I really like Rep West but the red flag went up on this vote.
I'm very interested to see how he'll recover from this and hope he's successful, but for right now I am very concerned. It just seems incredible that he could have missed something as high profile as this.
This disturbed me. If Mr. West is so informed on everything, why not this, which has had an enormous amount of attention?
He admits he was wrong, but "after" his vote. I'm having a very difficult time with this passing the smell test.
Disappointed to say the least Mr. West.
I can give him the benefit of the doubt on this. However, if it becomes a pattern, game over.
Wow …a politician admitting he was WRONG ??? Knew I loved you for good reason, Mr. West.
Apology accepted …this ONE time.
Am going to give him the benefit of doubt – this ONE and ONLY time. Hearing a politician admitting he was wrong AND that he had not done his due diligence in studying up on the matter is a first. All of the other politicians never admit their ignorance.
He can quote the Quran precisely, can articulate every move Obama has made, but hasn't heard of what Pigford is about? Hmmm.
Gotta admit, Petro, Mr. West is really into Foreign Affairs and our Troops and sits on committees of this nature, too. Saw him on Cavuto today – was very good. He heads to Afghanistan on Friday. I think his Staffers had better start looking at this $hit, too, and help him on these matters.
So Weiner lies repeatedly, West stands up like a man and admits he made a mistake on an amendment that would not have passed with his vote. I'll give him a pass on this because I really believe he is sincere and his moral code is such that this wont happen again. Conservative act like men, liberal act like snake, no brainer!
USA PATRIOT act and now Pigford. One more strike and you're out, sir.
Big mistake on behalf of doing what's right. But I can respect, in a great way, his straight up truthfulness. It's this kind of character we need in our leaders.
Just don't do it again, please.
Thanks, Lee for the article and posting a Pigford petition to stop the fraud.
I wonder if Rep West realizes that the Patriot Act has only a very small percentage of use towards actual terrorist cases.
At least he owned up to the error in his vote. Most other politicians wouldn't. I can accept an error in judgement as long as the person owns up to the error and "errors in judgement" aren't a recurring problem with the person.
Colonel West needs to stop letting the Congressional Black Caucus provide his study material and do his own Homework from now on.
Sorry, but ignorance isn't a valid excuse. If you don't even know what you're voting for, you should either educate yourself on the issue as much as possible before casting a vote or just don't vote at all and abstain. It's just plain common sense, which Mr. West clearly demonstrated that he didn't have at that time. That's one strike against him. (If it were up to me, that would be his one and only strike, because I'm tired of constantly seeing this kind of crap from our elected officials. Because if they do it once, chances are they will do it again.)
No benefit of doubt. He can re-establish his credibility in future votes to lend credence to his story.
Nice try Allen, but you get a thumbs down on this one.
What is Ted Poe's excuse?
Stiiiiirike TWO!! One more strike like this and you're Out!
"……….I am mortal and a fallible human being who seeks to do his best daily, and improve as such.”……"
and you are proving to be unreliable.
I accept his explanation and appreciate his straightforward answer.
Thanks for telling me – otherwise I thought you were going to fold like a house of cards…..
LOL! What a bunch of malarky. Didn't he use this excuse for the Patriot Act, too? So, he voted incorrectly TWICE on this issue – to FUND it and against King's amendment! West comes from a culture where you get way with things by saying "my bad." But what is truly disappointing is you are BUYING it.
Did he accidentally join the Congressional Black Caucus, too? LOL!
Next time listen to me.
Did he accidentally join the Congressional Black Caucus, too? LOL! You people are so gullible.
Didn't he use this excuse for the Patriot Act, too?
Two black freshmen came into the Congress last November; Alan West, and Tim Scott, S.C.
One immediately joins the Congressional Black Caucus, a group where being black is the only requirement, thus putting himself in a non-objective milieu. The other one, Tim Scott, decided not to join the Cong Black Caucus.
He has stated that he once joined such a group and that the peer pressure was unacceptable to him. Which Congressman would you trust with your future?
He's lying to you – mark my words. But I would love to see how he tries to weasel out of future votes. Let's see, joining the CBC, supporting Patriot Act, Pigford vote….the "my bad" excuse isn't going to fly even with these naive slavish White-guilt-ridden supporters. I have some ideas "the sun was in my eyes."
It already is a pattern.
But being a member is ok, right?
The CBC gets a lot out of it – now they are a "bi-partisan" organization.
It's very difficult to get close to a person with a smelly brain like your's.
Agreed. I can understand how he might have been inundated and missed this – but I'm still disappointed by it.
Nonetheless, I can live with a goof…but he needs to make damn sure he doesn't keep making goofs.
I dont know. I'm hearing it. I would have liked to have him come out and say that in his vote he was trying to defund Pigford and his vote didn't reflect that in that hustle bustle. I didn't hear that.
Since I didn't hear that and I heard "I didn't research it enough and made a mistake". Too easy.
I do like his correct stance on Islamofacism, but that is only a certain small percentage of the overall picture on building America into a great nation.
He remains outside the circle of trust.
I know it is embarrassing to realize you were wrong and I was right. Damn entertaining for me, though.
Your point has made me think twice about West's credibility. For now, I'm happy that he "manned up" and admitted he voted the wrong way on Pigford. However, if he makes this a pattern, then he'll get the RINO label.
Dead clowns are more entertaining than you Sambo!
Dang Sam, I knew I forgot something: http://i51.tinypic.com/xemu05.jpg
I don't know, Pnipni. I really don't think Mr. West is the type to bow to peer pressure. I think he's there to gather intelligence on what the other side is doing.
As to this Pigford vote, like I said before, what was the rallying cry not that many months ago? "Read the bill!"
If you don't fully understand it, abstain!
"Apology accepted, Captain Needa."
"The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am."
Sorry, those 2 lines came to mind when I read your post.
I'm with you. He's on my radar and I'll accept it THIS time and ONLY THIS time.
I agree with you Petroglyph. It doesn't pass the smell test. His appeal is the military thing. Well, there are plenty of Military people on our side. Voting record is all that counts. Look at Scott Brown. We have to stay objective.
Ok. So now as long as they say right away how sorry and how human they are, they won't be expected to be competent. Great. Just great.
Weiner accepted responsibility too. It's a bogus ploy. We are in a phase where we cannot afford any more trickery and Caucus games from any of those Caucuses, Steve.
Your tinfoil order is ready on aisle 5.
The man has a LOT on his plate…as do ALL of the Conservatives in Congress. Trying to keep up with all of the shenanigans Obama is throwing their way and the "amendments" the Socialists keep trying to tack on to each Bill …his staffers had better step it up and not let their boss do anymore "stupids" is all I can say.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I am glad he is watching the CBC from the inside.
LOL, lady …love the lines. His vote was definitely a FUBAR.
Actually, I'd join the Black Caucus, too – and every other Progressive, Socialist, Commie-Pinko Caucus just to know WTF they are all doing to usurp their powers with the intent of destroying this country. Oh, and BTW – I'm a Cracker …"White" for those in Rio Linda – and female.
And yes, definitely a FUBAR.
sham, you're back from the woods?
sham farter, when are you going to bring in the jooz on this one?
This is actually a pretty big thing. An elected official has just admitted he was basically wrong. That isn't something that happens often!!
West has been compromised,so sad!
As the norm another negro in RINO clothes.
Oh he made simple mistake that gives billions to his bro's and next up also the illegal aliens claiming they are slaves and farmers though their farming is growing weed on American land and selling it to our kids.
He is no better then obama or cain.
Being a member of the black KKK told me what he is really about.
I love Allen West, this surprised me at first, yet his explanation makes sense to me. The man is very well informed on A LOT of issues, all of which are important to Tea-Party/Conservatives. It is entirely possible to miss some things, I consider myself well informed, and yet there is so much going on, it is almost impossible to keep tabs on everything. I think owning the mistake and saying he is going to work on it goes a long way. One thing that needs to be said is, you can not do everything. Some can handle a lot more than others, and others can only focus on one item. WHat ever you do, do it well, and West is doing that.
How so?
Ok you apologized, now back it up with actions….Words are tools to recrute acceptance!!! There is enough funding approved for (Code name) "Pigford" to fund the civilian Army Obama boasted about financing and organizing!!!! What secrets are there, that the Common American are totally unaware of?
Ummm……….
Congressman West (USA-RET)……….
like in the Army…………..
You won't get many "do-overs" in Congress.
So, what's next? Will there be another vote to defund Pigford? I hope he can make this right. Same goes for Joe Wilson, Darrell Issa and the other Republicans who voted no.
I'll look into it……thanks.—
Just another politician lying to the face of America! He's no different than Weiner or the rest of the gang.
OK. That's one. What answer did the other 77 Republicans have?
As best as I can tell, its only been high profile on this website. I don't know anyone outside of followers of the Big sites who is even remotely aware of Pigford. Not that they don't exist, but it seems reasonable to me that maybe Col. West doesn't read the Big sites all that much. That, in and of itself, is not a major crime. Thankfully, his vote wasn't the tie-breaker. I would tend to give him a pass on this issue for now, but keep him on a watch list in the future!
Well — and even with his vote on this issue his record is still miles above Rep Perlmutter.
Only if Mr. West introduces some other legislation to drastically cut govt. fraud, redistribution and leftist waste scams can he redeem himself. None of these guys/girls were elected to do a half as$ed job like their predecessors. Where is the outrage on Noem of ND? She rode the Tea Party ticket and did the same thing.
Sorry…don't buy it! I am an average citizen and I have read enough and heard enough about the Pigford to know that even those who would benefit…say it is a fraud…why didn't West?
Because he chose not to and decided to go along with the black caucas and keep his standing with them!
~~~
NOW…WHY IS IT NO ONE IS INVESTIGATING WHY THE PUPPET OF THE BILDERBERG…OBAMA THE BUSH IS USING A CT SS# NUMBER WHEN HE HAS NEVER, EVER LIVED IN CT?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oLIUT16ko0
~~~
PART II –
He is in Congress…he speaks to others every day on this issue…he gets memos and emails from his colleagues on this issue…why did he choose to vote 'no' to stopping this waste of money on this fraudulent bill? Because he chose too! If he was so laim on this vote, what about all others? Are we to expect the same…and then another explanation?
Doesn't fly with this 'real' American! He is still off MY list for VP!
~~~
IT IS NOT OVER ON THE DEBT LIMIT…AMERICA…KEEP UP THE HEAT! RAISING IT WILL ONLY POSTPONE THE INEVITABLE…LET’S JUST GET IT OVER WITH AND CALL THEIR BLUFF!
http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml
Give me a break, he is an intelligent adult man, he did this deliberately and now is trying to deflect any repercussions. Sorry dude, your supposed to think things out when handing out a billion dollars in taxpayer money not say "my bad". He voted the way he Wanted to vote.
I don't know GJP. I also heard that that was his explanation for joining, but I don't buy it. Where are the reports and results? The CBC Caucus is as radical and single minded as ever. West's vote said it all for me. I wanted to believe him, but I never could accept his rationale. I wish I could. I'm tired of being disappointed in these corrupt career politicians. I have a lot of respect for Tim Scott though.
There are no accidents, the Congressional Black Caucus keeps racism alive, as do votes they support like this one.
I agree Nick. I think Mr. West is not the type to bow to peer pressure due to his Military training. He joined the CBC freely, but he is a freshman Congressman who joined a black club which is famously loaded with career Dem Black Socialists. I heard West's explanation that he joined them to get information and/or to change them, but my instincts tell me that doesn't make sense. Tim Scott didn't join because he wanted to vote unfettered without the constraints of the CBC. That I buy. I like West, but I don't like his choices or his votes.
I also can't buy the fact that West didn't understand the Pigford situation. It's gotten more press than Obama's Open Southern Borders for Illegals and Terrorists to pour in.
I wish I could feel differently Nick but these Caucuses drive me crazy because of their very narrow subjective agenda. Speaking of which, did you see Debbie Wasserman Schultz's new Jewish/Latino Caucus? I'll send you the link. What do they have in common?…..Socialism! ………Unbelievable. This is all so sad, but despite all of this, we're doing well right now, winning our battles one by one on the way to the big dance!
Have the other 77 Republicans who voted No on this come out and expressed regret over their vote? I was just wondering if any of the 77 Republicans that you forgot to single out (besides Issa) had come out and taken responsibility since their votes count just as much West's vote did. Paul Ryan who has a page on facebook with like 17,000 people wanting him to be president voted No on it and yet I didn't see an article or big uproar dedicated to his mishap. You for whatever decided to single out West and paint a bad picture of him when I doubt you've even met the man (or even follow him that closely, or you probly would have been smart enough to wait for an explanation). Anyone who follows West with any kind of regularity knows A, he's his own guy, independent minded (I really doubt the people whining had anything to do with his regretfulness over this. He really doesn't care what anyone (Democrat, Republican, Liberal, Conservative) say about him). It's just that he happens to be overwhelmingly conservative. For the select few who were wanting to jump off the bandwagon, not sure where you'd be going. The fact he made a mistake and owned up to it is just yet another positive quality to add to his reputar. He isn't and never was going to be Jesus Christ. He's human like us who aren't in office and like in any job, you won't get it every single time and will make some mistakes. His vote didn't sway or make any big difference so… It was just an error. He, unlike most politicians, owned up to it like a man and is back to work. The man already risked his freedom and life, when he had that exit from the military, for our country; and is still one of the few remaining hopes for retaining our great nation and keeping the libs from redoing the whole constitution.
There is no way that West could personally read and grasp the full of every amendment. They have staff to track and decipher the meaning of things. West is taking the blame for a stumble of someone on his staff. Every congressman has to have a number of people who get the data on the amendments, every bill, etc, and decode them down to their essential meaning, because none of them are such speedreaders as to keep up, nor are they superhumans who can keep every numbered amendment straight with their meaning, language and intent.
West is taking the blame and not passing the buck. Good for him. As long as it means he ups the competency of his staff and makes sure stuff like that doesn't get past him again, I have no beef whatsoever.
No.
"This vote struck me as strange because of Rep. West’s reputation as an opponent of wasteful spending."
Indeed – maybe he'll learn to read the Bigs for the most accurate info!
West sold his soul and future for 30 pieces of Pigford silver.
Uh Uh, I ain't buying it.
West doesn't make mistakes like this, he is too disciplined.
And to say he didn't know what Pigford is, is beyond unbelievable.
I truly believe he has now shown his true colors.
I sent Scott Brown money on two occasions. I celebrated when he was elected.
However, unlike a lot of Conservatives that said Brown has made votes that betrayed us, I KNEW he was a RINO before he was elected. I did my research.
I did my research on Obama, too. But there were too many that didn't, just like with Brown. Now look at the disappointment in both.
Yes, I supported Scott Brown because he TOOK what the Progressives thought was THEIR seat in the Senate. Ted "I killed a girl" Kennedy's.
The cost and effort was worth a few bad votes, but Brown won't get anymore support from me. He's a RINO. Always has been.
But, I did enjoy seeing the heads and hearts of the Socialist Elites explode.
West? I really thought he was going to be a good one. I have even thought that he would make a good VP for ANY Conservative POTUS candidate. He would bring a lot to the table.
But, if he's going to be like Holder and everything is for "his people", Uh Uh.
Sorry to say, but I believe he is corrupt, for the reasons I have already noted.
I hope I am wrong, but I don't believe I am.
What a shame.
Cheetomanwomanit!
How many times do I have to tell you to get back to the basement????
Your response nails it perfectly. It illustrates the need for less government, not more. Like many on this site, I accept the congressman's explanation, this time. But I am watching closely.
weiner didn't accept responsibility until someone stepped on his tail and made him squeal like the pig that he is. West didn't try to defend his action before admitting his error. But the damage is done and it is actions not intentions that are judged.
Being a member allows him access to inside information that he would not have otherwise. Don't let your blind hatred for blacks cloud your judgement.
What I would like to know is how do they justify voting on any bill without having proper knowledge of the bills impact? Do they think that this is a game and that someone will hand them a do-over? BS.
He has to work on that one with this story but if he can come up with an angle he will do it. Maybe he will tie Sammy Davis Jr into it and hit a home run.
I would think that as a member of the black caucus he would have obtained more information on Pigford.
Being a member of the Black Caucus why would he not have known enough about pigford to vote properly? Just asking.
I'm with you on the 'if it becomes a pattern' bit.
Less interviews, Allen and more reading.
I was wrong..I pulled the pin on the Grenade..I know now I shouldn't have done it..Okay?
OOPS….Sammie's reply must be lost in the mail…..
Whatever. I'm sure the sheep will swallow it right up. You're left with either West being in favor of the payouts or West being too stupid and lazy to learn about the bills he's voting on. Neither is acceptable.
And then accepted the next time. And the next time. And the next time.
Wow!!! Most of the posters here must be from the deep South because I on the other hand am from the extreem North East and can recognize a snow job when I see it, Allen West has not swayed me I am sticking to my guns and support Palin/Bachmann or Bachmann/Palin. the only true constants so far.
That Paul Ryan information was helpful. Bummed me out though, so many RINOs, so few Patriots. He voted the way he did and will not even stand by his true beliefs. Pathetic. You sound like someone who is used to giving someone second chances… oops, he didn't mean to push that nuclear button. Ooops, he didn't mean to vote to destroy Israel. Ooops, he didn't mean to vote for a one world order. We are at a critical point in time, no time for "oops". It doesn't work.
Don't know about Palin…because she is a horse that refuses to get on the track! But as to Bachman…I was a supporter until she, too, voted for legislation against 'real' America! Get informed and get involved in vetting the candidates it is the only way to get the RIGHT one!
Removed from my possible candidate list…because they voted YES on the Patriot Act Extension
Rep Bachman…Rep Ryan…Rep McCotter… Sen DeMint
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h20...
Bachman explains her vote = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mos0blynBiI&fe...
PART III –
America…this was the opportunity for proclaimed 'real' CONSERVATIVES in Congress to stand up and speak out against this infringement upon our rights…by voting NO…and removing it!
Prior to the passing of this unconstitutional piece of legislation…we aptly gleaned the information we needed on the enemies within and without! Although I understand the premise of this bill…it is too far reaching into the personal lives of citizens NOT enemies of the United States of America.
We could have continued the way we were doing things…and refined them to be more effective…not pass a bill that put ALL citizens private information in jeopardy for no reason!
~~~
Here is the link to watch Sen Rand Paul debate why the Patriot Act needs to go and I agree!
http://townhall.com/video/a-symbolic-victory
He is relying on white slavery guilt.
I think one thing not discussed by anyone in the articles here or really about legislation in general is the fact that most bills, by the time they reach the floor for a vote, have to be brought in in a wheelbarrow. K?
West wasn't voting on "just Pigford" alone. Read the article. It was a huge "reduction" in new spending bill that apparently covered everything from Pigford to Libya, the UN, and global warming vis a vis crops….oh and probably installed obama as king.
Who the hell knows? These bills have thousands of pages, obtuse language, double negative "traps" on every issue, and they cover everything but the kitchen sink.
We need one type of reform that would, by definition, reform every bill proposed. ONE FREAKIN ISSUE AT A TIME PLEASE.
If West voted against that bill, the Pigford part anyway, he would have then voted FOR increased spending in other farm subsidy/spending/regulations…….God alone knows what all, or at least FAILED to stop a spending cut taking the total spending back to the 2006 levels.
So a yes vote would cut spending levels back to 2006……..but deep in the bowels of this monster bill help the Pigford payola scam. Damned if you do or don't.
This is a neat trick congress has been very successfully using for decades. Put so much stuff into each bill nobody has time to read it, research any unintended consequences, and even if they DO support one part they have to support the whole mess…….
Congress needs a line item vote/veto power or we're going to see more of these two ton, one stop shopping bills brought to the floor.
And don't forget as a freshman, it's not like he has teams of legal eagles to help him go through all the parts of every bill. Only the very powerful members can afford THAT size budget…….and btw…..they don't afford staffers on their salary. K Street and PACS do that.
I'm not defending his vote or supporting it……I'm just pointing out nobody human can even slog through this crap, let alone find hidden "boogeymen" items sandwiched deep inside these monster bills. I'd wager nobody is ever absolutely positive what they have voted for or against. This crap needs to stop.
I don't trust West after this, sorry, even if it was a mistake he is not supposed to make those kind of mistakes and that shows incompetence. That was an important vote, how many other 'mistakes' is he going to make at a critical moment?
Paul Ryan did not vote against the amendment. He voted for it. There is a Representative Ryan from Ohio as well as Wisconsin. If you click on the first hyperlink in this article, you can find a direct link to the vote tally. It clearly says that Ryan (WI) voted Yes, but Ryan (OH) voted no.
One of the first ones I personally checked because he is my congressman.
I absolutely agree. Why did he not do his due diligence? Pigford is something he should be aware of.
You are wise as always PniPni, I'm not buying West's excuse that it was a mistake either. The man is not what he claims to be. I think that has now become manifest to those paying attention.
Star Wars…
*snicker*
Have you heard this one from TMNT 3, krys…?
"Places to go…people to kill…"
I use it myself on occasion…
Oh, sniff my TEAbag, Floopy…
You've been making serious mistakes since you started breathing…and haven't taken a minute of responsibility for any of it….
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