I see where the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee (RCRCC) is bringing Fox News political commentator and former Florida Congressman (one term) Allen West to the Bitterroot this month to discuss the future of the American Republic. Mr. West is billed as “Col. Allen West” in the RCRCC flier but he actually retired as a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel (LTC; O-5) in 2004 after being relieved of his command the previous year.
West was removed from service following an Army investigation of an incident involving the beating and simulated execution of a policeman in Taji, Iraq, where West served as battalion commander. After an Article 32 hearing was held, former commander West accepted non-judicial punishment, was fined $5,000, and allowed to retire at the O-5 level for pay purposes.
The fun-filled Bitterroot Republican program includes auctions and gun raffles, which is interesting because it was LTC West firing his pistol near the head of the Iraqi police officer during interrogation proceedings that brought about his early departure from the military. I’m curious to know if West is going to be the Most Honored ticket-picker for the gun raffles at the Fairground Festivities.
Jim Hamilton
Florence
Larry Campbell says
Good research Jim. Thanks for the rest of the story. Yes, the R party is pandering and posing with guns. In spite of a sign saying no guns at Apple Days, the R party had a pistol displayed at their table. Guns instead of good government is a recipe for what “commander” West seems to be good at, armed intimidation and rampant violence. Nearly all of us have guns, but we don’t feel the need for strutting bravado or bullying, which is a sign of weakness and insecurity.
Mike in Stevensville says
In doing such an action, he saved his life and the lives of his Soldiers, as said “policeman” was a spy and had been giving out sensitive information to the enemy, which had been setting bombs for the American convoys. If we had more “Leaders” like LTC West, we’d have more Service Members alive.