Lawbreaker, Uh, Lawmaker Charles Rangel Finally Called On The Carpet
Charles Rangel is finally getting a little look-see from the House for his blatant unethical behavior writes William Douglas of McClatchy. There will be a special House subcommittee next week on at least one ethics violation charge:
Rangel, D-N.Y., has been under a lengthy probe by the ethics committee for a series of allegations that include failing to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in income and assets, improper use of several rent-controlled apartments in his Harlem district, fundraising efforts for a college center that bears his name, and failing to pay taxes on property he owns in the Dominican Republic.
He makes the laws...surely we don't expect him to also obey them. (Laws are for the little people, wink, wink.)
You notice they waited until after the financial-regulation bill vote to schedule this...
Cousin Dave at July 23, 2010 6:31 AM
@Cousin Dave: "You notice they waited until after the financial-regulation bill vote to schedule this..."
______________
I'm surprised they didn't wait until November 3 to schedule it. If he were a Republican, they would have waited until the day the ballots were finalized to make issue of it (evidence, Mark Foley).
Trust at July 23, 2010 8:08 AM
In an honest world, he'd be in prison. In this one, he'll walk.
MarkD at July 23, 2010 8:14 AM
Charlie is 80 years old. If he gets more than expedited requirement out of this I'll be astonished. In the meantime, just in time for Nov it's "Look how ethical we are!". Feh.
--
phunctor
phunctor at July 23, 2010 10:03 AM
retirement /more caffeine/
phunctor at July 23, 2010 10:04 AM
He'll get off, so to speak.
mpetrie98 at July 23, 2010 6:44 PM
Being a Harlemite, this story was of particular interest to me when I first heard about Mr Rangel being charged with ethics violations on July 22. I'm the first to admit I'm not always the most politically savvy person, nor do I do a good job of keeping up to date on current events. However, when I find an issue like this one that directly affects me and the people in my immediate vicinity, I try to make sure I'm not the only one aware of it.
What has made me sad and frustrated in the past few days is that no-one else in my neighborhood seems to care one bit. Most people don't know anything about it, but like I said I'm typically not so up to date on things so I'm not terribly up in arms over that. Hell that's why I'm talking to total strangers in the deli about it in the first place--to get the word out!
It's the complacency and laziness that really gets to me. Frustrating as it may be, it's unsurprising. People will get riled up over national politics, and the next mid-term elections, but seem unable or unwilling to get invested in the local politics that will likely have the most direct influence on their every day lives.
Ben M at July 24, 2010 1:52 AM
Ben, I have a question for you, and you can tell me honestly whether I'm on to something or totally out in left field. Are there a lot of people in our old neighborhood who are on welfare? I have not known many inner-city welfare recipients in my life. However, I have known a lot of country-white-trash welfare recipients. And one thing I've observed that is nearly universal about them: when it comes to politics, the only thing they really care about is that they get their check every month. The Middle East, the deficit, terrorism, civil rights, tax policy, the Patriot Act, racism -- none of them concerns them one whit, as long as the check comes every month. Every politician who represents such an area knows that the most effective campaign statement, by far, is: "If you don't vote for me, the other guy will cut off your check!" Playing on the fear angle of losing their bennies is the only thing that really gets through to them.
Cousin Dave at July 24, 2010 8:01 AM
"...your old neighborhood"... that's twice in a row. Damn. Maybe I really am getting old.
Cousin Dave at July 24, 2010 8:03 AM
Leave a comment