Charlie Rangel finally brought up on charges. It won’t affect his re-election chances of course – his people love him – but it may prove a tad embarrassing for his fellow Demmerkrats. He is, after all. the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.
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First, he’s “former”, and, second, much like a cat Rangel has nine lifes so I’ll believe his demise when I see a stake through his heart. Until then this is all just nice theater for the plebs to make them think Congress gives a damn, which it DON’T.
You don’t have to be a Republican to despise this guy. I’ve speculated here before that he has incriminating info on enough colleagues to guarantee that the next step in the “investigation” will go very slowly indeed. He will run for office successfully for as long as he wishes, then he’ll retire and enjoy his taxpayer funded pension and perks.
A few years back, that Rep Duke Cunningham was dispatched pretty quickly; same thing, more recently, for the one from Louisiana with the $95,000 cash in the freezer. But Rangel? Never going to happen
Forget Chuck Rangel I want to know where Slapped Ass is?
Most. Ethical. Congress. Ever.
Just ask ‘em.
“His” people? “His” people? What chu talkin’ about Willis?
He might be more vulnerable than you think. NY’ers who could care less about his fraudulent tax returns were really pissed off about the fact that he had multiple rent controlled apartments, which are treasured like family heirlooms, in clear violation of the rules.
Nine lifes, huh Retired IB’er?
Chris, you could have mentioned in the interest of fairness that it was an investigative panel with Democratic members that is charging Rangel with these violations. You’re making it sound like his caucus is embracing him. They took his chairmanship (the root of his power) away, and now are charging him with violations.
Who the hell do YOU think his people are? We’re talking black welfare recipients and if you find that politically incorrect, well there you have it. The man’s a crook, has always been a crook, and it’s a disgrace that his constituents reelect him year after year.
Anonymous
July 22, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Rangel should have been out of Congress years ago. He is a crook and he’s been working the system for decades. And, please, spare on how the Democrats are to be applauded… too little, too late.
Mind you the Republicans are no better at policing their own, not that that is any consolation.
So, yup, nine lifes…
Anonymous@7:58 pm: “They took his chairmanship (the root of his power) away, and now are charging him with violations.”
Boo hoo!
You’re making it sound as if these are a bunch of stand-up guys who are making a difficult and unselfish decision.
Bulldoody! Rangel is becoming more and more radioactive, and as much as these guys love and are beholden to him, they are far more interested in saving their own loathsome skins. They would walk over their own grandmothers if that could get them reelected.
I can’t wait for the November elections.
Yes, Charlie is a crook. And at the end of the day he supports policies that will bankrupt the country. Realistically, I would never vote for him, but I like him and if we are ever in the same bar I will happily pay for his drinks. He is tough (read about his Korean War experiences), served this country when it still practiced apartheid and even as a wayward public servant provides plenty of entertainment value. Reflect on the fact that he received only the Bronze Star for his Korean War exploits and ask whether he would have won something more if he wasn’t black.
Richard at 7:52: A very astute observation! Here’s hoping you are right!
Richard and Old Grump: Hadn’t thought of that apartment angle…but when that original story broke I recall saying “now he has gone too far!”
HG, I will agree with you on the racism issue. But, it was the military that, given Truman’s order (I think I have this right) to integrate the services, followed orders and did it. The difference between America and other counties, God bless us, is that we have a civilian control that more often than not orders our military to do good things, not evil. Not always – but usually. I remain a patriot.