The Democrats’ Rangel Test
Charles Rangel, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, is not the only congressional Democrat with ethics issues. Indeed, the list of corrupt Democrats in 2009 rivals that of corrupt Republicans three years previously when the-then minority party ousted the then-majority on the basis of the Republicans’ (supposed) “culture of corruption.”
Upon her party’s winning the 2006 elections, the then-soon-to-be Speaker of the House promised to lead “the most honest, most open and most ethical Congress in history.” Shortly after taking the gavel, she seems to have forgotten that vow.
Now, she has a chance to show that she meant what she said–that things really have changed in Washington since Democrats too over. As each new day seems to bring with it new revelations about Rangel’s misdeeds, Pelosi would do well to force Rangel to step aside as Ways and Means chairman pending the results of an ethics committee investigation.
This is her test–and that of her party–to see if they intend to crack down on the questionable ethics their fellow Democrats. And if she refuses to demand that her New York colleague step aside, then other leading Democrats should step up to the plate and demand his dismissal.
FROM THE COMMENTS: Sean A links a New York Post article:
Even as he fends off accusations about his own failure to pay taxes and fully disclose his financial dealings, Rep. Charles Rangel had quietly slipped into the health-care bill broad new provisions cracking down on taxpayers in proceedings with the IRS, The Post has learned.
Ethically challenged and a hypocrite?!?!?
UPDATE: Looks like Speaker Pelosi is failing the test:
THE HILL: Pelosi will let Rangel hold post despite latest allegations. “Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will let Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) keep his chairmanship despite his failing to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets on federal disclosure forms, according to Democratic aides.” Of course she will. This makes him vulnerable, and thus easier to control.
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Rep Rangel is counting on getting the elitist Democrat treatment for his crimes. The Kennedy, McKinny, Conyers, Byrd, Dodd, Frank treatment.
Frankly if Rangel gets anything more, even I will call them racists. Just because Rangel is a Harlem crook, he’s suppose to resign or get prosecuted? Please! He’s a Democrat. Let’s get past this little kerfuffle and get some more spending done. MR CHAIRMAN! MR CHAIRMAN!!
Comment by Gene in Pennsylvania — September 1, 2009 @ 3:56 pm - September 1, 2009
Punishment? Bwahahahahah…
More like a firm ‘tisk, tisk…“, and a rather vague finger-wag.
The IRS has already given him a pass…a partial payment of back taxes on the un-reported/under-reported income…with NO penalty. “…I’m sure it was just a misunderstand, Mr. Chairman. I’m sure it won’t reflect on the comfy relationship between the Service and the Committee.”
There won’t even be as-much as a formal Congressional reprimand….
Comment by Ted B. (Charging Rhino) — September 1, 2009 @ 4:13 pm - September 1, 2009
Wonder why the Pelosi/Reid/Obama Democrat Congress has a 9% approval rating.
Anyone seen the Obama trolls around lately? hehe
Comment by Gene in Pennsylvania — September 1, 2009 @ 4:51 pm - September 1, 2009
Remember, Rangel took his seat over from Adam Clayton Powell, so his constituents certainly don’t care about his misdeeds; they’re cheering him on for socking it to “the man”. No, unfortunately it’s only Republicans who, if the tables were turned, would have removed him from his position as chair of the House Ways and Means Committee immediately, and THEN investigated him. This POS is now claiming more than twice the income that he initially reported, with hundreds of thousands of dollars turning up in bank accounts and investments as well as real estate sold (and, still in his name). This, in addition to other pieces of property on which he has neglected to pay taxes altogether.
Comment by jonnot — September 1, 2009 @ 5:45 pm - September 1, 2009
I cannot wait to see egg all over the faces of these crooks…
Comment by thestraightaussie — September 1, 2009 @ 9:37 pm - September 1, 2009
Dan, I know you only posted this item about Rangel a couple of hours ago, but in light of the fact that the hypocrisy of a Democrat knows no limit, it’s already time for a sequel/update. As if Rangel’s flagrant life of crime (and the rich, white liberals who protect him) weren’t outrageous enough, it has now become breathtakingly surreal. Brace yourself:
“Even as he fends off accusations about his own failure to pay taxes and fully disclose his financial dealings, Rep. Charles Rangel had quietly slipped into the health-care bill broad new provisions cracking down on taxpayers in proceedings with the IRS, The Post has learned.”
http://www.nypost.com/seven/09012009/news/nationalnews/hypocrite_charlie__punish_tax_slip_ups_187541.htm
Yeah. Political satire as a genre is dead. Who could possibly parody this?
Comment by Sean A — September 1, 2009 @ 9:47 pm - September 1, 2009
I remember Pelosi saying that and laughed when she did. Has she forgotten her refusal to ditch the corrupt money-in-the-freezer New Orleans Congressman?
Comment by John — September 1, 2009 @ 10:34 pm - September 1, 2009
please be at the voting poles in 2010!
Comment by southernsue — September 2, 2009 @ 3:29 pm - September 2, 2009