Charlie Rangel is an old-school Harlem, NY politician who is now being charged with 13 ethics violation charges by the House Ethics committee, following a 2-year investigation. These 13 ethics charges include tax evasion, misuse of , and exchanging favors for funds and failure to report income from various entities, among them.
Rangel, a 20-term Democratic Congressman (40 years!), is well liked and supported by many (NY's Mayor Guilliani and President Obama both speak highly of him in observance of his troubles), however, the allegations aren't going to go away because of this fact. In fact, in September, he'll have to answer publicly to these ethics charges in a (very) public trial. Ouch!
And, while Rangel's ethics troubles clog up media outlets, (African American) House Democrat, Maxine Waters (D-CA), has also been (officially) charged-- but with just 3 ethics violations. Though, in comparison to Rangel, the charges against Waters are far fewer in number, the negative impact on Waters and the Democratic party (not only in the House, but as a whole) is not lost.
The charges against Waters "focus on whether Waters broke the rules in requesting federal help for a bank where her husband owned stock and had served on the board of directors", according to the L.A. Times. Waters denies any wrong-doing, as does Rangel, as a matter of fact.
The ethics charges against each Democratic Rep will go to public trials, as both have declined out of court settlements in conjunction with their denials of wrongdoing. Ironically, this comes at a crucial time with the November elections looming. It is no surprise that many in the GOP are jumping all over the unveiling of these allegations in the media. They have been outnumbered in House seats since 2008, which has cost them leverage when attempting to pass bills subscribed by their party, among other disadvantages.
But while the public tongue-lashings are expected, other GOP party members admonish such verbal whippings, most likely with their own recent party-members' troubles still in hindsight. Still, House Speaker, Nancy Peloci (D-San Francisco), has said on record that she is not concerned about any negative affects for the Democratic party during the November elections. Clearly, the Republicans feel differently and are already using the shameful allegations to their party's benefit.
We're hoping this doesn't give the GOP's the edge they hope for during these crucial November elections (also President Obama's mid-term). After the unemployment extension debacle caused by the GOP's stubborn, unsympathetic stance on the plight of the unemployed, the thought of them taking control of the House is a pretty scary. If the Dems were smart, they would champion the fact that Republicans too have recently had similar troubles within their ranks, while also reminding the economically challenged masses of why the U.S. is in such financial dysfunction in the first place.
The upcoming months will be interesting one's with regards to these matters. Hopefully, no other "surprises" will arise with other Democratic Representatives. Two House members facing ethics violation charges is already an uphill battle, despite Peloci's claims. Were not sure if the party can withstand any more negative pressure at this point, and we surely don't want to find out. [L.A. Times]
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ReplyDeleteThe Christian Science Monitor
ReplyDeleteBy Gail Russell Chaddock – Thu Jul 29, 11:32 am ET
“With Rangel, it remains to be seen what happens when they present their case. He sent out letters on official stationery trying to raise money for the Charles B. Rangel Center, then met with people shortly after his fundraising pitches with business before the Ways and Means Committee,” says Bill Allison, editorial director at the Sunlight Foundation in Washington. “If the charges all focus on financial disclosures and paperwork, it’s far less interesting at getting at how Congress really works.”
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PBS News Hour(about Congresswoman Water's charges)
The charges against the 10-term congresswoman were filed last week by a four-member investigatory subcommittee, following a preliminary investigation last year conducted by the Office of Congressional Ethics.
In a forceful statement denying the charges, Waters said, "I have not violated any House rules. Therefore, I simply will not be forced to admit to something I did not do and instead have chosen to respond to charges made by the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct in a public hearing."
It's not clear,at this point,as to the validity of the charges and we will know soon enough I'm sure,of the seriousness and ramifications of these charges against these two very high profile Representatives in due time.
Excellent posting.
daMonstah
This is a set up!
ReplyDelete