American Heroes Have Thicker Skin Than This

There was a time when incumbent members of Florida's Congressional delegation worked together, and didn't insult and undermine one another at every turn. This was a time before men like Allen West somehow found a spot in the delegation. For those who missed this story, Wild West thought it appropriate to call Debbie Wasserman Shultz an "attack dog," "vile," and "not a lady."

What prompted this sexist screed? Wasserman Shultz disagreed with West on a budget vote.

Imagine. The chair of the Democratic National Committee having a different opinion that tea party acolyte Allen West about fiscal policy. Someone slap this woman and put her back in her place.

Sadly, it is no surprise that Allen West would turn toward vicious, personal attacks to argue his political righteousness. What is more amazing to me is the defense of West as some type of invulnerable figure. The Washington Times called West "An American Hero" in a truly comical presentation of the facts which ignores the personal nature of West's attacks and the policy-driven criticism from Wasserman-Shultz.

Let's try applying some logic to this. You cannot claim the ground of American Hero if you cry like a better whenever an opponent tosses a political punch. Apparently, Allen West only knows how to spar with someone if he is holding their head to a barrel and firing shots. But just as right-wingers made a hero of West for violating international law, they see him somehow as a victim even when he is the one to turn a political disagreement into a mudslinging match.

This will raise West's standing with the zany madmen who make up his base, but it will damage him with rational voters, swing voters, the type who show up during presidential election years. West is toast in 2012, and the GOP should know it even if the wackos in the tea party movement can't see past his military stars. This man is as much a disgrace to the U.S. House of Representatives as he was to the Army.

So go ahead and play the victim, you super-mighty "man-talking" embodiment as muscle-bound machismo. All you do is guarantee your own self-destructive demise next November. But fear not. You will have everything from the biased media to the Democrat's vile attacks to blame for voters' despicable return to their senses. I hope you will also be crying about your own party didn't do enough to protect by rigging redistricting or raising funds to promote your raving lunacy.

You are a coward who can't take a hit like a man, and who can't stop yourself from attacking a strong women who you should be working hand-in-hand with to promote the beyond-partisan needs if Broward County voters. And unlike your disgusting behavior while in the military, you will receive an appropriate punishment when voters toss you out on your ear.

And When You Run Out of Arguments...

Nobody in American politics is willing to admit defeat, especially in the war of ideas, but we do have a long tradition of resorting a certain alternative: personal attacks. Read just such a tactic in Politico regarding Rep. Debbie Wasserman Shultz.

From the article:
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She’s accused Republicans of wanting to reinstate segregation and of waging a “war on women.” She has asserted, somewhat nonsensically, that the GOP wants to make illegal immigration — by definition against the law — “a crime.” She’s also been mocked for driving a foreign car after pounding Republicans for not supporting the American auto industry.
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So for pointing out Republicans' sexist and discriminatory policies, and for apparently purchasing a reliable automobile, DWS is apparently a bad pick to lead the DNC. So obvious.

Let's reverse this argument for a second, just to prove a point. Critics say Wasserman Shultz is too aggressive to be a good party leader, so I guess that means a better chief would be passive. Rather than attacking a lengthy, disturbing record for Republicans of trying to redefine rape, preventing women from getting equal treatment in the workplace and generally backing legislation that is "anti-woman," a good DNC leader would applaud creative legislation which more narrowly defines forcible sex, commend those with the bravery to oppose the Lilly Ledbetter Act and celebrate the continuation of the good ole boy network as a wonderful tradition in politics.

And she would by a car that could not get to 200,000 miles without being traded in.

Yes, that is what a winning message would be for Democrats. To have someone that politely acknowledges bigoted policies as an interesting alternative, and who regularly states that GOP leadership is probably just doing the best they can. That will win elections.

For some reason, Democrats have always been queasy about playing hardball when it comes to politics, never mind that we only win when we defend out ideas. The same things being said now about DSW were said in 2006 about Howard Dean. He had lost the nomination for president because the Democratic establishment was sure America would prefer the nice nap that comes with every John Kerry stump speech over feeling any fire in your belly should a candidate scream too loud. When he took over the DNC the following election cycle, the right rubbed their hands supervillain style over the impending implosion which would result if Democrats stood on principle. Instead, we took back the House and the Senate.

If you look back at elections past, Democrats win when we stand on our ideals and fight for our beliefs. When we get squishy about it, it sends a message to America that we don't really take our own crap seriously, and the voters side with the always-strident GOP.

The people are really scared about with DSW is that she is strong woman who speaks the truth without stuttering. But hesitation always sends the wrong message. Stating beliefs with conviction is not a liability. It is a strength that demonstrates leadership both within our own ranks and to the public at large.

Let's celebrate that for once.

Wasserman Schultz Running DNC

Any doubts about Florida's importance in 2012 just got erased. Debbie Wasserman Schultz just got tapped to head to Democratic National Committee. Via Politico:

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The committee announced the choice in an email to members from Vice President Joe Biden.

“In selecting Debbie to lead our party, President Obama noted her tenacity, her strength, her fighting spirit and her ability to overcome adversity,” Biden wrote.

“President Obama expressed great admiration for her as a leader, and he was honored that she accepted this important challenge on behalf of the Democratic Party.”
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Of course, I have fawned over the Congresswoman before, and believe she is probably the strongest progressive voice to come out of this state in years.

I do hope with this role she doesn't get skittish about challenging incumbent Republican congressmen. Personally, I think the pact that Florida House members maintained for years to stay out of challenges to incumbents has been a great thing, but she cannot live by that now that she has taken on this national role, and when so many important races in Florida will be in play next year.

But I am ecstatic about this choice and offer my congratulations.

Wasserman Schultz Getting Results

After a disheartening election last year, Florida progressives can enjoy the successes in the past few weeks from Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. After she came out strongly on on a bill which would soften rape legislation in the name of defunding abortion, House Republicans backed down and admitted drugging a girl and having sex with her is indeed rape.

This comes after Wasserman Schultz, a friend of Gabby Giffords, came out as one of the most forceful and relenting critics of right-wing zeal. When the right was expressing more concern about their own wounded reputations than about the dead victims or wounded congressman, Wasserman Schultz was one of the people keeping the true tragedy front and center and who would not back down from calls for a more civil dialogue.

After losing voices like Alan Grayson, it is refreshing to see Wasserman Schultz getting face time. I have admired her since she was in the Florida Senate, and think she is truly a rising national figure. The best part for those of us who love hearing her is that she resides in a relatively safe seat. Let's hope the Legislature doesn't change that.

It seems to me the party in Florida can take a lot more inspiration from this congresswoman. Her continued success should mean improvements in our standing with Sunshine State voters.