Crooked Charlie Rangel

Americans are a funny bunch. The country was founded in a revolution, so tar and feathers come easy to us. Like most of the world's population, we expect our politicians to be corrupt. Unlike most, we don't accept that they will be corrupt.

Charlie Rangel has been in Congress a long time. He replaced Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. from a Harlem district and stayed for life. Politics as a career. Americans shouldn't accept that, either, but that is a discussion for another day.

The House committee investigating Crooked Charlie laid out thirteen charges. They fall into several general categories.

The first involves the Rangel Center at City College of New York. Along with a constant flow of earmarks to the institution that bears his name, Crooked Charlie is accused of soliciting donations to the Center from individuals and businesses that had business before the House committee he chaired. Quid pro quo?

The second involves the public reporting that all Congressmen are required to do about their financial activities and assets. Crooked Charlie was a bit forgetful, and left a bunch of information out. These are not difficult forms to fill out and a man of Rangel's position has aides, accountants and lawyers to do that. Unless, of course, they do not have the right information.

A third area involves a similar type of oversight. Crooked Charlie was chair of the committee that writes America's tax laws. Yet, oddly, he forgot to declare for some years the income from rental property he owns in the Dominican Republic.

And, in what may be the most egregious crime to his constituents in New York City, Crooked Charlie had a rent stabilized apartment under lease for an office, when the law permits only one and that for your primary residence. In addition, Crooked Charlie was on a list that the landlord maintained for "special handling". No evictions for Crooked Charlie.

Crooked Charlie has not responded in full as of this writing. He is, however, trotting out several memes to see which help his cause.

AP reports:

"Rangel said the subcommittee that brought 13 charges against him violated his right to due process under the Fifth Amendment because it did not allow him to repudiate the accusations point-by-point, The Hill reported Thursday."

The Hill also reports:
"
Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) cited two prominent Republicans in attempting to fend off ethics charges. In documents released Thursday night, Rangel argued there are precedents for allowing members of Congress to name entities/centers after members of Congress."

The Wall Street Journal describes several strategies by the defense team. Concerning the Rangel Center at CCNY - "nothing more than a case of noblesse oblige". Concerning the rent controlled apartment - "Mr. Rangel's public service defense that he occupied a fourth rent-stabilized apartment in a tony Manhattan complex to use as a campaign office as a favor to his landlord"

The New York Times describes these charges as "disheartening for the nation". White House spokesman Robert Gibbs tells Americans that "the White House doesn't want to make a judgment about the case before the committee decides what to do".

WCBS has a quote from Reverend Calvin Butts, of Abyssian Baptist Church. "I don't think he did this intentionally - I think it's an error," Rev. Butts said. "I don't think he deserves to be treated the way he's been treated."

Congress takes its time when it comes to investigating fellow politicians. After all, the politico may lose an election, may move on into private life, or may die. The investigation would then be a moot point. Crooked Charlie got caught, though some of the charges are a decade old. He hasn't quit, lost an election or died. So, reluctantly, the House has to do something!

It remains to be seen what happens to Crooked Charlie Rangel. His case should serve as a reminder, however, that Americans may expect corruption but we don't accept it.