You may have already heard about the harsh e-mail that Rep. Allen West (R-FL) sent to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) on Tuesday after Wasserman Schultz questioned West's Medicare stance in a House spending cap and balanced budget bill debate.

The email was so inflammatory that Stephen Colbert had a segment on "The Colbert Report" where he posted the email, and the initial comment from Wasserman Schultz.

West's email stems from this comment from Wasserman Schultz on the House floor: "The gentleman from Florida, who represents thousands of Medicare beneficiaries, as do I, is supportive of this plan that would increase costs for Medicare beneficiaries. Unbelievable from a member from south Florida." 

Democratic lawmakers have called for an apology from West for his email, calling the comments, "vile, despicable and cowardly." 

West, a first-term representative, doesn't appear interested in apologizing.

West responded to the attention he is getting on Twitter : "U.S is in crisis & everyone wants to talk about congressional members not getting along,it's insulting to Americans to waste airtime on this."

Here is the full text of the email, as well as the segment on "The Colbert Report"

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)

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