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West: Disgusted with Reid for politicizing training deaths

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    Former congressman says Sen. Majority leader would apologize for trying to link sequester with training deaths of Marines if he has honor

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Seven of our Marines were killed and -- The others were injured in the explosion during a tremendous times -- of these -- people California.

Mr.

President.

It's very important we continue training on -- it's sold.

One of the things and sequester.

He has and cut back and training.

And maintenance.

Cut back on training and maintenance.

Sweeps across to a trip -- -- -- -- Mr.

President.

That -- -- military can treat and do maintenance concerns these.

Men and women armories were trying and often.

-- with this restaurants can cut the stuff back.

With the sequestered and cut the stuff back.

It's -- hope everyone understands the sacrifices made -- -- mother who are some.

Senator Reid wasted no time using this military tragedy our nation's now tragedy as not to talk about the -- -- comments are sparking outrage former congressman Alan west tweeting.

Senator Reid disgusted by your attempt to politicize the death seven -- in Nevada -- he possessed any shred of honor you'd apologized now.

Well late today senator Reid's office issuing this statement.

In the wake of the Hawthorne tragedy senator -- stocks are with the Marines who were killed or injured and their loved ones.

The idea -- senator Reid thinks -- Hawthorne tragedy has anything to do with the sequester is absurd and that's just unsubstantiated.

By his remarks on the topic.

Greens would not be forced to operate under unsafe conditions due to budget cuts.

So is that the apology congress congressman west was looking for he joins us nice to see a -- It's a pleasure to be with you Greta.

Before we get to the topic of whether or not that is what you're looking for from senator -- obvious -- tonight with the announcement that now we have lost an eighth marine in that -- -- Well absolutely condolences go out of the traumas of all of those Marines that lost their lives.

Especially 01 of the families who live locally in the South Florida area where are resides.

But -- apology yours full apology is not sufficient.

Probably the most important thing to senator Reid must do.

It's to go over to the marine barracks at -- and I stand there with a comment on -- Marine Corps.

Before formation of Marines and truly give an apology for what TSA -- on the -- senate floor because for him to try to draw.

A connection between sequestration budget cuts what happened.

We don't need anyone politicize in this event especially when just may of last year 2012 we have a totally different stance and that was an apolitical article.

But Greta I receive countless amounts of emails from the regiment a retired Marines and -- just like to take the top 31 of those statements from.

They're very senior retired marine officer -- side -- When he says the majority leader of the senate but what did position which calls for the -- of principle centered behavior statesmanship civility dignity and decorum.

Not to mention -- selecting Thomas sets Stoops to such callow -- which political statements as those other busted it to read.

He demeans the office he holds as well as the entire body he serves and that would include his fellow senators.

Constituents and all Americans especially those who have made him repeatedly uttered -- commitment to serve in harm's way when required.

-- -- and artillery officer for 22 years in the united states army.

And I have a lot of which bears were mortars and one of things that he should be looking -- and and just allow people to do the investigation.

-- the -- riding -- and that sixty millimeter mortar system which is also a common Mississippi 81 millimeter mortar systems.

As well as the possibility of a hot cook off.

With that mortar round so for him to go on the senate floor.

And try to use this is -- powerful political statement.

He needs to send an apology not just to the fairways with all the Marines and especially with the comment on the Marine Corps.

Is there any chance in your mind that it was just a clumsy statement let me give me another spin on that what he matches in this this sequestered so painful to the military.

That he was -- our clumsy and trying to highlight the pain and the sequester and then it just sounded wrong I realize this statement.

Isn't exactly an explanation of that view was there any chance your -- that that was just keep.

You know -- stupid way to say something.

Well let me -- Take this quote from -- the senator Harry from last year to now see the Republicans scrambling to do away with the -- defense.

I will not accept that reset my people -- the state of Nevada.

And I think the country have had enough of whacking all the programs we've cut to the bare bone and defense is going to have to bear their share of the burden.

So not only has he offended the United States Marine Corps and these -- -- who lost their loved ones.

-- also hypocrite when you think about what he sits just may of last year so I don't see this as a clumsy statement I see is this as a deliberate say that he is -- it.

What's to say was when he accuse Mitt Romney a certain things from the senate floor.

Harry Reid has to be called responsible.

For the statements that he made and as I say -- He needs to go to -- Maria bears an -- the night before formation of Marines standing with the public not.

And give an apology and not just sales of spokespeople.

From his office do it.

That's cowardly.

I would say that I you know that it's with his is his statement that was issued by his office and if -- I find it difficult to say the -- think it was or just a clumsy statements that he made on the senate floor than -- maybe if -- staffers -- -- serving as you know increasing the problem for him.

But I'm curious mean it's it's you know this whole idea of you using -- tragedy in this is a horrible tragedy is political ammunition what's happened.

Well I think that you see a lack of character we have seen this old scare tactic.

Being used you know by the administration even by the president when it comes to sequestration.

But to take -- an event a tragic event.

Which also happened back in march of 2011.

At Fort Bragg North Carolina with the -- marine regiment.

And this time it occur within lightweight 155 millimeter artillery piece.

It's how to use this for political grandstanding.

And politicking is his reprehensible and it truly is despicable.

And I think it's about time that American people demand more.

And half -- read you know be held accountable for this this statement that he made.

Because to try to impugn the training and the readiness of our Marine Corps so that he can make these -- political points that's horrific and as I say it.

The regiment -- retired marine senator Reid is not happy with you whatsoever.

I do hope that tomorrow I take advantage of his position and goes back the senate floor and has another conversation the American people about this so we'll see whether or not he -- -- whether it takes your advice to -- down to -- -- And would talk -- wood front of the Marine Corps Cochran thank you -- Pose a pleasure Greta thank you.