Representative Allen West on GOP Budget Proposal and Gitmo Detainees

Representative Allen West joined Fox News Channel's "Fox and Friends" on April 5, 2011, to discuss the GOP's budget proposal and the handling of Guantanamo Bay detainees. West expressed support for the GOP's plan to reduce the deficit by $6 trillion over 10 years and emphasized the need for an adult conversation about the nation's fiscal situation. He also criticized the Democratic leadership for attempting to manipulate the dialogue through fear-mongering tactics.

Key Takeaways:

• Representative Allen West supports the GOP's budget proposal, citing the need to reduce the deficit and debt.
• West believes the American people are ready for an adult conversation about the nation's fiscal situation, but the Democratic leadership is trying to exploit fear and manipulate public opinion.
• The current budget for 2011 has yet to be solved, with a possible continuing resolution to push the decision off for later.
• Allen West served in the military and has a strong opinion on the handling of Gitmo detainees, believing they should not be treated as constitutional entities and should be tried quickly.
• The representative believes the administration's decision to revert to Gitmo is a result of the president's re-election bid and a tactical maneuver to appease the radical Islamic groups.

Statistics:

• The GOP's budget proposal aims to reduce the deficit by $6 trillion over 10 years.
• The current budget for 2011 has a deficit of $1 trillion and a debt of $14.3 trillion.
• The number of Somali pirates waiting for trial in Norfolk, Virginia, is 15.
• The number of Gitmo detainees is not specified in the transcript.

Sources:

• Fox News Channel's "Fox and Friends" interview with Representative Allen West on April 5, 2011
• Transcript of the interview provided by Federal News Service, Inc.
• Representative Allen West' statement that "the GOP's plan to reduce the deficit by $6 trillion over 10 years sounds very good"