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Subscribe to RSSNBC's Shawna Thomas reports that Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) said in a statement he's "disappointed" in the Ethics Committee and its decision to proceed with the hearing of 13 counts that he broke House rules despite Rangel being without an attorney.
Here's his statement:
I am very disappointed that the Ethics Subcommittee has chosen to proceed with the hearing knowing that I am without counsel. They have decided to continue the hearing on an 80-page document that I received just seven days ago by the Subcommittee staff -which neither I nor others have ever seen before in an ethics inquiry. When I asked what rule this motion was made under and how it was used. I was told nothing. How was I supposed to deal with this when I received it just days before the hearing without an attorney by my side?
Thirteen days ago, the Subcommittee wrote that Members in my position had the right to counsel by setting up a legal defense fund, I could obtain a pro bono counsel or secure counsel at a reduced fee. But setting up a legal defense fund is time-consuming. Moreover, it is unrealistic that I could raise the required funds and replace counsel for an adequate representation. Even if I could create and get approval for this fund this past week, too little time would have been afforded to any counsel to familiarize himself with the record and do the work required in a competent manner. So even if I engaged one now, the counsel would not be in a position to give me meaningful advice.
The process that the Committee has decided to take against me violates the most basic rights of due process that is guaranteed to every person under the Constitution. The Committee has deprived me of the fundamental right to counsel and has chosen to proceed as if it is fair and impartial and operating according to rules, when in reality they are depriving me of my rights.
I hope that my colleagues in Congress, friends, constituents and anyone paying attention will consider my statement and how the Committee has been unfair to me. They can do what they will with me because they have the power and I have no real chance of fighting back.
Now, I am going forward -- not backwards -- to do the job I was elected to do. That is to serve my district and to serve my country, as I have tried to do for the past 50 years. In the end, I hope that I would be judged by my entire record that determines that I have been a credit to the House and to my family, friend and supporters who have entrusted me with this honorable duty.
Leave a Comment:
Cry me a river Charlie...
You've had 2 freakin years to prepare for this and reckoning day is here... quit dragging this out so the rest of us can MOVE ON!
GOD I hate WHINERS... I don't care if they have an R or a D after their name!
BRAVO!!!!!
Seriously, you just suprised me. I must say I really didn't expect to see you saying that. I agree with you entirely on this.
Kudos
Poor Charlie. It isn't as if he hasn't known what was going on. He is just obfuscating the issue so he can say he didn't get a fair deal when they find him guilty.
I think this may be the first time I have ever agreed with you Feisty. This may be a banner day!
Charlie, if you don't have legal counsel today I missed the part where that was the Ethics Committee's problem. You knew this was coming. Sorry.
Charlie, Charlie, Charlie... You could have walked away with some dignity... It's over now...
this is not about race or party, as someone who is a black male, who is more independent than R or D, it saddens me that when somesome is wrong, they look for others to blame, Charlie is one the of the smartest congressmen in office, he knew better,,,he knew exactly what he was doing, and he knows the laws that apply to all of us,,also apply to him and anyone else in office, he should be honorable and resign.
Hang in there Congressman Rangel - run for the Senate!!
I think what he meant to say is that he didn't know exactly what they caught him doing...
If he wasn't allowed to have an attorney present ...no matter what they find or what the verdict is ..ITS MEANING LESS....They broke their own rules !!! another waste of tax payers money !
I must be Dreaming
Did you read the story.? Did you see the part where they told him he had the right to counseland that he could even set up a support fund or get pro bono counsel if needed? Do yourself a favor and read the story again. Better yet pinch yourself because you seem to be still dreaming.
Charlie knew about the coming of this day for over two years. He had counsel the whole team quit Charlie over a change in "strategy" for the case. Usually when every lawyer quits someone, it is because the person that they are representing plans to lie in court.
Also his lawyers quit in Sept. which gave Charlie 2 months to get different attorneys. Much more time than the common man or woman would have if they were facing the same allegations.
So again read the story and go look up some of the background on this case before posting something as ignorant as your did. O r continue to be lost in your dream.
His being in office is a waste of taxpayer money.
Why do these politician's think they are above the laws they have enacted? Any intelligent congressman would've retained legal representation at the first hint of an ethics challenge to protects his rights, and prepare to face the judge. Charlie's actions reflect more of his guilt in the charges against him, and a childish "Rangeling" a way out of being found with his hand in the cookie jar.
Why does this surprise anyone. These people believe themselves to be above the law. "Ethics" are subjective on capitol hill. I mean is it ethical to vote yourselves pay raises when you are putting the country in the tank? We need some prison time for these scumbags who lie and cheat and steal. Send a few of them down the river and the rest might get religeon.
Rangel=Harlem=Scum...
He wants to take 2 more years to drag the case out. His term would be up and he could walk away.
For the record,....the Ethics Committee "hearing" is NOT a Court of Law.
There was no Grand Jury indictment,....there is no Judge,....there is no Jury.
Mr. Rangel is permitted Legal Counsel, but it is NOT required,......nor is the Committee required to provide Legal Counsel at the taxpayers expense........
Mr. Rangel has now entered the arena that the "common folks" endure at the whims of the likes of the IRS, EPA, etc.,......besides I do believe Mr. Rangel could have read just 80 pages of the Complaint, since he has already claimed to have read 3000 PAGES of the HealthCare Bill................in 72 HOURS.........
Reality Check-1104333
Rangel=Harlem=Scum...
So are you saying Harlem is equivalent to scum? The entire neighborhood huh? Which is predominatley a black neighborhood. Hmm a logical conclusion from your statement is you are a racist, but I don't believe you meant it like that. But mind you some of the spin. If you read your statement that is exactly it is saying about you.
Only the Dems behave like this. Above the law. A Repub dare not look down on the law. The crucifix is waiting for him. I'm afraid that the Dems will have to swallow this one and live with Rangel for a long time to come. There has to be a better way for politicians to handle the people's financial business without getting too close to the cash. Their hands get too sticky at times.
Impeachment -- removal from office. If Rangel was a man on character he would resign from his office.
He committed crimes. He should be prosecuted to the letter of the law, just like any other citizen. He is not
above the law.
I agree, impeachment and then federal charges on 17 years of income tax evasion. He is no better than Capone or any other criminal. Maybe they can put him in with Maddoff and they can compare their misdeeds.