Even In New Congress, Rangel Is Still An Ethical Thorn On Our Side

Charles B. Rangel is an institution in the House of Representatives and icon in Harlem, but for all the good he's done, there is a shady side that needs to be dealt with. He may think that his only problem is duking it out with the press, but if the press didn't have certain facts to report on then it'd be a different story. Yet Rangel confidently keeps on keeping on.

From CQPolitics:

Ways and Means Chairman Charles B. Rangel said Wednesday that an ongoing investigation by the ethics committee of his fundraising and personal finances would not hamper his leadership of the powerful committee.

“It does not diminish my ability to get the job done,” Rangel, D-N.Y., said after the organizing meeting of the Ways and Means Committee, which will consider the tax portion of the stimulus package. The committee also will have jurisdiction over much of the Democrats’ planned health care overhaul and over all trade legislation.

Rangel dismissed Republican calls for him to step down while the ethics committee completes its work.

“I don’t give that much consideration to the Republicans,” he said. Rangel said a number of GOP lawmakers acknowledge that there are distortions in news reports outlining allegations against him. But he added, “Some of them feel they have to do politically what the old Republican leadership has to do.”

I don't give much consideration to them either, but this isn't about giving Boehner a reason to smile. This is about keeping our principles in line and being above the ethical lapses of Republicans, not simply to think it's acceptable to sink to their level. CREW goes after corrupt politicians regardless of party and making their top 20 is a serious offense. Rangel should be ashamed of himself, but apparently he doesn't have the ability to feel it.