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Subscribe to RSSRep. Charlie Rangel spoke briefly on the floor pleading with the House not to censure him.
"I have made serious mistakes," the New York Democrat admitted.
But, he added, that he believes it is not "fair" for him to suffer the "humiliation" that a censure requires, him standing in the well of the House, while the speaker reads to him an official reprimand.
No member of Congress has been censured since 1983.
More to come.
*** UPDATE *** Republican Rep. Pete King (R-NY) said he would vote against the censure resolution, calling it "extremely severe."
King said though he disagrees with his fellow New Yorker on virtually every issue, there's no precedent for such a severe penalty.
Here's King's full speech:
Madam Speaker, at the outset let me express my profound respect for Chairperson Lofgren, Ranking Member Bonner and all the members of the Ethics Committee for their dedicated efforts in this matter.
Having said that, I will vote against this censure resolution because I do not believe the findings warrant the severe penalty of censure.
I reached this conclusion after reading and studying hundreds of pages of committee documents including the subcommittee findings, the minority views of Congressman Scott, the report of the full committee and myriad exhibits and correspondence.
Censure is an extremely severe penalty. In the more than 200 year history of this body, only 22 members have been subjected to censure. None in more than a quarter century.
If expulsion is the equivalent of the death penalty, censure is life imprisonment.
I have found no case where charges similar or analogous to those against Congressman Rangel resulted in censure --- a penalty thusfar reserved for such serious violations as supporting armed insurrection against the United States and the sexual abuse of minors.
In Congressman Rangel's case the Committee Chief Counsel has said he found no evidence of corruption and the Committee report itself said there was no "direct personal gain" to Congressman Rangel.
My religious faith is based on scripture and tradition.
My training as a lawyer has taught me to respect precedent.
Why today we are being asked to reverse more than 200 years of tradition and precedent?
There is no doubt that Congressman Rangel has violated rules of this House. But these violations are malum prohibitum, not malum in se. There is no evidence or finding of criminal intent. No mens rea. The appropriate penalty is a reprimand.
Why are we departing so significantly from tradition and precedent in the case of Charlie Rangel? Certainly it can't be because of who he is or what he has achieved in his life - a kid from the inner city who emerged from very troubled surroundings to be a combat soldier and authentic war hero, who left his blood on a battlefield in Korea, who worked his way through law school, who became a distinguished prosecutor, who was elected to the state legislature and to the United States Congress where he has served with distinction for 40 years.
Let me make it clear. Charlie Rangel is a friend and colleague but we disagree on virtually every issue. I can't begin to tell you how many times we have debated on local news shows back in New York.
But during that entire time I have never heard anyone question Charlie Rangel's integrity. Nor have I ever seen Charlie Rangel treat anyone with disrespect - whether it be flight attendants, cab drivers, staff members or the guy on the street corner on 125th Street.
I know we can get caught up in the zeitgeist of media attacks and political storms. I am imploring you today to pause for a moment and step back. To reflect upon not just the lifetime of Charlie Rangel, but more importantly the 220 year history of tradition and precedent of this body. Let us apply the same standard of justice to Charlie Rangel that has been applied to everyone else and which we would want applied to ourselves.
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His definition of "fair" must be a variable reliant upon whether he gains or loses. Man should be in jail, the rest of us would be ---.
Wheres all the comments from Fiesty & the gang, going to be silent on this one. Your always the first ones to jump on a Republican when one of them are a bad apple!!!
Well, I ain't Feisty, but i'm sure sh'ed say something like, what's good for the Goose is good for Gandor!
In other words if 2 former leaders of the House, Both Republicans, Newt & Delay did'nt get Censured for what they did, then why should Rangel?
With that being said, whatever the House decides to do with him is fine by me, because myself like many other Americans are sick & F'ng tired of being Pissed on by 535 Elected officials who act like Royalty.
Hey thanks Rick for filling in! Care for some popcorn? ;0) Glad to see Peter King has come to his senses!
@Greg -- I'm also the first one to jump on a Democrat who is guilty of ANY wrong doing!
Unlike you righties who would defend a child molester as long as there is an (R) after their name!
It's called I don't give a sh!t what party they belong to... you ought to try it some time... might give you some balance in your life!
Hey, Rick! We've missed you!
All three of you have found a fourth! Justice to ANY member that actually gets caught bilking the American Electorate/Public!
I appreciate having other folks out there who believe in America, not just a Party affiliation.
Friend Requests on the way.
Peace, and have a Great Weekend!!
ps - @ Rick: Love your Doggy Pic!
Poor Charlie has to go to the principles office. Did you know he is broke after having to defend himself against the allegations that were true? Perhaps you would have a little more coin in your pocket if you would have fessed up? Guilty and broke are a fitting punishment. Now retire. The biggest mistake you made Charlie was to lie. You make a much better soldier than you do a politician. Should have quit while you were ahead. I wonder what people will think of first when they hear your name? The bronze star or the censure? That is really what has you by the short hairs!
Thanks & Accepted Jingo!
Always nice to find another voice of sanity amongst the sea of fools! ;0)
We're soaking in it now, Madge!
Thanks and I concur.
Is Palmolive really more than just mild? I prefer Dawn. Especially after I have had that man manicure. I am on KP. My wife is a democratic slave driver! I don't know why she is a dem. She is way to fiscally responsible.
You had to know you would get this response, duggjr:
And if we could have censured all the Republicants we would never have had a deficit, War, attacks against our Nation, we would have a cleaner environment, better regulation and greener energy in place, just for starters.
And though I am registered Democratic, I vote independently, as I have problems with BOTH Parties in their current and long-running manifestations/incarnations.
Just had to supply the obvious!
Peace
If Mr Rangel is not censured there will be no remaining credibility for the leadership of the People's House.
His life story and accomplishments have no bearing on this case.
He broke the rules and he broke the law and he should be censured.
He should also be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the tax evasion laws
I am an independent so have no party ax to grind bt I do believe that leaders are to be held to a higher (not lower) standard of conduct.
If a Republican congressman enters a motion to modify the penalty from full censure to a reprimand it would be the Leadership's fault?
That argument makes no sense.
You mean that there IS still some creditibitily in "congress"? In ANY branch of government?
It is getting harder to believe every day, isn't it Michael. At least this may spell the end of one of those Corrupt Bastards! Too bad we couldn't have not had most of the others Pardoned after getting Busted!!!
Peace.
Time to pay the piper, Rangel.....hasta la vista ladron.....
Maybe old Charlie can pull a Jimmy Swaggart, and start blubbering all over himself, beg forgiveness, then go out and do it all over again.
BTW- above posters, I, too, agree that if ya done wrong, ya need more than a 'time out'. What the hell does party have to do with anything?
Exactly what I said above... before I saw your post!
Nice to be on the same page with ya!
Good for you fiesty old spice! And you didn't even have to cuss us out!
Rangel is a crook. Like all crooks he is sorry now because he got caught. He is a bigot/racist that uses his color to try and escape. Boot his sorry ass out.
Ya but for an 80 year old guy his hair is impeccable!
????
What has race got to do with the charges?
Bigot? Racist? You think you doth protest much?
He should be kicked out of office. Does he really think we believe he didn't know he was breaking the law not to pay his taxes. He should have to live by the same rules as the rest of us do. I really don't think he should have tried to play the race card, that was really a big NO NO. I am so tired of that. I think that we all are. I was expecting Jessie Jackson to pop up any minute.
MAYBE if we Censured more of them (both parties) they would be more accountable for their actions.
I do not understand how they think this is harsh. To me it's not harsh enough.
Greg: Why would any of us be for law breaking no matter what the party label is? A bit childish, don't you think? Rangel needs to be held responsible for what he did..just like Delay does, right?
i fully agree that he should face all the charges against him and if proven guilty be thrown out of congress and lose all federal retirements .. it's time to show all of congress that we are tired of their game playing when they get caught doing what you and i would be in court for ..
Yes Charlie you have made serious mistakes and it is time for you to go. You are an embarassment to your party. The quicker you apologize and accept your punishment the more dignity you can retain because right now you are losing it all rapidly.
The amendment offered is ludicrous and threatens the credibility of the People's House
Greg, et al, here, party labels should not determine punishment. When someone betrays the public's trust regardless of what the reason may be, they should be made resign. From my perspective, betrayal of one's values, fattening their bank accounts, selling or buying favors have no place in public life and is not up negotiation.
Censure is a public humiliation indeed. That strikes me as a fair punishment since Rep. Rangel will not be prosecuted or do jail time for his mistakes.
Frankly, in my humble opinion, there is not a single member of this "congress" who should NOT be censured. This so-called "congress" is a self-serving bunch of con-men and -women. All of th em have been corrupted by power...that's ONE of the reason's a lot of 'em were just voted out of office.I don't see what Rangel's background has to do with anything at all...OK...OK...he was poor...he served in Korea...he went to college...he got a law degree...THAT is actually a point against him, in my opinion.....
But he's no better than any other law-breaker.
I do agree, however, that since DeLay was un-censured, Rangel might as well let let out of it. Nothing is going to change by his censure. Nothing at all.
Greg Rodcih
Wheres all the comments from Fiesty & the gang, going to be silent on this one. Your always the first ones to jump on a Republican when one of them are a bad apple!!!
Only because needless to say, Rangel isn't the lone salmon in the swamp. Lets look at those dirty Republicans who need/ed clubbing. There's: Tom DeLay, a convicted felon, Robert Ney another convict, perverts Mark Foley, David Vitter and Larry Craig; convict “Scooter” Libby; un-convicted criminals George Bush, Karl Rove and Dick Cheney; MIA Mark Sanford and don't forget adulterous John Ensign and Newt Gringrich; just to name a few.
Ya he's just the one that got caught by the grizzly on his spawning swim up river. I did'nt know that salmon were swamp fish? I would have said, " He ain't the only gator in the swamp!"
Or Turd in the Toilet Bowl!!
Nice! That one "wiped" mine out! Great comparison!
Have you clubbed a fish to death today? Just for the Halibut?
Of course sweetheart! Then I wrapped it in today's paper and stuck it in the fridge. Fiesty, check out the article on Rangel's actual censure. I left you a early Christmas present. Well actually you have to share it with a couple of your pals. : )
what we really need is a blast of reality democrat or republican it doesnt matter we should all be held to the same standard....if you think cheating on your taxes for ten years while you head the committee that writes tax law is not something you should be held accountable for then i must be crazy.... occupying FOUR rent contolled apartments is illegal and i dont believe for a moment he didnt realize what he was doing. If you let him off ( and he is only getting a public scolding) you send the message that if you have the power you can abuse it at will. Is this the message we want to send to our kids??????
Rangel is a crook and deserves the censure. I also hope the IRS will prosecute him for tax evasion. To say he made no personal gain from not paying taxes is a bunch of BS.
I believe you have plenty of company agreeing on that!
Cheers
So Charlie R. cries a few crocodile tears and gets a meaningless censure. He pretends to be sorry. We pretend to forgive him. Reminds me a little bit about Bill Clinton losing his Arkansas law license following his impeachment. Like he really wanted to go back to Arkansas and be a trial lawyer. LOL.
Who is "We"?!
Peace