Congressman Charles Rangel: Is He Fit to Be Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee?

I was recently reading several articles in the New York Post that dealt with the ethics and tax woes
Congressman Charles Rangel has been facing. Rangel has been a New York political figure for many
years; he was first elected to Congress in the early 1970's. Mr. Rangel is a decorated veteran of the
Korean War and upon returning home worked his way through college and law school. I respect
Congressman Rangel for his service to the Nation and his career accomplishments. On occasion,
Congressman Rangel will bring up issues few others will touch; one that comes to mind is reinstating
the draft.

Congressman Rangel is the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. The House Ways
and Means Committee deals with appropriations and amongst those are tax laws. Rangel's official
website states, "Congressman Rangel presides over the tax revenue legislation..." Considering
Rangel's troubles and his responses on personal tax issues is he fit to be Chairman of the Ways and
Means Committee? How does the Federal Government expect the average American to understand the
tax legislation when the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee claims ignorance?

One of the Post articles I read inferred that Nancy Pelosi and Democrats are covering for Rangel. No
doubt they are! Speaker of the House Pelosi has side stepped questions on Rangel's tax and ethic
issues before. Pelosi has stood by Congressman Rangel. Pelosi's failure to act does not hide
Rangel's short comings but highlights her poor performance as a leader. We have been in economic
turmoil for the last several years; having a Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee whose
skill set is questionable is unacceptable. The American taxpayer deserves to have Congressional
standards and competencies raised. Are Rangel and Pelosi the best America can get for their
respective positions?

Congressional Committee assignments are generally given by seniority and the Chairman is a
member of the majority party. The House Ways and Means Committee yields tremendous power and
the Chairmanship is a prestigious assignment. Seniority and party affiliation are not the only requisites
for excellent leadership.

Considering the economic environment, the Nation may be better served if Congressman Rangel was
reassigned to a Committee he is better fitted for. America deserves and needs the best in leadership.

Sources:
New York Post Saturday February 27, 2010
rangel.house.gov
Charles Rangel - Wikipedia