Why do House Democrats still support Charlie Rangel?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Yesterday it was Republican Senator John Ensign... today, we have a worm from the other side of the aisle: Democratic Congressman Charlie Rangel. Republicans tried unsuccessfully once again to remove Rangel from the chairmanship of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. They introduced a motion that would have forced him to step down during the ongoing ethics investigation into his finances and other activities.
U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY)
But House Democrats wouldn't hear of it. They effectively killed the resolution - by voting to shut down the debate and send it to the House Ethics Committee - where the matter has already sat for a year. The phrase, "House Ethics Committee" is an oxymoron.
Rangel has been under investigation for lots of reasons: hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of assets that he allegedly didn't claim on financial disclosure forms. He has admitted not paying taxes on $75,000 in income from a rental property he owns in the Dominican Republic. And - he's accused of breaking New York City laws by keeping several rent-controlled apartments - including one he used for a campaign office. There's more… I just don't have time to list it all.
But despite it all... this weasel remains the head of the powerful House committee that writes our tax law. And judging by the actions of his fellow Democrats yesterday, it's all just fine with them. What it is is disgusting.
Charlie Rangel says he's the victim of a smear campaign by some in the media. He whines that other chairmen usually get to keep their leadership posts when under ethics investigations.
Here’s my question to you: Why do House Democrats continue to support Ways and Means Committee chairman Charlie Rangel?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Ann from Hampton, New Jersey writes:
The good old boys club is still alive and kicking, with Rangel reigning as the president. He has been there a long time and can probably dish a lot of dirt. If he "goes down", there are a lot of other "weasels" he will most likely snitch on that will join him. He must be basking in the sunshine of all that power.
Emma writes:
Charlie Rangel is an accused man, not convicted or even tried. What message would it send to this country to remove him without the benefits of due process? Where is the administration of justice that this country's foundation is grounded upon?
Jeff from Denver writes:
The Democrats don't have the courage to cross the Congressional Black Caucus. So the question should be narrowed: Why does the CBC still support Rangel?
O. writes:
It's simple. Pelosi and most of the Democrats are hypocrites. Let's put forth a resolution for Joe Wilson for yelling "you lie", when it was actually true, but let's not investigate this known crook. What a double standard.
Steve from Buffalo, New York writes:
Because Rangel is a good guy. He is not using his powers to screw the public. He needs to fire his business managers who probably are good friends or family members.
Roy in Dayton, Tennessee writes:
Jack, I think the answer is simple. People that live in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks. If any of these guys – be they Republican or Democrat alike – started throwing rocks, then everyone in Washington would have to wear steel-toed boots for all the broken glass.
Roger writes:
I think it was LBJ who commented on a fellow Democrat, "Yes, he is a S.O.B., but he is our S.O.B." The same philosophy still applies… some progress in 45 years!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Jack, you should know that weasels come in at least two flavors. If a powerful man is not going to be forced out of office, it is dangerous to try to censor him. He will just come back to bite his critics whenever possible.
Foley,al. It"s not so much that they support him, he"s becomming a great distraction for them while Obama drags his feet. Meanwhile we, the people are suffering because of it. Just this morning , my 79 year old husband found out that his Medicare supplement with blue cross, blue shield of al. Will double in Jan.-2010 from 72.00 to 140.00. Who really gives a damn about rangel. He should be made to step down from his position until after the investigation against him is completed.we, the people seem to be the least important cause , in this healthcare reform fiasco.....
It's amazing how politicians cry-- smear tactics-- when they are caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
Anyone who decides how much I pay in taxes and on what, should be above reproach. That sort of politician is hard to find these days.
Simple, he is one of the good ole boys that nobody wants to admit exists. There are to many people in office that owe him favors. Face it Jack he is just to long in the tooth for you guys to bring down. Isn't it the GOP's turn for a media enforced hemorrhoid?
They don't cast stones because they don't want anyone looking too hard at their finances. Does it really surpise anyone that their are crooks in Congress and they don't effectively self-police? These people are disgusting, but I am not sure that is as bad as the idiots that keep voting these scumbags in. Wake up.
Tax committees are the best source of pork of favored industries. You don't kill the goose that lays the golden egg, Jack.
From New York City: I have always liked Charlie, but, like all public officials at the trough for too long, I've wondered what and when the dirt would come out on him. I've always wondered why Rangel got more money from pesticide manufacturerers than any other member of Congress, and his district, Harlem, has no farms? When is he going to court? When will he be charged with tax evasion? I'm sure there are dozens of good people who could replace him in Congress from his district. Lets get rid of him already.
They like him because of the "D" next to his name on Election Day. Both political parties are so obsessed with staying in power that they will do anything to hold onto those seats...even supporting known tax cheats. This will keep happening until we have term limits for members of Congress and see the end of the two-party system.
I do not know the answer to your question! But I do know People are tired of the time it takes to be assured of ethical practices.
In just a few words, double standard and unethical is obvious in the House of Pelosi. The Americans in the middle are right of the political spectrum see what's going on, but the left will defend him and hopes it goes away.
More then likely because most people (on both sides) like the guy.
I know a couple of people that have met him on several occasions and even though they were social settings they both said that he is pretty genuine and fun to be around. And both these guys are as scenical as they come when it comes to politics.
Maybe Jack their just trying to give him every chance to survive this mess he's in.
Maybe they've done worse. They all have some skeletons in the closet. Every day someone is exposed for crap that the average Joe would be scared to death to try. Where do we finds these clowns?
Most of these clowns, Democrat or Republican, know they're above the law and they like to flaunt it. Most all of Congress is corrupt and they take care of their own. Too bad they can't be draged from the Capitol, flogged and put in the stocks like in Colonial Times!
Why do the Republicans still support Tom Delay? For the same reason Jack, it seems like the more wrong doing the people in Washington do – the more popular they are in a right way.
I believe they support him because, they do not want him to be investigated. If he get investigated then they are afraid they will be next in line. It is not just the Democrats that are corrupt here, its both sides of the isle, but they make up the laws to govern themselves, HOW CONVENIENT.
The reason House Democrats continue to support Charlie Rangel is because the people in his congressional district support him.He is one with them
Because they are in bed with him, or keeping the heat on him keeps it off of them.
My Dad once told me that everyone has something to hide. The more you know about those things is what will give you power over people. The more you know the more power you have. Charlie Rangel knows a lot about most of these Congressmen. He has the power to do as he pleases. I thought you’d like to know that, Jack.
Even though the guy won a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, and he's got a pretty good track record for his public service, he should resign. But the others before him (including John McCain) didn't, did they? It's greed, not just for money, but also power and prestige. Well, Jack, you know how the House Ethics Committee works, don't you? They can't define ethics, so they just give a slap on the wrist.
Because he's a typical FAT CAT. It's about time the press does some investigative reporting.
The key words in your question are "House Democrats." Charlie "the worm weasel" Rangel is a Democrat. He will therefore promote the Democrat agenda. In fact, Rangel will follow the Democrat agenda even closer because he is now beholden to House Democrats for effectively letting him off the hook. Corruption begets corruption.
For the same reason “daddy can you help me out” Ensign and “diapers” Vitter are still there. They all have each other’s backs. Would't it be nice if we got the same consideration?
It's simple, they are all crooks.. We need to vote them all out.. It's also kinda funny how we can't do that all at one time, why is that?
FEAR Jack. Remember, this is the congressman that was alleged to have told President Obama to watch his back when he was in Harlem. People fear that dingbat.
It sounds as though Rangel has some important secrets they're afraid of him releasing. Basically...he knows where all the bodies are buried.
The powerful support the powerful. That's how they stay in power.
The old saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know," is applicable here, Jack. Charlie Rangel not only knows the right people, he knows the right things he needs to know about those people. He's got the power.
The Democrats don't care what the public think. None of them do. The answer to rangel is to vote him out of office.
Because they are as much of a crook as he is
I really wish he would step down if HE knew what he was doing was wrong, its no longer okay to say both sides do it, we need to clean house and get on the right track for the sake of our country.
Why does CNN support Lou Dobbs, and why did it take so long to get rid of Tucker Carlson and Glenn Beck. Vested interest! Rangel is powerful and has many established relationships with other members that will have to be redefined with a new chairman.
Because he is for the Draft and thats Obamas next move.
Because U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) holds dirt on the other Democrats and they don't want to be in the shoes he's in, so he's protected.
Haven't you heard? The DNC and its members of Congress are a criminal enterprise. Birds of a feather flock together.
Jack we should be numb to this, instead I am furious! We hold a press conference in Chicago and lament the violence on the streets and our youth not having a good moral compass and then the House parades this ass out there for all to see. Illegals march in Chicago taking jobs from some of those kids on the streets. Our representatives would sell their mothers if they thought it would get them ahead and news anchors scratch their heads when the youth of today do not feel compelled to obey the law!!! Wow what a surprise....
Dear Jack: Love your input and straight-from-the-hip assessments...
Why is Rangle supported...could it be that if he were NOT supported, there would be ALOT more "sleeze" news for CNN to report..what with Rangle blowing the whistle on others and them blowing whistles on each other.
Remember Tatus O'Neal's coment in Paper Moon after her father stated was not crooked, that he had ethics–"scruples" was the word he used....
Tatum said: I don't know what scuples are, but if yu've got 'em they probably belong to somebody else.
From the mouth of babes!!
Another Fox guarding the chicken house. That is the house of Tax
Legislation. We need necessary changes in Congress.
They support him the same way the republicans supported Palin and she almost came close to running your country. She was under investagation till she was asked to run for the republication vice president. I would have worried more about her investagation being swept under the rug.
Canada
Because they are afraid....they are racists...what else could it be? Oh yes...this won't show up on CNN.
Warrington, PA
If we started expecting integrity and ethics we would have to elect a new governemnt
charlie you blew it goodbye
I can't really speak on this issue. For most of my life I was a resident of New York and Charlie Rangle comes from a time when things were done differently. In New York City, he was alway a hero to the little guy and he's still a hero to me. All politicians are corrupt in some kind of way, it's the good they do that counts.
After all these years, Charlie's one of the Democrat's "good ol' boys" in congress. The fact he's got himself in a ditch is beside the point. . After all, it's only about money. Rangel's a great example of why the majority of Americans have such a low regard for Congress.
Gary Boyd, Scottsdale, Arizona
Why don't we let the House Ethics Committee do its job – complete its investigation into Charlie Rangel's handling of his tax filings. If he is found guilty, take the appropriate action – no excuses! If he is not guilty or the "misdeeds" can be properly explained, then leave him alone and let's get on with the business of this country. We have far more serious issues to worry about right now. Remember, we are not out of the "crisis" yet. Fix the economy and get everyone back to work first, then we can worry about lesser issues like "who made a mistake" or "who can we burn now".
Harry – Baltimore, MD
Jack,
The House/Senate is full of gold old boys w ho depend on each other's good will. Chalie is OK with them because he has power, just like lobbyists have power. It will take a miracle to clean up the mess the mess that used be called Congress! a name we were proud to say. Now it tastes bad.
Jack Ledbetter
Why do House Democrats still support Rangel? Because they are all skunks. Skunks do not smell skunk, do they?
The Democrats promised transparency and they kept their promise.
In the spirit of transparency Congress has brought Mr. Rangel's dealing into the spotlight – and to borrow a phrase from the past ... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
Now time to move on – this is old news
Here's the problem. The truth is that Rangel is a powerful minority member of Congress. It's not that he transgresses. It's that if he is treated differently than Members of Congress who are not of color, it will look like he's being treated differently. I hardly ever see race as an issue first, but in this case he is being afforded special treatment because of the Democratic constituency he controls.
Jack, they continue to support Rangel because the Republicans continue to support Ensign on the *other* committee. Each side is trying to get something on the other, to knock key people out of certain committee positions. Ensign is a ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee (currently busying itself with the notorious health care bill), and Rangel is the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. About the only difference between the two is 'Senate' and 'House', and the fact the Senate committee holds sway over Medicaid, whereas the House commitee doesn't.
A multitude of Senators and Representatives are often hot to find a seat on their respective committee. And if that means they have to find something on one from across the aisle, and knock him|her out of the way to get their person in there, or give their 'side' or 'team' an edge, they have no problem doing that.
Why do House Democrats continue to support Ways and Means Committee chairman Charlie Rangel?:
Lack of personal integrity, a dysfunctionality and malevolence in its place.
Come on Jack WE all know why there supporting him, because he has more dirt on THEM his fellow partners in crime in Congress. It would be nice to know if he was indicted what kind of song he would sing !!! I would really love to know!!!!!!
I heard a term yesterday that might explain the lunacy in government the banking industry etc.. COLLECTIVE INSANITY. When there are no absolutes, everything becomes relative. My understanding of relative, is that truth is open to interpretation. Charlie Rengal's truth works for him. His truth is that he is a victim. The end result of no absolute truths is "collective Insanity".
For the usual reason: the blatant double standard that exists when it comes to ethics in this country. Republicans are excoriated for minor lapses while Democrats get away with murder. The overseers are anything but. Nice to see that you realize that leftist crooks can't walk on water. they can, however, expect to sail through these investigations with a wink and a nod. Sadly, the vote in the House was, as usual, along party lines.
Why do birds fly and fish swim? This is called American politics and it never changes, so just deal with it!
Jack, they're standing by him because no one in our government ever likes to admit that they're wrong, about anything or anyone. Some will continue to ignore the facts forever. Unfortunately, the ethics committee is where accusations like this go to die, so it's unlikely that anything will happen to him before he finishes his stint as committee chair, and even less likely that anything will happen to him afterward.
ummm......because....he's... a Democrat? I live in Alaska but that's my guess
2 words – Term Limits! Ethics do not matter to either side of the aisle. We have so many cheats and liars in Congress, especially in leadership. Limit the time these losers get to run our country!
There is something in the air in Washington that makes people in power forget where that power came from. Time and time again these people confuse their power with their own greed and it ultimately brings them down. Unfortunately it often takes far too long. After all if getting caught with the bag money in your freezer takes years to grab on a little rental income not reported will take forever. I've been to a few TEA parties and each time more people are showing up. Even though a lot of the TEA parties are Republican ploys to recruit votes they allow Democrats like myself to take the mike as well as Independents. These fools can only see election to election and just don't see Rome Burning
Well Jack it could be because there is supposed to be a process in this country that I keep hearing the Republicans spout over and over. Rule of law. I don't see anyone thowing Ensign out of the Senate over his ethics indiscretions. I heard the Republican leaders say that the ethics committee was to be allowed to do it's job. But I guess Jack where you concerned that's okay as long as it's their view. By the way Jack, have I asked lately for the follow up report on the coast guard training mission on 9/11.
Jack,
You know as well as I do that this has nothing to do with what he did wrong and everything to do with political posturing, which is both necessary and evil in politics.
The fact is that if Rangel is punished for what he did, it will provide a huge distraction for Republicans and will serve as fodder for them to try and derail health care reform. And if you're wondering what I care more about, tax codes for rich people or the fact that I'm one illness away from the poor house, I think the answer is pretty clear.
Brian
Boise, ID
Because he is from a big city and he is a minority. This is how Democrats get elected – big cities and the minority vote. Also, if they do force him out – he will play the race card. When non-whites become the majority, will I be able to scream racism when I don't get everything I want? I am from New York State. It would be hard to find a public official who isn't a crook!
Greetings Jack, you asked, ' Why do House Democrats continue to support Ways and Means Committee chairman Charlie Rangel?'
Because Charlie knows where the skeletons are for each of the junior and senior House Members, and if any of them individually pushes for corruption charges against Charlie Rangel, then Charlie Rangel could arrange for a ethics probe upon them after the smoke clears. Politics is all about survival Jack and all senior House members have many hidden skeletons in their individual closets that they in no way want the public to learn about.
A. Smith, Oregon
It is quit simple, they are all 'sleeping in the same bed'. Corrupt minds are obviously the norm in this hilariously tragic democratic system that supposably is the world leader. So, funny I could cry!
Pilar, Las Vegas, NV
Jack, I think the answer is simple. People that live in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks. If any of these guys be they Republican or Democrat alike started throwing rocks, then everyone in Washington would have to wear steel toed boots for all the broken glass.
It's simple. PELOSI and most of the DUMocRATS are hypocrites.
Let's put forth a resolution for Joe Wilson for yelling "YOU LIE", when it was actually TRUE, but let's not investigate this KNOWN crook.
What a double standard?
Pelosi is a piece of trash, and this just proves it more.
Simple Jack, they are all hypocrites, cheating the taxpayers. How can they have credibilty, when the same people making the laws are breaking them. Lets enforce term limits and see how fast this kind of fishy business stops.
Ron in Va
For the same reasons that the Republicans support Sanford & Ensign.
Charley Rangel is an accused man , not convicted or even tried. What message would it send to this country to remove him without the benefits of Due process? Where is the Administration of Justice that this country 's foundation is grounded upon.
The senior democrats are afraid of the Black Caucus voting bloc. TheSen.is a decorated veteran and pushed for a return of the Draft.His only good attrubute.He ia a clone of Adam Clayton Powell,remember him,another thief. Im not paying my taxes until Rangel does
simple answer Jack...Birds of a feather flock together. dems and republicans all belong to the same fraternity....
The Democrats don't have the courage to cross the Congressional Black Caucus. So the question should be narrowed...why does the CBC still support Rangel?
Pick your battles. Since we have to accept that they are all crooks, could we ask the more important question of the day– how can we possibly get these crooks to give us a decent health-care overhaul?
Why not? Both sides of the isle have shown that they are not there for the American people. Serving corporate interests and self interest is the name of the game. But how are we any different? Don't raise my taxes to pay for (healthcare, education, roads, the poor, future debt). I want may bonus at the end of the year no matter what I have to do! I'll drive my suv, I can afford the gas. We've become a nation without a conscience, we're getting what we deserve!
"Why do House Democrats still support Charlie Rangel?"
Huh?
He's a democrat.
The same party as all those tax cheats that the Democrats installed in the cabinet.
All they have done wrong is steal money from "the little people".
He must be convincing his peers in Congress with that surprised innocent look he flaunts when reporters ask him why he doesn't resign. Forgetting to claim $75,000 in income is a pretty big lapse in memory. An apartment that brings in $1100 per night sounds like something that would be pretty memorable. Maybe we shouldn't be trusting him with the duty of making tax laws.
I meant to add that Collective Insanity defines what we have been seeing the last year or two all around us.
because he is a good guy / he is not using his powers to screw the public / he needs to fire his business managers who probly are good friends or family members
The real question is why did the Republicans Bush? Did Charlie Rangel's actions cause the death of any American citizen? Did he pay his mistress $96,000 to keep quite or get her son a job with the DNC Senate Committee? Did he have NY state pick up the tab for meeting his side woman? No! I am not defending what he did, but until Republicans are held accountable for their actions, why should he be punished?
Why do the dems still support ACORN?
Why do the dems still support Ted Kennedy after he killed a woman and did NO jail time?
Why do the dems still support Barney Frank after he ran a prostitution ring from his house and after he had an affair with the head of fannie mae while LOBBYING for LESS REGULATION of fannie mae?
Why do the dems still support bill clinton after he lied to their faces about monica lewinsky, juanita broderick, and all of the othe mistresses he had?
Probably not for the right reasons...but probably because the Republicans are doing everything they can to destroy the Obama presidency. The GOP can't seem to debate the issues, so they make their headlines by talking about "death panels" and killing grandma, and by complaining because the President went off to Copenhagen for the Olympics, and by going after Rangle. If they can get rid of him, it further depletes the Democratic majority. They don't want to contribute anything worthwhile to the debate. If they did, they would have compromised when the President offered the tort reform they've been demanding for years.
Katie
Huntington, NY
because he's a minority?
Because the Dumbocrats think we are a bunch of Idiots and can do what they want
SHOCKED to see this even covered in the mainstream media...
Kudos to Jack...
Jack, I like you, but why call people worms? You know they are some childs father or grandfather. Have a heart. Please.
I fwll the Democratic Congressman thinks Charlie Rangel looks like Jackie Gleason in this picture and Democrats like their entertainment, and maybe they are evading federal taxes for over a decade also. We need to find this out.
They probably support him because many are as guilty of something as he is, so they're really protecting themselves. Quid pro quo. As you said, this is a helluva government we have protecting their own – oops, I meant to say protecting our interests
The dems are so race conscious that they are afraid to say anything bad about any black man – even one as corrupt as this one.
The problem of corrupt politicians exists in both parties. the problems is if someone tries to oust a corrupt politician the threat they will take many with them is all too real. It isn't the individuals who are the problem, it is the group. Unless we get rid of the lot of them together, they will continue to protect each other.
This is one reason term limits are a good idea. the argument agaisnt is that states will lose leaders with seniority. The argument for is those who no longer serve honestly and effectively will be forced to give way to new voices.
Jack,
Because as we have seen in politics, everyone piles on the other party, but nobody has the self-respect to discipline one of their own. Basically, they are a bunch of spoiled children in a slapping match.
Paul from Phoenix.
Let face on fact no one will (or has mentioned),, Charlie is a minority and in this day and age we (especially the Dems) would not dare rile their voting base. If Charlie Rangel were a white Republican he would already be out on his......
Jack, they need to cut the Gambino's some slack. The real crime family in this country is GOVERMENT at all levels...
The problem is not a Democrat supporting a Democrat or Republican supporting a Republican, the problem is with politicians and how our system works. Elected officials should be held to the same standard as the rest of us at the bare minimum, they should actually be held to a higher standard and until Americans get as mad as you and I, and stop elcting these bottom feeders it won't change. So why not support him. What if elected officals only served one term at a time, no encumbents, and we outlawed lobbying? What if?
Because they are birds if a feather. They stick together. Trust me Jack, there are other congressional members that have done a lot worse than Charlie Rangel. Everyone knows that members of Congress are supported by special interest groups. And I mean money!!!
Maybe all of the House Democrats that support any type of actions like the ones Charlie Rangel is accused of commiting should be put under investigation themselves. There should be zero tolerance for these type of crimes and questions of ethics.
Jack,
I hope the Democrats remember what happen to the Republicans in "08. We sent them there for change, keeping Rangel in Congress is not my idea of change. We need to let all of them go and start over.
Glenn
Obviously, Charlie's got something on someone – probably a lot of someones! He's not going down because others will go with him. Talk about job security.
I'm from the Dominican Republic, Jack. No one here is wondering why the Democrats still support Rangel. It's not about him. It's about Bill Clinton. What you want to be asking is how Rangel came to own the home in Punta Cana in the first place and what roll did the Clintons have during and after their Presidency in the Dominican Republic...or...maybe you don't want to ask that....
Because no accusation can shame congress. Those who are trying to remove him should use a different tactic. Propose a law that allows anyone with an IRS problem to be granted a delay, without penalty, of as many days as Rangel gets to prepare a defense.
Sad times, Jack, it seems no one listens to the people, OR, what is the best choice for the country. Everyone for himself! We are a house divided, and becoming more immoral by the minute.
In our current political climate, bad behavior is only wrong if it is done by the other party. Therefore, Republicans are ok with Ensign, Democrats with Rangel and we Americans are left to suffer.
Politicians take bribes, give bribes, take sweetheart deals, go through the lobbyists revolving door, and never fear jail. They know that no matter what they do, there are no consequences. Each party hammers on the other party's members for ethics violations, knowing their own are just as bad. They use ethics charges for publicity, because the unwritten rule is that you never really hurt a member of the "club", no matter which party that person is in.
It's like 2 mobs that have their territories marked out. Nobody wants a gang war, so they talk trash and then go have a drink together. Both mobs are making so much money that no amount of loyalty to their orthodoxy will prompt them to start a real war.
The only way out of the mess is a revolution to drive them all out and start over. There is no hope for this government.
Here we go again....If he's removed it will be it will be the best that could be done...But when it's done, the first thing that will come out of his mouth will be "It's only because I am Black and not because I did anything wrong". I get so tired of the term "Only because I am Black"
It's the same when they talk about Slave Owners in the South but will not admit that there were Black Slave Owners and some of those Slave Owners mistreated their slaves...Why isn't that so noted during Black History Month instead of everyone saying that all slaves were owned only by White People..
The Democrats support Rangel because they are politicians. Always help a fellow politician when he is in trouble and then you get to do unethical things and all the other pols back you. It is a simple game and you don't have to be smart to play it well. The Black caucus supports him because he is black, pure and simple. Remember both groups supported that thief even though he was caught red handed with $90,000 in his freezer. See how simple the game is. Jack, even a journalist can play this game.
He even looks slick. Ya think Charlie cares?
Because he is black. plain and simple.
Corruption is in plain sight and runs deep in the Democratic Party and in Congress (in both the 'House' and Senate) of both parties. We, the People of the United States, are going to get just what we deserve (for putting up with and accepting this blatant corruption in our elected (and appointed) officials. The future isn't going to go well for 'We the People', in my opinion.
Jack,
Why wouldn't they? Don't they all hold the party line? What about that republican senator/congressman that was accused of sexual deviant behavior in an airport bathroom??!!!!!!!! This guy is a long time punk and it's time for him to go....bye bye Charlie
Jack,
You're my hero! At my age of 71,a little younger than you, JUST KIDDING, here's my answer to the Rangel question. Our once great congress has morphed into too many members of questionable character who exhibit the most primative of actions and deeds. Greed, selfishness and hunger for power.
Why? too many reasons to say here. Buy me a beer and I'll be happy to spend a day sharing my thoughts with you.
My best wishes to you,
Bob Corkery, Florida
Innocent until proven guilty? I know it's a small thing, but some people still think we should follow it.
Mountain Home ID
The congressional democrats obviously have no problem with rangel's conduct. They probably do the same things he does
And there must be a lot of voters who approve as they keep returning these criminals to Congress
Jack,
Do you really think it has anything to do with Charlie Rangel's possition, as much as it does about his race.? No one in Washington is going to do anything that they can later be called a racist for. After Carter went out of his way to play the race card, no one with a dream of a political future is going to take a chance of being slammed as a racist.
I think we need to get rid of the Senate. That's step one.
I also think every 8 years, we need to gut congress, and every person in congress should not be allowed to run, ever. Just like how the president, how he can't only hold 2 terms.
Jack – once you get past all the rhetoric and pontificating by our elected representatives, you realize that no one has the balls to do what is right – and necessary – to clean up Washington.
If Congress relocated to Maine during the winter we might actually see a politician walk around with his hand in his own pockets instead of the taxpayers'.
Term limits.
There may be the rare good politician who actually wants to be a real leader, who is actually concerned about their soul and their fellow man – but most are silver tongued devils that mesmerized the sheep that keep voting them in.
So, I say again – term limits – maybe that would cut down on the rampant corruption. Though maybe all we would get are new self-centered children acting like brats on a regular basis.
Sigh.
I do hate to see so much corruption (or the appearance thereof!) in Congress. That being said, let the political process work through its course. If Mr. Rangel is guilty, so be it; if he is innocent, then there is going to be a lot of egg on some people's faces.
That being said (and I must say that I am to the right of "Attila the Hun"), I do thank Mr. Rangel for his service to this country during the Korean War. If I am not mistaken, he was wounded in action. This of course has NOTHING to do with his current situation, but I thank him for his service anyway.
Jack, Rangel is an utter embarrassment for the democratic party. He is going on 80 years ol, when is he going to retire? He has a pig at the trough so long, he don't know when to let it go.
This is just another example of the corruption that has run wild in the U.S. political system. It seems impossible to know who has what kind of ethical conflicts and it seems even less likely that we the people are actually represented anymore. I wonder how much more of this the american public can stand before a full blown revolution erupts. The dems and reps are equally guilty but Rangle should be driven out immediately and the dems should be ashamed of themselves, isn't this the kind of thing they've been charging against the Republican's for the last 8 years?
For those that think this is an issue about left or right wings, you are all wrong.
They are ALL corrupt. The RNC does the same crap, so does the DNC. It's time for these 2 parties to be evicted out.
It's time for the people to take back control.
Jack perhaps no-one advised you and the republic of America, people
are not removed from their jobs because of accusations. There is a process in place on the hill to remedy situations . This is called Due process even Charley Rangel is entitled to benefit from it before being convicted by American Gossip.
One question people. Has he been found guilty yet? The answer is no. So until then , I wish people would please be quiet. I thought you were innocent until proven guilty.
I guess GOP has new rules now..
Very simple. Its like looking in a mirror, half of them see their own image.. different stripes but cut fom the same cloth... spend billions, indeed trillions of public moneys but line a few million in your own pockets along the way... thats what Congress is all about
The real question for the American people is, why on earth do we continue to support the Democrats when they defend Rangel?
I quit the Dems over appalling corruption cases like Rangel and Jefferson.
Because Congress is more corrupt than ever and it is all about control whoever is in charge. We need to vote them all out. Take a look at the Congressional approval numbers and the American public has a low regard for them regardless of part affiliation.
Charlie Rangel skipped out on a tax,
He thought he could bamboozle
That’s the way the money goes,
Pop! goes the weasel.[
Jack, didn't you hear? The Congressional Black Caucus is already having a fit due to the Republicans trying to get Charlie to step down. Look how long it took to get the guy with the freezer full of cash to leave.
I believe the House Ethics committee is part of the legislature rather than judicial department to protect other members of the legislature even if criminal activities are a possibility. Only by policing themselves can they break the law and still survive to be reelected.
Charles Rangel believes he is above the law, as do, unfortunately, most of our elected idiots in Washington. Jack, if that was you or me that cheated on federal income taxes as he did, we wouldn't have the luxury of an ethics panel (probably loaded with his croneys) to decide our fate – we would be in prison already. The "dems" supporting Rangel should be ashamed and voters should remember this at election time.
It seems to me that both partys support members that ordinary citizens find replusive.
jack, the reason is simple. nobody wants him gone because he still serves both sides. think about it. as long as he stays, he gives republicans cover, plus he makes nice punching bag for the right wing talking heads. he serves the dems by being a bright shiny object in the room that everyone looks at only to miss all the other garbage. if the republicans really wanted this guy gone, they'd get it done. these guys are no amateurs at smearing good people out of office so getting rid of this guy should be a piece of cake. but they will not do it because they like the way they look on tv when expressing their outrage. if rangel does get the boot, perhaps the suction from his departure will pull a few other weeds out.
Simple ,innocent until proven guilty to be determine by “House Ethics Committee” not the media, not Cafferty ,not even God.
Dems still support Congressman Rangel because they are hypocritical elitists. They feel they are above the laws that they pass for the American public whom they were elected to represent and serve.
Because the arrogant members of Congress have the power to keep him there.
So they do.
Why do they vote themselves pay increases?
Because they can.
An outside agency needs to monitor the ethics of the Senate and House. I bet that would make a difference.
Feel free to put me in charge. I'll be fair and go after anyone who abuses the trust they were given by serving in public office.
Jack it is pretty simple actually. The needs of the Democratic Party outweigh the needs of the nation. They would never give themselves a black eye over something like this even though it would be the right thing to do. They make me sick to my stomach.
Because power is more important than doing what is right!
"What the Hell" indeed, Jack.
It's time to really "clean house" of all the Democrats and Republicans who bring nothing new to this country except scandal after scandal. As long as Charlie Rangel and people like him are in positions of power we will continue to see higher taxes and the same tired politics as we usually see.
Somebody mentioned that people need to stop voting these crooks into office. Well, that's the problem. That's how these politicians become so prominent. Unfortunately, in this "democracy", we don't have enough to choose from. There are only 2 primary political parties and they are both full of lying, cheating politicians. It's the way of the good old U.S.A.
For the same reason the Republicans do nothing about Ensign,They are all crooks in their heart and soul and like gangs on the streets they have a code of silence lest we find out what they have been up to. It makes me sick to see the likes of DeLay tripping the light fantastic when he should be cooling his heels in jail. They all have their hands in the cookie jar and we the tax paying citizens get the crumbs.
Rangel has real power and he and Pelosi have no interest in giving up that power. Hell will freeze over before he's actually investigated and thrown out. Just watch...
They are probably guilty of some of the same things as Charlie Rangel is. I believe both the Democrat and Republican parties are full of lying, cheating scoundrels.
because he is part of the machine. he has no morals and he gets people to re elect him.
do you really think he would be there if it was up to the people of this country? same as Bushie and Obama.
it is above your paygrade to know that why ask
It just time to put term limits on both houses. If that was one of us we would be in jail. Not old Charlie.
Jack, It's all a joke because be it a democrate or republican they all are crooked. If we had a real ethics committe we would have no one in the House or Senate! Cathy
There aren't enough minorities in the House to kick Rangel out without it looking like a lynch mob and Rangel knows this.
The simple answer is the Democratic Liberals as afraid that he will accuse them of being racist. That is the key term of this Obama Administration. If you can't answer with the truth, then use the race card. I, as well as most honest Americans, are disgusted with this crooked bunch of so called politicians. Crooks is a better word. Why hasn't IRS led the charge against him/ Are they too close to Obama to enforce the tax laws. Wait most of Obama's Cabinet picks were tax breaking crooks as well.
Because they can.
I know that I'm being politically incorrect, but a bunch of liberal Democrats forcing a black man to step down would be unheard of. Dance around it as much as you would like, but race makes the difference here.
Simple answer: political expediency. Mr. Rangel's apparent ethical lapses are an embarassment and a disgrace – and I consider myself a strong supporter of the President and progressive policies.
It should have nothing to do with race since Rangel's father is (was)
from Ponce, Puerto Rico.
I have to agree, innocent till proven guilty, no matter who it is.
The question that you should be asking, is not why the Dem's still support Rangel, but why are americans still supporting the Idiots we call our elected officials. Regardless of their affiliation they are undoubtable the most inept and corrupt people on earth, with the exception of the lobbyists. We the people need to clean house and fast.
They're all afraid he'll scream "Racism" if any one disrupts his "deserved" lifestyle. Racism has been redefined in the past 6 months to include anything and anyone opposed to any Black American and their actions.
power.....they want to hold on to as many seats as they can because......2010 is just around the corner.....lol
Where is Barbara Boxer and her pledge to clean up dirty congressmen?
How about we let the last honest politican, Ron Paul, just run the whole Congress. At least we know we can trust him
Hello Jack. The answer to this question is they are all crooks. The whole notion that it's a Democrat or a Republican problem is absurb. It is a Washington D.C. problem. When you have these men and women in Congress and the White House getting millions in bribes errr I mean campaign donations, of course they are not going to slam each other unless the person they are slamming has no knowledge of their dirt, then only will they go on the attack. We need to put term limits on all of them, but more than likely that will do nothing to change the system. Lobbyist will just get their next puppet grommed for the seat.
It is in their interest to keep him in. He will be beholding to them and he already believes politically like they do. Not to mention, the spot light on him keeps it off of their secrets.
This is an example of why people don't vote in elections. They have lost all faith in Congress. And no one talks about how the politicians have set congressional boundries to insure the re-election of those in Congress. Districts now are divided demographically based on political party affiliation. So a Republican cannot win in a Democratic district and vice-versa.
In addition, because of the actions in Congress, you can't find an honest, competent person willing to run for Congress anymore.
We need term limits but it will never happen because Congress won't consider it.
So people have given up and chose not to vote for anyone.
Jack, You recon, if I get caught for speeding, I tell them I am a democrat, they will let me off?
they are all crooks. vote them all out.
Jack,
I guess they would rather wrangle with other things besides Charlie Rangel.
Jack, all of those in Congress who owe him favors do not have the GUTS to ask him to step down begining with Nanci Pelosi who is a disgrace. Second those who have the GUTS to do it ,if they say a word about him will be called Racists. That is why the people in these country have so low regard for our members in Congress.
Skip to solution .... Constitutional Ammendment set fixed term limits for the House and the Senate. Let's see if Pelosi has the brass ovaries to put that one on the table.
Hi Jack,
Please still do not understand? They are all in on it. Everyone or most of them are crooks and have their own vices. They have regular people as sheep. How many issues have they ever solved compared to how much money they make and how much time they have in office?
Thanks,
The corruption in Washington is nausiating!!!
The problem is not Democrats or Republicans. The problem is government. Why we want or expect government to do more despite repeated examples like this is beyond me.
I see that the dems here are using the "rule of law" defense.
Might be worth listening to..........if it wasn't so laughable.
What are they going to do........investigate him forever, finding multiple instances of his stealing (Which is just a little bit more serious than sleeping with somebody ) and ignoring them and going on and on and on and on......finding more and more ......but never removing him from the chair position at the very least.
If you remember. this investigation was started a very, very long time ago.
In fact........In Novenmber of 2008, Pelosi said it would be DONE by Jan 3 2009.
Didn't happen and likely won't happen by Jan 3 2010.
Rule of law being flaunted by Rangel and his friends.
I wonder if Rangle and Gietner did their taxes together ???
Vitter, Craig, Foley, Ensign, Delay, Doolittle, Sanford.......
Come on Jack. We are up to our necks in Republican politicians who preach the gospel of honesty and morality and then go about their day stealing from taxpayers and cheating on their wives.
The above mentioned Republicans got caught with a lot more than their hand in the cookie jar.
When Republicans come down from their moral "ivory tower" and expel all their thieves and degenerates, they can start asking Democrats to to the same.
Since pigs can't fly.........the Democrats are safe.
Jack, Probably for the same reason so many folks backed George Bush for eight years, it's called politics.
Rangel is a good man. What do you see wrong with him Jack?
From what you say you think that politicians should be held accountable for their actions – dream on big fella. Every time one of these things happens I have a bit of a chuckle by asking myself what would happen to me if "I" had done this. I bet the IRS would be living with me.
I have an idea, how about the news outlets in this country actually do some investigative reporting and find out exactly what he's hiding and expose these crooks for who they are. They won't do it themselves so we need to do it for them!
Jack
The same reason football players support michael vick
Bryan
Its the two faced liberal way. Let a republican sneeze and and dems/libs will hold congressional hearings. They think its okay for them to violate ethics/laws and nobody should sayu a word. Liberals are the death of this nation.
Why do Republicans still support Sarah Palin?
It is sad that the tax payers money will continue to maintain these people. They are too thick skinned to accept responsibility and loose a position that brings power and perks.
Trustworthyness is the main factor here... Do we trust him or any others accused of wrong doing?
Most politicians can't be trusted if you ask most people.
American courts say , we are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law but not in the media !!!
The answer to your question is simple. Democrats can do no wrong! That's the beautiful thing about being a moral and ethical relativist like any typical liberal – whatever you do is morally right as long as you don't see anything wrong with it. Morality is in the eye of the beholder.
Besides, we're talking about congress here. The rules do not apply to them. Rules and laws and such are only for us lowly subjects.
You go Jack. You are the only one I trust
Good question. Why do you still support Dems?
He is a very good at his job and for getting things done.
If they are going to investigate anyone, let's start with Palin's ethics problems. I don't remember anyone doing anything about that yet. What are they waiting for? After all, she did run for Vice President and her problem should be investigated first. Probably a lot of the Repubs are holding their breath and hoping they don't get found out.
Hey Jack: Do you think they would support him if he were a Republican?
Because they all have the same moral standards; that was a toughy.