From Allen West

Friends, fellow South Floridians, Americans,

MoveOn.org’s ad last week continues to cause me some concern. I have
noticed that our own congressman, Ron Klein, has not commented. Does
MoveOn.org wield such power over Democrats as to influence their
national security decisions? Is fear of losing power by angering this
group more important than America’s future? Or does he agree with
them?

Congressman Klein has shown in a recent blog posting in “The Hill”
that he still doesn’t get it. He claims that Gen. Petraeus’ report
confirms that we must seek a “responsible strategic withdrawal”? like
Dunkirk? Congressman Klein also criticizes the Iraqi government for
taking a one month summer leave? like the one he just completed as
part of the House majority, despite an 18% approval rating.

Having been in Iraq in 2003 and here in Afghanistan since June 2005, I
could write a complete essay on poorly-made key strategic and
operational decisions. However, at no time will I ever sacrifice the
future of America over temporary aspirations of power. It concerns me
that this is what we are facing right now: political pandering instead
of seeking viable solutions for victory? something Congressman Klein
has yet to offer.

There is a simple reason for Congressman Klein’s inability to offer
informed solutions: He has never served and like most in Congress
today, is woefully ignorant of our own history. He is therefore
wholly unqualified to make the decisions he has been elected to make.

Have we faced these decisions before? What did we choose? What were
the results?

? At Gettysburg, holding the far flank of the Union line, was the 20th
Maine and COL Joshua Chamberlain. After constant assaults from the
Confederates at Little Round Top, Chamberlain and his under-strength
force ran out of ammunition, still facing another Confederate charge.
Chamberlain realized the situation and the operational importance of
his position, and gave the now-famous order, “Bayonets”. We know who
won at Gettysburg.

? In WW I, MAJ Wellsley led a US Infantry Battalion on an assault into
the Argonne forest. They advanced so deep? as opposed to flanking
units? the Germans cut them off and they became known as the “lost
battalion.” Wellsley, a New York lawyer, did not surrender; they held
on against a massive German attack and later linked up with allied
forces.

? In WW II, the last German offensive into the Ardennes created a
“Bulge” in the lines and resulted in the surrounding of an entire US
Division, the “Screaming Eagles” of the 101st at a town called
Bastogne. When the Germans came to the Division Commander, Brig Gen
MacAuliffe, with terms of surrender, he responded with a simple word,
“Nuts”, and we fought and won The Battle of the Bulge.

? In Korea at the Chosin Reservoir when surrounded by the Chinese
Army, Marine General Chesty Puller gave his heroic order, “We are
surrounded on all sides. We have them right where we want them. We
can attack them in any direction”. And the column fought its way out
of the envelopment at Chosin.

? In Vietnam, Army LTC Hal Moore led his 2/7 Air Cav unit into the Ia
Drang Valley and fought for three hard days against 5:1 odds. It was
the first contest between US combat forces and those of the North
Vietnamese Army. His unit flew out victorious and even recovered a
“lost platoon”. It was an American SGT Savage who kept the platoon
intact even as his platoon leader and platoon sergeant were killed.

My point is that there were no “responsible strategic withdrawal”
options for any of these great American combat leaders, and there are
many more examples. They sought out options for victory. Conversely,
we have seen what “responsible strategic withdrawal” has produced for
the United States in Vietnam, Beirut, and Somalia….the final two,
like Dunkirk in WWII, directly leading us to where we are now? into
this current conflagration.

In conclusion, Congressman Klein, if your alliance is with a group
such as Moveon.org, find the courage to admit that to US. If you are
not a part of their agenda, publicly denounce their advertisement and
what they stand for. If however you do support this group, then know
you and I are fellow Americans, but we do not share the same vision. I
will not leave the future of my daughters in your hands, nor the
future of any American children and grandchildren.

I will not cower under the intimidation of a group which exists only
to embarrass our country and enable our demise and defeat. I will
stand with the Spirit of Chamberlain at Little Round Top.

In Your Service,
LTC(R) Allen B West