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Subscribe to RSSA House Ethics subcommittee found Charlie Rangel (D-NY), the 80-year-old former chairman of the important House Ways and Means Committee, guilty on 11 *** UPDATE: 12 of 13 counts of breaking House rules.
NBC's Kelly O'Donnell reports: Of the 13 original alleged counts of wrongdoing against Rep. Rangel, the adjudicatory committee found "clear and convincing evidence" on all but one count.
Count Three, where the Committee split in a 4-4 vote, was an alleged violation of the gift rule. The allegation was that contributions to the Rangel Center were indirect gifts to Rangel. The allegation also stated that Rangel would have benefited from an office in the center that would have included archiving his official papers.
Counts Four and Five were combined and both deal with use of the "franking privilege" which gives members free postal service for official government business only.
That combination of Four and Five takes the total from 13 to 12 counts.
Leave a Comment:
" Possible punishments include a House vote deploring Rangel's conduct, a fine and denial of privileges"
But nowhere does it say that he will be tossed out of office for things that would get most people put in jail. This is one of the many reasons people have such a low opinion of our congress.
On what grounds would one be put in jail for such violation of ethical rules, as the as stated by this commentator? Why hasn't Ensign been tossed out or put in jail?
Rangel should have been found to be in contempt... the way he walked out of the proceedings yesterday was totally disrespectful.
He has known for HOW LONG that these hearings were coming? And he STILL couldn't find a lawyer?
Give me a break!
He is just another one of the "Rules don't apply to me" politician and should be TOSSED out on his ARSE!
Interesting...I'm looking at the charges and the most I've got that could put someone in jail is failure to pay taxes. The problem with a tax evasion case is that you must not only prove failure to pay taxes but you must also prove intent.
Good; Rangel should pay the consequence of his unethical conduct. Now, it's about time the Senate take a look at Senator John Ensign. His conduct hasn't been so stellar.
Ron Indiana
Good; Rangel should pay the consequence of his unethical conduct. Now, it's about time the Senate take a look at Senator John Ensign. His conduct hasn't been so stellar.
Especially, Since they want the swmap drained, There are many swamp dwellers like those living at "C Street"and K Street . What republican will they prosecuted under their watch?
I agree. Rangel broke the rules and deserves the punishment. Regardless of party, ethics violations must be investigated.
I must disagree with you. If the punishment is as described in the article, then I would say just save the money. After everything is said and done, he might not have as much power as before, but other than that what has really changed? Maybe I just don't understand how grave this is for him.
If you are found guilty of Ethics violations, you must be forced out...
IMHO the only answer is term limits.
The ever-popular cry...you most likely don't live in Rangel's district so you don't get to vote for or against him...but you don't like him so you want The Constitution to do what you can't do.
But it is more about his district isn't it. When someone with his power has the ability to cheat, and set my taxation, then yes I think there should be a way to proceed with this.
We don't take away his district's representation, but somewhere in Charlie's 20 terms he has obviously lost his way hasn't he?
Since there is no jail time involved, he should be made to stand in a corner for about three days.
Ron -
And a host of others in both parties. This is a game that both sides are guilty of playing. We, as an electorate need to pay attention to what is going on and clean both the dems and repubs up.
I'm with you, Kirby. Too often, when confronted wtih wrongdoing the immediate response is "yeah, but YOUR guy did such-and-such". It's as though two wrongs don't make a right, but that three do.
drive by-
So true. The sad fact of the matter is that both parties are owned by special interests and the electorate has turned a blind eye to it.
I think we are waking up now and the pols are going to have to toe the line a whole lot more than they do now.
Kirby:
Man you're wasting oxygen. POLITICIANS have been doing these type of things forever and they will still be doing it when you and I are long gone from this place.
ALL POLITICIANS do some type of dirt. There are NO PERFECT POLITICIANS and they all are concerned about numero uno.
He is not going to jail because who is convicting him? duh CONGRESS.
inthemiddle
I agree that pols have been dirty since dirt was available, but we have to exert some control, even if it is just to get a few netted here and there. I want them to be afraid of us.
kirby in idaho: I completely agree. Clean it up on both sides of the isle.
Hey,
Mr Smith, when he went to Washington, was a good man. He just wanted to start a boy camp along Willett Creek:)
You are late Dems, the Tea Party has cleand up a lot of would be wrong doers in the Repub Party. The law should have had Rangel in handcuffs before a judge long ago. But the Dems are afraid to touch Rangel. Too much political explosive considerations if and when they attempt to touch him. They could lose a huge bloc of votes and more than that. It could fracture the NY Dems machine. Rangel is well liked in NY and is a powerhouse by himself so the Dems will attempt to eat him around the edges.
Next up: we try George Bush and Dick Cheney for war crimes.
Yeah yeah yeah.
War crimes - Schmore crimes! Get over it!
So, Juven- who are these tea party folks that have cleaned up the wrong doers? The tea party folks that haven't been sworn into service yet? Did I sleep through the remainder of November and all of December??
...much in the same way that Nancy Pelosi is no longer the Speaker of the House...yet, magically, she still has the gavel.
I heard a rumor that if Maxine Waters is also found guilty she will have her cell phone yanked for a day and has to go to bed with no dinner. How do you write these things with a straight face? I have no idea who funds the Ethics Com, but it seems a good place to start a major cut.
No, NO!! Not the cell phone. Cruel and inhumane!!
JuvenBachan
The law should have had Rangel in handcuffs before a judge long ago. But the Dems are afraid to touch Rangel.
I'm not surprised you want him schalked based on what you say about the President.
BTW: he did wrong; but, his district didn't think so; he did a lot for them. I don't think you can say that about many repubs.
Once again Beverly, you try to change the subject and obfuscate the issue. Charlie Rangel is dirty and he got caught. His punishment is way too little and way too late, but it is a start.
And if he has done so much for his district, why is it still (after 40 years) one of the poorest in the country?
kirby in idaho
Once again Beverly, you try to change the subject and obfuscate the issue. Charlie Rangel is dirty and he got caught. His punishment is way too little and way too late, but it is a start.
And if he has done so much for his district, why is it still (after 40 years) one of the poorest in the country?
I didn't like JuvenBachan innuedo, as I never do so I responded. Because you, Kirby, dislike, my neither my subjectivity or objectivity doesn't mean you can take Tyler's place.
You know who is else is dirty. The Republicans for not investigating their crooks and liars. Have you noticed how many Blacks are in Congress in proportion to the black population and are being exposed in Congress? What about Darrel Issa's BS waste of tax payer money to go after the Black man in the Oval office with lies, smears and unproven facts. All of America is experiencing some economic woo and this he thinks is the people business Give me a break. My perception is this hateful republican party wants to diminish as many Blacks, as few as there are because they are afraid of losing control of their power.
I'm not condoning Rangel; all I'm saying is what is good for the goose is good for the gander.
Beverly - Again, you suffer from tunnel vision. Look around, open your eyes I am seeing a change, hopefully one day you will. Both sides needs to be watched, both sides are guilty of corruption,. both sides need to work together.
One question, what did you mean - BTW: he did wrong; but, his district didn't think so; he did a lot for them. I don't think you can say that about many repubs.
Are you saying its OK to look the other way because he is well liked in his district?
His district isn't in Congress, he is. And he broke the rules.
and? that doesn't mitigate the fact that he broke the rules.
You're right, we can't say that about reps. They weren't convicted of breaking house rules today.
Please Beverly, don't try to insinuate that I'm trying to shut you up. Tyler will do what Tyler will do.
I don't much care for Juven either, by the way.
Here is what I believe. There are dirty pols on both sides of the aisle. I don't pretend the repubs are any different than Charlie Rangel. So lets (as an electorate) keep the heat on congress to root out corruption and hold it up to public view.
And also, you didn't tell me what good Rangel has done for his district. The poverty levels aren't any better now than when he came into office. The only person who has gained since he was in office is him.
And you can try to change the subject to race, but that isn't going to fly. The fact that Charlie is corrupt doesn't have anything to do with his being black, nor Maxine Water. And Issa isn't going anywhere with his games either.
thetotas
Beverly - Again, you suffer from tunnel vision. Look around, open your eyes I am seeing a change, hopefully one day you will. Both sides needs to be watched, both sides are guilty of corruption,. both sides need to work together.
One question, what did you mean - BTW: he did wrong; but, his district didn't think so; he did a lot for them. I don't think you can say that about many repubs.
Are you saying its OK to look the other way because he is well liked in his district?
Not at all, Rangel should be punished for his misdeeds the same as the republicans. However, I don't see many Caucasian republicans going down. It wasn't a fair trial in my estimation. Where were his lawyers, that's right they quit.
I see what happened to Rangel's trial, not his conduct, as a high tech lynching. Ditto Maxine Waters when it comes up I'll willing to bet there will be some inequities.
Iniquities because of the criminal acts? Or because of your notion that non-whites can't/don't/won't get a fair shake?
For Beverly EVERYTHING is black vs. white.
She is so filled with HATE that it is all she can see. The world is just SO UNFAIR.
I hate to tell you, Bev... old girl... but the black population is only aabout 12.5% of the total population of the United States. You seem to think it is much larger and thererfore should have a much larger percentage of representatives.... but you are wrong.
Hispanic Americans (approx. 15.5% of total population) far outnumber blacks. If any one group should get more representation it should be them.
Quit your whining and grow up!
kirby in idaho
Please Beverly, don't try to insinuate that I'm trying to shut you up. Tyler will do what Tyler will do.
I don't much care for Juven either, by the way.
Here is what I believe. There are dirty pols on both sides of the aisle. I don't pretend the repubs are any different than Charlie Rangel. So lets (as an electorate) keep the heat on congress to root out corruption and hold it up to public view.
And also, you didn't tell me what good Rangel has done for his district. The poverty levels aren't any better now than when he came into office. The only person who has gained since he was in office is him.
And you can try to change the subject to race, but that isn't going to fly. The fact that Charlie is corrupt doesn't have anything to do with his being black, nor Maxine Water. And Issa isn't going anywhere with his games either
You needn't worry, Kirby, you can't shut me up. Let me tell you something else. I dislike your self- righteous, hyperbole and insincerity.
It is about race; so face it. When a proportionate number of whites start going down for their indiscretions; then I'll accept it. What about Michael Steele; he's a dunce true enough. So why is being sought after? Where's that big tent? As soon as Allen West realize he can no longer hurt Americans; particularly Blacks, they'll discard him too.
In the future please try not to pander me. The one think I dislike the most is a hypocrite.
Hate hate hate hate hate...
Anger anger anger anger...
GRRRRRRRRR >:-(
Yeah, self-loathing sucks doesn't it?
My, my Beverly. You dislike my self righteousness and my hyperbole and my insincerity? Wow, you know what? I'll change my entire personality for you, then.
Maybe I can become a race baiter like you. Or maybe a conspiracy theorist like you. Or maybe I could talk about the Koch brothers instead of George Soros, like you.
Face it, you can't accept criticsm and you can't admit it when your wrong. And that is what seperates us.
Beverly..
Everything with you is about Race.. You are a Racist.
SickOfTheBickering
For Beverly EVERYTHING is black vs. white.
She is so filled with HATE that it is all she can see. The world is just SO UNFAIR.
Speak for yourself!!! That's your perception. I don't hate anyone. I abhor injustice.
Only six African Americans have served in the U.S. Senate. since reconstruction. That hardly speaks for the number of whites since that time. In fact, it is when you do the math it equals ~6 blacks for centuries. I couldn't find the numbers for Hispanics in the Senate since Congress formed. Maybe you can do that.
As long as there is exclusion for Hispanics, Blacks, Muslims, LBGTs, women, children, or any one who is treated unfairly, I'll draw the line.
For once... Beverly is conspicuous in her silence. (finally!)
OOps! spoke too soon :-(
GRRRRRRRR hate hate hate... >:-(
Hey Bev...
Just so you know...
People vote for the candidate that they believe will best represent them. If blacks are not being voted into office maybe there is a reason for that.
Like you, I am from Illinois. However, I would be willing to bet that (when given a choice between a black and white candidate here in Illinois) you always vote for the black candidate, regardless of whether or not he would best represent you. AND... if you were truly honest about your motivation for that vote you would admint it was purely based upon the color of his/her skin.
You may say that a black candidate is the only one that can truly represent you. I would say that is a racist attitude.
Wow Beverly, that is a stupid statistic.
The only way for you to prove your point is to compare how many blacks ran for the Senate versus how many were elected, and compare that against other groups.
The Senate is not drafting people. You have to put your name in the hat, and be the chosen member of your party, and then of the people of the state.
Put those numbers together, and then you might have a point.
spdockery
Wow Beverly, that is a stupid statistic.
The only way for you to prove your point is to compare how many blacks ran for the Senate versus how many were elected, and compare that against other groups.
The Senate is not drafting people. You have to put your name in the hat, and be the chosen member of your party, and then of the people of the state.
Put those numbers together, and then you might have a point.
Did you notice the argument started about proportionality? So, if that's the case, we can still disregard the centuries there were not any African American; just look at today. There is not one Black Senator to replace the six since George Washington.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SickOfTheBickering
Hey Bev...
Just so you know...
People vote for the candidate that they believe will best represent them. If blacks are not being voted into office maybe there is a reason for that.
Like you, I am from Illinois. However, I would be willing to bet that (when given a choice between a black and white candidate here in Illinois) you always vote for the black candidate, regardless of whether or not he would best represent you. AND... if you were truly honest about your motivation for that vote you would admint it was purely based upon the color of his/her skin.
You may say that a black candidate is the only one that can truly represent you. I would say that is a racist attitude.
That's where you're wrong. I have split my ticket when I thought the candidate didn't represent my values. In fact, I was hoping Guterriez would have thrown his hat in the 3 ring circus for mayor here . I would have voted for him.
Just so you know, I would not have voted for Collin Powell back I the day. Then I began to understand how he was bound by Georgie Boy and what was at stake, possibly even his life or something detrimental to his family. Conspiracy is real!!! Look at Valarie Plame. Look at what turd blossom Karl Rove did to former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman regarding voter fraud(hint hint voter fraud). Now I'd vote for him in a heart beat if he is the best candidate. I would not vote for Michael Steele or Allen West.
If you don't get up to bat, your not going to get on base Bev.
Wanna change it? Great, get more minorities to run.
I can only assume from your rants you are African American, and from your title, you should be a female, so what is stopping you from putting your money where your mouth is, and changing the tide?
Sitting on the sideline screaming injustice and hoping someone else will do something about it will get you no where.
Step up, and change the system.
spdockery
If you don't get up to bat, your not going to get on base Bev.
Wanna change it? Great, get more minorities to run.
I can only assume from your rants you are African American, and from your title, you should be a female, so what is stopping you from putting your money where your mouth is, and changing the tide?
Sitting on the sideline screaming injustice and hoping someone else will do something about it will get you no where.
Step up, and change the system.
That's right I so agree; if you don't fight you don't win.
Would you believe I'm human; unlike some rocks in the republican party? They never change.
Bev, I do believe you are human.
Now run for office. It is a better use of one's talents.
spdockery
Bev, I do believe you are human.
Now run for office. It is a better use of one's talents.
I'm surprised you'd want me to do that. Should I be flattered?
ok, lets not go that far :), but I do support different opinions from other view points. Unfortunately others on this board do not view it the same or at least it appears that way.
But it is the only way to change the tide (the injustice in your eyes).
I think the more diversification we have for our government, the better off we are, but we need members of other races, and more females to run to accomplish that.
Otherwise you will see the same statistic in 10 more years.
Besides, if you aren't stealing, cheating, lying, or touching others, you would be better than most of the ones there now.
None of the findings or the verdict in this case means anything ...he had no attorney and wasn't present !
This is political theater at its best.... and a total waste of tax payers money !! The committee members should lose their license to practice law ...if they are even attorneys !
This wasn't a courtroom. What are you babbling about?
As it was not a criminal case, he is allows to have legal counsel present but it is not mandatory to have representation present...nor is it required that he be in attendance.
I would rather see Judge Judy in charge of the hearings.
Beverly,
If you're not spouting out about the Koch brothers, you are constantly bringing race into play. Not very productive.
I would hate to look at life through your eyes.
thetotas
Beverly,
If you're not spouting out about the Koch brothers, you are constantly bringing race into play. Not very productive.
I would hate to look at life through your eyes.
I have just as much of a right to voice my thoughts just like anyone else as long as I don't violate CoH!!!
I don't suppose you rant against liberals is trite?
Steve-505729
Beverly..
Everything with you is about Race.. You are a Racist.
The eyes are the mirror of the soul. You only see in others what you see in yourself; meaning, if you see me as a racist so are you!!!
Will you not admit the socio-economics for minorities is not equivalent to the dominant culture?
Btw: The dominant culture is the filthy rich who exploit people who work for them; more so African and Hispanic Americans.
All of these so called "career politicians" are corrupt. The only chance that we have is to enact term limits and stick to them. No more of this P.O.S. Bloomberg buying a third term. Once these leeches get dug in there is no way to get rid of them unless they pull a Teddy. (drop dead). I won't defend either party ether, their all guilty!!!
Mapes-2556876
All of these so called "career politicians" are corrupt. The only chance that we have is to enact term limits and stick to them
That's what elections are for.
If we threw every lawmaker who broke the rules (not the law) in jail, it would be filled with republicans, starting with Newt Gringrich.
No dems Patrick? Were you born yesterday?
Kirby. Did I say no dems? Conservatives and the 'liberal media" keep good track of progressive wrong doing. I just want to make sure no one misses the republicans.
The folks who believe that the Tea Party has cleaned up the GOP are in for a rude awakening. Never mind Charlie Rangel's problems, he will pay for his infractions. However, it's FIRE when the story on the repubs break.
Lastly, the person who wrote that rangel molests his grandchildren should take heed. That is defamation. Posting it fulfills th eelement of publication.
Rangel has been a crook for years who finally got caught, thanks to the NY Post. When are legal proceedings going to start? Probably never and he will never spend a day in jail. The law only applies to the American people and not the politicians!
My Suggestion.
At the very least all members of the congressional leadership, speaker, minority leader, whips, committee chairmen and ranking minority leaders, should be audited by the IRS on an annual basis while they are in congress.
I would actually prefer that all 535 and their senior staff were audited annually and the results published for all to see.
Crooked Dems. Crooked Repubs.
You folks DO know how long this charge has been going on, right? Like maybe......forever!
BUT- I sure hope posting about it and calling eachother names makes it all go away soon.
drive by -
The dirt has been swept under the rug for far too long, but it ain't going away. The only thing we can do is pay attention and smack the offenders when we can.
You're right. I give. No name calling from me.
Kind of related, but mostly not:
Negative Campaign ads.
IF a candidate's ad contains more than 25 % content saying things AGAINST an opponent, and less than 75% about what the CANDIDATE is going to do, we ALL band together, Dem and Repub alike, and NOT vote for him/her.
Who among all the posters on here would agree to something like this, and stick to it? It would be on the honor system, but let's see a little straw poll here......
You can add me to the list.
There was a dem congressman here in Idaho who was universally liked and respected until he ran some real slimy ads against his repub opponent. So now we'll have a tea partier in congress named Raul Labrador instead. If more of us would do that maybe some of it would stop.
We can all learn something from this I hope.
Kirby. If Minnock was universally respected in Boise, it was because he was an ultra conservative blue dog. Minnock was not supported by local or national democrats because of his racist comments about his Hispanic opponent
So what happened to Tom DeLay?
Nov 2004
House Republicans have rewritten the ethics rules so Tom DeLay won't have to resign if indicted after all. Let's hear it for moral values. DeLay is one of the leading forces in making "Republican ethics" into an oxymoron.
The rule was passed in 1993, when Rep. Dan Rostenkowski, chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, was being investigated for ethics violations. And who helped lead the floor fight to force him to resign his powerful position? Why, Tom DeLay, of course. (Actually, it's sort of a funny story. The D's already had a caucus rule that you had to resign from any leadership position if indicted. The R's changed their rules to match the D's, except they deliberately did not make their rule retroactive, so the highly indicted Rep. Joseph McDade, senior Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, could, unlike Rostenkowski, retain his seat.)
Republicans own the store on ethics violations and escaping any punishment.
So, now I suppose its just a matter of when he gets a "talking to." If you think anymorea is coming out of this you're nuts. Please lift the rug. I got the broom.
To: Sick of the Bickering
Jail time for violating franking privileges but 'Get over it' for torture, intentionally circumventing the law to approve torture and ordering torture repeatedly. You're foolish to claim you want the bickering to stop.
I think Obama made a major mistake, ethically and politically, by not prosecuting the torturers. His Justice Department has no teeth and as a result no one fears it. A strong but fair Department of Justice actually cuts down on both corruption and abuse of power. Rangel should be prosecuted as well by this same Justice department.
Charlie should have followed the Nathan Deal playbook - resign from Congress before your ethics hearing takes place then get elected Governor of Georgia because Georgians seem to like politicians who abuse the privileges of office. You should see the things that lobbyists are allowed to do down here. I guess I should just be glad that the state legislators are at least up front about taking gifts, meals, junkets, vacations etc. from lobbyists. At least we know that votes are for sale. No kidding ourselves about these guys caring about the citizens, they serve their constituents, and those constituents all have the same last name - Inc.
To Ron in Atlanta-
What's the scoop on supposedly honest Sam Olens (new Attorney General of Goergia? I just can't believe anyone could win a major state race without some graft and/or corporate backing and special favors promised. Your take? Mort
He is elected their verdict means nothing !!!! another waste of taxpayers money !!!!!
Hello America, the Audacity of the voting Democratic Party Leadership, that continues to extend to Nancy Pelosi the title of the Democratic Minority Chairperson, when a far more qualified individual like Charlie Rangel is denied the opportunity to be the poster child of the Democratic Party, it bespeaks of racism discrimination from the upper echelons of the Democratic Party and Democratic Party Chairman to deny Charles Rangel his rightful spot, as the House Democratic Chair, corruption , just shear corruption, why are the T.V. Comedians not launching a rally on the Washington Plaza in defense of Charlie? racism from the democratic party just shear racism. why Charlie Rangels record while in the House speaks for itself, I suspect that the reason that Charlie was passed over is because Chris Dodd in the senate was competing for earmarks taken from the Chris Dodd Memorial Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut, and transferring the funds to the Charles Rangel memorial plaza and veterans center in New York City, it bespeaks of simple corruption in the competition of Democratic Party Members for tax payer dollars, yes America we need another Washington Plaza Rally with Maxine Waters as the keynote speaker, sincerely Fezzy Bear