Issues: Rangel Removal Should Be Permanent
March 3rd, 2010
Today Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY) temporarily stepped aside as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee while under investigation for ethical misconduct and having been admonished by the House Ethics Committee for accepting illegal gifts.
This was long overdue. Sadly, for months and months this Democrat-controlled Congress led by Nancy Pelosi refused to take action against Congressman Rangel. They refused to take the appropriate action of removing him from Chairman of the committee although Speaker Pelosi promised "This leadership team will create the most honest, most open, and most ethical Congress in history".
He should not be allowed to regain his position as Chairman of the committee.
Rangel is just one of many symbols of today’s imperial Congress. Members believe there are “rules for me and rules for thee” when it comes to living under the laws they pass for us or even living under their own laws and rules.
Whether it is ignoring the simple chore of living by the law or using their office to feather their nest through special deals and earmarks, the liberal leadership in Congress proves on a daily basis they have little regard for the people they are elected to represent.
Despite being under ethical investigation, his name will remain on his“monument to me.” Rangel is a master of the earmarking “favor factory”mentality in Washington. He used his office to create what CBS News called a “Monument to Me” with two million of our tax dollars.
Until Democrats and Republicans deal with the institutional failures in Congress, Americans will continue to lose faith in their ability to deal with the issues facing the nation.
In 2010, Americans are demanding to be heard. We are calling for accountability in government and for real reform. It was right for Rangel to lose his position, but it’s just the first step.
Posted by Robin Smith
Leave a comment:
P.O. Box 23805 · Chattanooga, TN 37422 · Phone 423.305.7744 · Fax 423.208.9907