Politics

‘Immature Gimmickry’: Allen West Rips Bobby Rush for Wearing Hoodie on House Floor

Immature Gimmickry: Allen West Rips Bobby Rush for Wearing Hoodie on House Floor

AP

Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) on Thursday slammed colleague Bobby Rush for donning a hoodie on the House floor while making a statement about Trayvon Martin, the unarmed Florida teen shot and killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer last month.

“Right now the security folks on the House floor are laughing about it,” West said on Laura Ingraham’s radio program. “But initially, they did not know who it was and they were concerned that someone had just walked off of the street or kind of had broken away from a tour group.”

Rush, an Illinois Democrat, took off his suit jacket and pulled on a gray hood and dark glasses Wednesday, continuing to speak even after the presiding officer declared him out of order. In an interview later with The Blaze, Rush said he wore the hoodie “to demonstrate my outrage of Trayvon Martin’s murder.” So-called “hoodie marches“ and ”hoodie protests” have been held around the country in Martin’s honor.

“This is the type of immature gimmickry we see coming from the other side that you know does not have any place, especially on the House floor and really in the United States,” West said of the incident.

West, a Tea Party favorite, said there needs to be a move away from classifying Martin’s death as a racial incident.

(Related: Allen West Calls Trayvon Martin Shooting an ‘Outrage’ and Endorses Federal Investigation)

“I put out a statement yesterday on my Twitter and Facebook about this, you know bounty that has been put out there by the New Black Panther Party,” he said. “This is what happens when irrational voices and ideological media bias take over the political discourse and public dialogue. And we have to move away from that.”

“The bottom line is there was a tragedy. A young American man lost his life. We need to allow the investigation to continue on but, you know right now he was unarmed and you know, some — someone has to be held accountable for that,” he said.

Responding to Ingraham’s point about whether the shooting was self-defense, West continued: “Even if you’re a police officer, Laura and you shoot someone that’s unarmed — you’re put on desk duty,” he said. “Your weapon is taken away. So that’s my whole point.” That’s my whole point, that [George Zimmerman] should not be out there walking free with a concealed weapons license,” he said.

Listen below. Comments about Rush begin at the 3:40 mark:

Comments (84)

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  • GoodStuff
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:09pm

    Allen West has completely lost me. First he calls the shooting “an outrage” instead of waiting for the facts to come out. If it turns out Zimmerman was acting in self-defense, is it still an outrage Allen? West’s emotional knee-jerk reaction is no different than the morons on MSNBC.

    Next, he says this whopper:

    “you know right now he was unarmed and you know, some — someone has to be held accountable for that,”

    What?! Whether Trayvon had skittles or a machine aren’t relevant. A thug does not have to be armed in order to justidy deadly force to defend yourself. Let’s say someone confronts you in a parking garage, sucker punches you and then slams your head against the concrete. Even if this person is “unarmed” you still have the right to use deadly force to defend yourself. You can die of blunt force trauma when your head hits the conrete, the perpetrator doesn’t even need a weapon to kill you.

    The same is the case here. Martin could have killed Zimmerman by slamming his head against the sidewalk.

    I am ashamed that I ever sent money to you Mr. West. You‘re no different than the idiots on CNN and MSNBC who have already declared Zimmerman’s guilt.

    Report Post »  
    • GoodStuff
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:12pm

      What?! Whether Trayvon had skittles or a machine aren’t relevant (correction)

      Report Post »  
    • kenboo1
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:59pm

      There are a lot of people (Pardon the phrase) jumping the gun here… A young person died a month ago for nothing. I’d be willing to bet they (Zimmerman and Trayvon) both wish they could have a “do over” on this. But its impossible…

      Everybody makes a mistake(s) and there is a lot we don’t know here and that more information will be forth coming in the future… I haven’t heard what Mr West has had to say about this. Sorry haven’t listened to the audio above. Once all the evidence is presented and a final version for what happened is written. Then lets look at what the politicians have to say. I still support Allen West, he is a man of honor and integrity and even men of honor and integrity are not perfect. I believe Mr Zimmerman acted in self defense and if the evidence proves otherwise then and only then should we call for his arrest.

      I think Glenn Beck has jumped the gun as well…

      Mr Zimmerman could have uncomplicated this by staying in his truck and simply observing and waiting on the police. Trayvon could have diffused the confrontation by taking his hoody down and talking with Zimmerman… But thats what happens when your out to be a Bad Ass, bad things happen…

      Report Post »  
    • toto
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:10pm

      Zimmerman may need his concealed carry license more than ever, or is he supposed to just be a sitting duck for anyone that wants to take him out? Should he be able to defend himself if the Blank Panthers or the Farrahkan supporters come after him?

      Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:19am

      West told Tea Partiers he was for Fiscal Responsibility. Then he votes to raise the Debt Limit. When the Tea Party (who helped drive his campaign) hold him accountable, he tells Laura “Progressive Nationalist” Ingram, that the Tea Party is schizophrenic.

      Allen West is not a Conservative. He fooled a lot of people.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:04pm

    Once again, Col. Allen West. The only consistent voice of reason and truth in congress. Bet this statement made him even more un-popular with the CBC. Col. West is about the only guy in Washington that I can stand behind in good conscience………..

    Report Post » Rational Man  
    • GoodStuff
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:11pm

      It’s reasonable to declare a man guilty without evidence or facts? That’s what West is doing here. West says Zimmerman should be arrested. Arrested for what?

      Report Post »  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:20pm

      @GoodStuff

      Your stupid!…..Read it again!……………..

      “Even if you’re a police officer, Laura and you shoot someone that’s unarmed — you’re put on desk duty,” he said. “Your weapon is taken away. So that’s my whole point.” That’s my whole point, that [George Zimmerman] should not be out there walking free with a concealed weapons license,”

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • ClunkerT
      Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:16am

      @Rationalman – Try this on for size. Allen West’s Chief of Staff was personally handed most of the same evidence that Sheriff Joe Arpaio has collected proving that the Usurper in Chief is flaunting a computer generated forged birth certificate, one he is using to raise campaign funds with. He told the person who handed him the evidence that he would get back with them in a week. It has been nearly 4 months and nothing, not a word or letter from Allen West. He is no different than the rest of the little cowards in the Republican Party who refuse to examine the evidence and refuse to demand an investigation into the crimes this President has committed. That is outrageous Congressman West. What is really frightening is the fact that many people believe that Allen West would make a good running mate for our Republican candidates. Not in your life, if he is afraid to take on a slam dunk case against a man who is guilty as hell I wouldn’t want him one step away from being President of the United States.

      Report Post »  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:43am

      @ClunkerT

      You have tunnel vision and no one else to ‘fix’ your problem.
      So what’s your point?

      Guess you don’t vote at all since no one is trying to go after Obama on his phoney birth certificate?

      Report Post » Rational Man  
  • lukerw
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:56pm

    This is not going to get better… until the Communists are cleared out of the Government… so we all can become Just-Americans, again!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • Mateytwo Barreett
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:52pm

    Allan //west is the only mnemberof the CBC that deserves the titlt :Honorable:. lease stay strong, the cavalry is on the way!

    Report Post » Mateytwo Barreett  
  • donh2
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:42pm

    I take this statement to mean West is walking back his “ outrage ” over this case. However, Rep. Bobby Rush put the Speaker of the House in the horrible position of gavelling down the Word of God. No matter what rule Rush broke, the Speaker violated a much bigger rule. Mr. Speaker of the United states condemned recognition of Rep. Rush precisely as he read Luke 4:18-20, which was very ugly to watch.

    ““The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
    He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
    to set the oppressed free,
    19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”[f]

    Report Post »  
    • BehindBlueEyes
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:53pm

      You can’t be serious. Just because this moron starts reciting the bible doesn’t give him any special rights.

      Report Post » BehindBlueEyes  
    • DesdemonasCrew
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:05pm

      What if the clown decided to read or recite the entire new testament? Wait for him to finish? He was out of order and using the bible as a shield to break rules of decorum is intolerable. Besides, he was ugly to watch with the sound off.

      Report Post » DesdemonasCrew  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:06pm

      Satan recites scripture too, ya know……………

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:09pm

      BESIDES!!……He was reciting a prophetic scripture that is reserved only for Jesus.
      THAT DOESN’T BOTHER YOU???

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • donh2
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:32pm

      The Speaker of the American People gavelled down a spirited proclamation that THIS is the year of the Lord’s favor. Yes that bothers me because THIS is the year the Key of Solomon unlocks the stairway to heaven.

      Report Post »  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:55pm

      @donh2

      Yea, I always accept prophecy from a goofy politician dressed up in a hoodie and out of order on the floor of congress. Yep!…..What was I thinking?
      “…..stairway to heaven.”……Must of been a prophetic word from LED ZEPPELIN too…..right?
      (your a doofus)

      Report Post » Rational Man  
  • Freedom Keeper
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:40pm

    If your tired of your children being indoctrinated, you may want to try homeschooling….http://www.redstate.com/truefreak/2012/03/25/homeschooling-an-alternative-to-the-progressive-indoctination-machine/

    Report Post »  
  • TxCatalystMan
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:26pm

    Where the heck is the POTUS? Where is our Attorney General? How do people get away with calling for a bounty on a man in 2012 and get away with it? In the end if this thing raises it’s ugly head there will be allot of bloodshead and our Pres. and Attorney Gen. will ultimately be responsible due to their irresponsibility leading up to the chaos. And for their inaction they should both be put behind bars for neglecting the duties of their respective offices. Enouigh of this garbage, they both belong in prison!

    Report Post » TxCatalystMan  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:38pm

      They are likely either spurring this on .. directly or indirectly .. through others. I agree .. since when can anyone put a BOUNTY on any other citizen? This is going to end badly .. as planned by Obama and his den of thugs.

      Report Post »  
    • toto
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:29pm

      While the media and Trayvon supporters do everything they can to marginalize his background, if he did, in fact, have stolen jewelry and “burglary tools” in his locker, it’s important. That would give credence to Zimmerman’s instincts in feeling that Trayvon was up to no good and “checking out” the neighborhood. Not saying this is how it was, just that certain facts make Zimmerman’s observations possible. Have not read/heard any discussion of whether his trajectory between the store and home was linear or whether he was off the path between point A and point B. Not implying there would be anything wrong with that, but you would think he would be hurrying home in the rain, rather than meandering. Hope we will someday know the answers and truth is revealed.

      Report Post »  
  • gsplgtr
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:14pm

    If George Zimmerman is a WHITE hispanic, does that make Barack Obama a WHITE blaci man?

    Report Post »  
  • Micmac
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:14pm

    I like this guy but he is a RINO and voted for NDAA. ANYONE who voted for NDAA helped destroy the Bill of Rights, no ifs, ands, or buts. Our Founding Fathers have now been relegated to the circular file, and America no longer has Due Process. Thank you alledged Tea Party member Allen West.

    NoBama 2012

    Report Post »  
  • 1947
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:12pm

    He lucky the security didn’t SHOOT him and maybe they _ _ _ _ have you never who‘s in Washington making a statement on the House Floor or I’m sorry I now understand he’s from the HOODIE Capital “ILL”

    Report Post »  
  • copatriots
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:58pm

    Oh how I wish this decent, principled man was the Republican nominee! I so hope he is the choice for VP!

    Report Post »  
    • martinez012577
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:28pm

      So you are ok with his vote for the NDAA?

      Report Post » martinez012577  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:18pm

      @martinez012577

      There is no perfect candidate. But West is real close. And don’t come back with anything about Ron Paul. You will only open yourself up to public ridicule, with me in the lead.

      Report Post » Rational Man  
  • thibx
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:39pm

    thank you allen. allen for vp

    Report Post »  
    • GoodStuff
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:14pm

      Yea, declaring a man guilty before trial, yea!

      VP! VP! VP!

      Report Post »  
  • thibx
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:37pm

    he is the only black man as far as i have seen up there with a brain. allen for vp

    Report Post »  
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:35pm

    You can’t stop stupid…Stupid is on display almost every second of the day…but intentionally being stupid is beyond the pale.

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • 65Mustang
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:29pm

    I am fond of Mr. West and his political views, however, he will have a hard time succeeding with the back lash coming from the ignorant, loud, mouthy members of the Black Caucus

    Report Post »  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:27pm

      He will have a harder time with the morons, ( like many that post on this website), for being a member of the CBC. They can’t get past that and see that he is trying to make a difference there. It ain’t easy being a black conservative and willingly walking into the lions den.

      Report Post » Rational Man  
  • unsafe
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:20pm

    I’m to the point I dont trust anyone in government at all

    Report Post »  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:36pm

      I was there years ago,our government is organized crime inc. they‘re going to plunge us into a depression that’ll make the first one seem like child’s play.The difference between now and then is this generation thinks they’re owed money for nothing and when it stops……it won’t be pretty.The generation of the 1920‘s and 30’s people had this strange idea of actually working for pay it‘s a foreign concept today I realize but that’s how they thought then.

      The federal government created the welfare state and it will prove ruinous to our republic.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • KangarooJack
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:25pm

      When the USA let’s loose…it‘s gonna make Greece look like a 3yr old’s birthday party. {shaking head}

      Report Post » KangarooJack  
  • spirited
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:17pm

    Mr. West…., with all due respect (seriously),
    “[George Zimmerman] should not be out there walking free with a concealed weapons license,” ?

    The legal system should be applied …and respected. No?

    As for Bobby Rush: This man is/was disrespectful… and a mockery of ‘America’…

    Report Post » spirited  
  • barber2
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:14pm

    Representative West will soon get the “Clarence Thomas Treatment ” by the Black Caucus and the Far Lefty Democrats : They ‘ll call him an “Oreo” which is slam code for ” Black Man acting like Whitey. ” Reminds me of that Black Panther dude’s “ two kinds of laws ” hate rhetoric yesterday. THe Democrats are playing the Race Card – subtly . Strangest thing is that Zimmerman is half- Hispanic – not a true “Whitey !”

    Report Post »  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:32pm

      BARBER2,
      He ALREADY IS!
      And….,he was shut out of running for Congress again thru REDISTRICTING!
      Seems like he scares the RINOS too!

      Report Post »  
    • copatriots
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:20pm

      “Splain Lucy. :-) How did West’s district get re-drawn to eliminate his ability to re-run? He needs to move on to a greater of responsibility for this country anyway. But, dang, I’m getting as sick and tired of the Repub political machine as I am the Dems.

      Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:12pm

    I look at it this way Rep.Rush was feeling nostalgic while wearing the hoodie,it brought back the good ole days of robbing and assaulting people,just an old thug pining for the days when he was a young thug.
    But hey he’s still a criminal just not violent.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • barber2
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:29pm

      Yes. How many convenience store robbery video tapes have you seen with the robber in a hoodie ? How many videos of the rioters destroying property or assaulting others while wearing a hoodie ! And these dudes were not wearing them to make a fashion statement !

      Report Post »  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:49pm

      Bobby Rush Gump
      Stupidity is alive and well in SOUTH SIDE of CheeCargo.

      OMG 2012

      Report Post »  
    • toto
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:46pm

      Thought it incredible that profiling was considered the issue, then all the kids go en mass to ransack and vandalize a KMart to show support! Duh! Ya think the stereotypes developed for a reason? Those teens have no respect for others. What did KMart ever do to deserve such treatment? My answer is if you don’t like to be stereotyped a certain way, then don’t dress and act like the stereotype. Granted, being black, (or brown or white) is not a behavior, but there was nothing stopping Trayvon from politely asking the man if there was a problem and telling him he was just on his way home. There is never any mention of maybe Trayvon handling things differently, and there should be a general discussion about that, for the sake of all kids. If everyone just had good manners, there would be a lot less of this kind of thing.

      Report Post »  
  • dreardon31
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:12pm

    What does it say about the people who elect people like this? We are really screwed as a country.

    Report Post » dreardon31  
  • lessoneleg
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:11pm

    70 years ago an image was presented to the public and forever that symbol represents the Nazi Party and the murderous regime who wore it. Today we have a grand standing congressman who mocks us the public about clothing and sunglasses. But put them together and in put in context of how they are worn and what they impress onto a public and no they aren’t just Hoodies and Dark Sunglasses. That symbol presented is the same symbol as a Nazi Swastika to its public as a Gang Banger Hood. Its a symbol of who I am and watch out or else.
    Congressman Rush insulted everybody with his stupidity and brainless show of minimization of the symbolism. We all know what the ” Kiss Ma Black As@ pants to the ground, hoodie, and Dark Sunglasses”, mean.
    Geesh, do these Black Caucus members think we are that stupid. excuse me, I think they do, after reading and hearing the other Black Caucus members, Lee and that other dufus opening their big mouths.

    Report Post » lessoneleg  
    • kentuckypatriot
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:23pm

      Amen!! It was very disrepectful to the people and well as the office he holds. He’s nothing but a thug.

      Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
    • barber2
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:34pm

      Kentucky: unfortunately, respect and manners are about as out of style as the Model T. Seems as though intimidating and bullying are more in vogue . Only correct, however, in support of the causes that the Far Left supports. The Far Lefties use the Race Card as their “ get out of behaving decently ” card.

      Report Post »  
  • FloridaFarmGirl
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:11pm

    Allen West for VP!!

    Report Post »  
    • imsteph
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:29pm

      Dream Ticket:
      Ryan/West
      West/Ryan
      Take your pick!

      Report Post » imsteph  
    • martinez012577
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:34pm

      So the NDAA vote doesnt bother either you two? Both of those men voted yes to the NDAA.

      The NDAA allows the president to throw anyone he wants into a hole. No phone call, lawyer, trial, judge, or visits. Since you both want people that are pro NDAA, let me ask you both a question.

      Do you believe anything really changed from Bush, to Clinton, to Bush, to Obama? Spending increased, debt went up, wars continued, and freedoms were lost. What makes you think these two, who think so little of our rights would change anything?

      Report Post » martinez012577  
  • SoupSammich
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:09pm

    A voice of reason finally from the black community. The left isn’t going to like the vitriol to subside though. Sad, sad party that needs racial tension for job security. Where is the admin on the 2 Brits that were gunned down in sunny Fla for zero reason?

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9173820/Parents-of-murdered-British-students-criticise-Barack-Obama.html

    Report Post »  
  • dianna9490
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:09pm

    The News Media JUST NEEDS TO STOP COMMENTING ABOUT ANY OF THE SHOOTING. The more they talk and analyze – KEEPS THE STORY IN THE LIME LITE! It’s over – leave ZIMMERMAN and his family alone – good GOD enough is enough!

    Report Post »  
  • JP4JOY
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:07pm

    Mr. West makes me smile.

    Report Post » JP4JOY  
    • martinez012577
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:36pm

      Would you be smiling right now if Obama said you were a threat and you were indefinitely detained down in some hole? If not, you could thank Mr. West.

      Report Post » martinez012577  
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