Today, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D - Fla.), the chair of the Democratic National Committee, made a speech against the "Cut, Cap and Balance" bill that just passed the House. It was pretty mild! Less mild was the response of Rep. Allen West (R - Fla.), who sent Wasserman-Schultz an email. A very intense email, exhorting her to "shut the heck up."

"You are the most vile, unprofessional ,and despicable member of the US House of Representatives," (all quotes sic) the congressman wrote in the email (full text below), on which he CC'd "members of House Republican and Democratic leadership," according to Politico's Ben Smith, who obtained the email. (The subject header: "Unprofessional and Inappropriate Sophomoric Behavior from Wasserman-Schultz")

"I am bringing your actions today to our Majority Leader and Majority Whip," West writes, though God knows what he expects Eric Cantor to do. (Fire her?) The email is so chock-full of hilariously indignant lines that it's hard to choose a favorite. But, okay, it might be: "You have proven repeatedly that you are not a Lady, therefore, shall not be afforded due respect from me!"

Of course, as funny as the email is, let's not forget that West, who was drummed out of the Army for torturing an Iraqi cop, is more or less completely nuts—a violent, short-fused Islamophobe who thinks "Planned Parenthood women" are "neutering American men" and who recently said Obama supporters were a "threat to the gene pool." Now, it's not that we think he'll torture Debbie Wasserman-Schultz—after all, she's not a Muslim!—just that he'll challenge her to an old-timey duel in the swamps of Florida.

And why is he demanding pistols at dawn? Apparently because Wasserman-Schultz called him out (as "the gentleman from Florida" in the video at left) as "supportive of this plan that would increase costs for Medicare beneficiaries." This didn't sit well with West. "If you have something to say to me, stop being a coward and say it to my face, otherwise, shut the heck up. Focus on your own congressional district!" West told her.

The funny thing is: West actually lives in Wasserman-Schultz's district.

From: Z112 West, Allen

Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 04:48 PM

To: Wasserman Schultz, Debbie

Cc: McCarthy, Kevin; Blyth, Jonathan; Pelosi, Nancy; Cantor, Eric

Subject: Unprofessional and Inappropriate Sophomoric Behavior from Wasserman-Schultz Look, Debbie, I understand that after I departed the House floor you directed your floor speech comments directly towards me. Let me make myself perfectly clear, you want a personal fight, I am happy to oblige. You are the most vile, unprofessional ,and despicable member of the US House of Representatives. If you have something to say to me, stop being a coward and say it to my face, otherwise, shut the heck up. Focus on your own congressional district! I am bringing your actions today to our Majority Leader and Majority Whip and from this time forward, understand that I shall defend myself forthright against your heinous characterless behavior……which dates back to the disgusting protest you ordered at my campaign hqs, October 2010 in Deerfield Beach. You have proven repeatedly that you are not a Lady, therefore, shall not be afforded due respect from me! Steadfast and Loyal Congressman Allen B West (R-FL)

[Politico, images via AP]

Previously

Beware the Rise of Congressman Allen West