West's motive — protect his troops — was honorable
Regarding the letter, "West overplaying his military record": Attack ads about a 2003 incident when U.S. Rep. Allen West commanded an Army battalion in Iraq omit facts and lack perspective. They fail to consider the lawless environment he operated in, or the stateless terrorist enemy that rejects international laws of war.
Rep. West reported this incident, involving a detained Iraqi policeman who, reliable informants indicated, had information of plans to ambush his unit. Reporting his actions and fully accepting responsibility, and the consequences for them, reflected highly on Rep. West's integrity. No ambushes occurred in his area of responsibility when he acted upon information the detainee provided, but Rep. West never claimed to be a hero and even stated that he may have been wrong.
Commanders make judgment calls to accomplish their missions and protect their troops. Good ones occasionally risk ending their careers by disregarding rules to some degree. Although the interrogation tactics were improper, Rep. West's motive of protecting his command was honorable, as was his service record.
COL. CHARLES J. WINN
U.S. Army, retired
Stuart
West, with Romney, Ryan, qualified to lead
It is so refreshing to have such a qualified candidate as Allen West running for re-election to Congress.
This country was hoodwinked in 2008 by the empty promises of hope and change. It has never been more important to have men with moral integrity, honesty, strength of convictions and common sense. Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan and Allen West are these men.
There is no question of what this fine man, Rep. West, is all about. No one will ever compare him to an empty chair. He is a concerned citizen who is speaking out and doing his part to save the country that he has served, in Congress and on the battlefield, from falling off the fiscal cliff, and being militarily weakened by the current incompetent administration.
As for Patrick Murphy? We don't need another inexperienced, immature incompetent in Washington.
CAROL HANSEN
Port St Lucie
Military service doesn't mean West is best
From one veteran to another, I thank, appreciate and respect Rep. Allen West for his service to our country. However, that's where my respect for him ends.
His TV ads, showing men wearing caps with military logos stating that because Allen West is a veteran he will be a great leader, are an insult to all veterans. Those men — and there is no doubt in my mind that they are actual veterans — all appear to be of ages from the Vietnam and the Korean conflicts. In as much as we veterans have an undying love for one another, I think we're all knowledgeable enough to understand that having been in the military isn't synonymous with being the best candidate for public office.
PETER LAUTO
Port St. Lucie
West too much like McCarthy to re-elect
I am a Purple Heart veteran of World War II. I have participated in the "Veterans for Patrick Murphy" activities.
My criticism of Rep. Allen West is that he has been a divisive force in alienating his Democratic colleagues, eliminating any possibility of reaching any meaningful solutions to our problems. He has been disrespectful to President Obama, his and our commander in chief, becoming an icon of the extreme far right, generating unbelievable amounts of money for his campaign.
We need a congressman to represent us with constructive actions, not a man who is bent on destructive, disrespectful actions resulting in more gridlock. I am old enough to remember the Joe McCarthy era. Rep. West's comments are reminiscent of that terrible history of Congress. Using the words of attorney Joseph Welch, "Representative West, have you no shame?"
IRVING MALIS
Stuart
Boynton Beach needs intact commission
Regarding recent coverage of Boynton Beach: The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce's long-held philosophy, "What's good for business is good for the community," is why this organization will always support a local government united in its efforts to serve the best interests of our community.
We thank the thousands of Boynton Beach residents, neighbors, families and business operators who continue to believe in our community's potential. They recognize that good things are happening in our town.
For example, working together, interim City Manager Lori LaVerriere and Mayor Woodrow Hay have ushered in an unprecedented era of cooperation. Thanks to their efforts, the new alliance between the city, the community redevelopment agency and the chamber is proving that much can be accomplished when relationships are based on productive collaboration.
A fully seated city commission is necessary for proper governance of Boynton Beach. It would be unfortunate to further delay filling the District 1 vacancy until the March municipal elections. In addition, to races for mayor and commissioners for Districts 1 and 3, the ballot includes significant changes to the city's charter.
The 600-plus members of the Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce are vested in the success of our community and the strength of our recovering economy. We take voting seriously, and look forward to our fellow Boynton Beach residents joining us at the polls Nov. 6, and March 5, 2013.
JONATHAN PORGES
Boynton Beach
Editor's note: Jonathan Porges is chairman of the Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Too bad Karras obit left out Sistrunk quote
Kudos for the great story about National Football League great Alex Karras ("Lion great also TV, movie star.") It was disappointing, however, that Mr. Karras' classic reference to former Oakland Raiders defensive end Otis Sistrunk was not recalled.
On "Monday Night Football," Mr. Karras referred to Mr. Sistrunk, who had never attended college, as being "from the University of Mars." The remark brought perfection in describing the outrageous, intimidating and downright weird persona of Otis Sistrunk for that time and context. Alex Karras and Otis Sistrunk remain "immortalized" by that reference.
ROBERT REILAND
Juno Beach
Obama keeping Bush's promise to Israel
Regarding "Israel will remain ally if Obama wins": The letter-writer neglected to tell the full story of why we are supporting Israel at record levels.
In 2007, President Bush signed a memorandum of understanding that pledged $30 billion in U.S. security assistance to Israel over a 10-year period. President Obama is just fulfilling this pledge. The agreement embodies America's commitment to maintain Israel's military edge, which Congress has defined as Israel's "ability to counter and defeat any credible conventional military threat from any individual state or possible coalition of states or from non-state actors." Israel will remain a strong ally of the United States in spite of Barack Obama.
SIDNEY GLAUSER
Boynton Beach
Citizens' inspection, rate hike have me suspicious
I have closely followed The Post's coverage of Citizens Property Insurance. I am a coastal resident who has gone to great lengths to secure the property that I inhabit.
My home was inspected by one of Citizens' subcontractors, Florida Inspection Service, on April 24. The inspector informed me that his findings would save me money on my windstorm insurance. I have a cement-tile hip roof, have replaced all soffit wood, changed all attic screens and replaced all gutters. I replaced the garage door in 1990 and had a cabinet built to accommodate my hurricane shutters.
At the end of the inspection I was asked to sign on a computer screen. On May 22, the same inspector arrived at my home. He stated that he needed my signature again. Once again, no printed data was received by me. On June 4, I received a call from my inspector's office that once again my signature had not gone through. On June 5, unannounced, the same inspector arrived at my home requesting a third signature. I immediately sensed something fishy. Nevertheless, I signed.
On Aug. 4, I received notice from Citizens that my premium would increase 17.85 percent. Your readers might call me "lucky" that it was less than 18 percent. I call it thievery.
GAIL MEYER
Singer Island
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