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Majority Leader-elect Eric Cantor has put out the calendar for next year. In a letter to Cantor, West explained his frustration with Congress having too many days off. "I believe this schedule does not sufficiently reflect the concerns of the American people as expressed on November 2nd," West said.
Eric Cantor tried to explain the schedule:
"In total, it contains 123 days and 32 weeks of session," Cantor wrote. "While the number of days in session is consistent with first sessions in years past, the number of weeks in session represents an eleven percent drop, resulting in less travel for Members and potential savings to the Member's Representational Allowance."
Cantor and his supporters argue that a shorter calendar reduces the amount of waste in Washington and the size of government. West argues, however, that legislators missing so many days of work means they aren't getting anything done. This is especially true in a legislative body that spends more time arguing than being productive.
Brad Dayspring, the spokesman for Eric Cantor said, "More days in Washington has historically resulted in bigger government, greater waste, and more spending - not more production. What's important is who's in charge and the process put in place, not the number of days in session."
West also mentioned that he has a problem with the retreats taken by members of Congress.
"There's a retreat that starts on the 7th, which is...you know, really a nice family time to go to Williamsburg," He said to CNN. "But I don't think that that is something that the constituents of the 22nd district wanted me to come up there and do. Because, there's a lot of people that cant have taxpayer-funded vacations - a lot of people down here that have not had the opportunity to have vacations."
Ironically, being a military man, West says that he doesn't like the word "retreat" in almost any context. He seems to be all about business as he heads into Washington, and might be the refreshing change his constituents are seeking. Although I am not a fan of what the Tea Party represents, it seems that Allen West presents the "no-nonsense" approach to government that reminds people of a younger version of Colin Powell. His military record puts his patriotism beyond reproach, and there are likely quite a few Democrats and Republicans willing to cheer on any politician who seeks to challenge business as usual in Washington.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.