Rangel wrangels

[Truberry]

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090528-717866.html

Rangal (D) investigation has taken so long, it's nice to see that there is an end in sight. Hopefully he will either be cleared or let go.

[Carol25]

Congressional Ethics Committees Yield Little Punishment
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6823387&page=1 (http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6823387&page=1)

So, if he is found guilty, what do they do? Say “Please, Rep. Rangel, don’t do this again?”

[flareon]

Congressional Ethics Committees Yield Little Punishment
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6823387&page=1 (http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6823387&page=1)

So, if he is found guilty, what do they do? Say “Please, Rep. Rangel, don’t do this again?”

That's the problem when these people are allowed to police themselves.

This thing has been dragging on forever.

[Truberry]

Congressional Ethics Committees Yield Little Punishment
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6823387&page=1 (http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6823387&page=1)

So, if he is found guilty, what do they do? Say “Please, Rep. Rangel, don’t do this again?”
Yah, why are politicians "untouchable" ..it's like they get into office and they can do whatever they want, regardless of ethics rules..geez.

[Carol25]

Yah, why are politicians "untouchable" ..it's like they get into office and they can do whatever they want, regardless of ethics rules..geez.
I'd like to see two officers with badges sitting in that committee just ready to take him away for fraud and tax evasion. Then I'd say the committee is working properly. And then I would say that goes for anyone that goes before the committee. Once the evidence is heard and it is compelling, off they go. Tell it to a judge.

[flareon]

Yah, why are politicians "untouchable" ..it's like they get into office and they can do whatever they want, regardless of ethics rules..geez.

I would imagine most of it is because everyone has their skeletons and it has to get really bad for them to act on something. Otherwise they will get a payback.

[Truberry]

I would imagine most of it is because everyone has their skeletons and it has to get really bad for them to act on something. Otherwise they will get a payback.
We certainly do need to reform Congress and push for term limits.

[Freedom1]

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003194205&referrer=js

[QUOTE][House Ways and Means Chairman Charles B. Rangel , already beset by a series of ethics investigations, has disclosed more than $500,000 in previously unreported assets.

Among the new items on Rangel’s amended 2007 financial disclosure report were an account at the Congressional Federal Credit Union worth at least $250,000, an investment account with at least $250,000, land in southern New Jersey and stock in PepsiCo and fast food conglomerate Yum! Brands. None of those investments appeared on the original report, which was filled out by hand and filed in May 2008.
/QUOTE]

[worried]

Why does this not surprise me? And here I thought Rangel was such an honest, upstanding citizen!

[forensicpsy~]

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003194205&referrer=js

[QUOTE][House Ways and Means Chairman Charles B. Rangel , already beset by a series of ethics investigations, has disclosed more than $500,000 in previously unreported assets.

Among the new items on Rangel’s amended 2007 financial disclosure report were an account at the Congressional Federal Credit Union worth at least $250,000, an investment account with at least $250,000, land in southern New Jersey and stock in PepsiCo and fast food conglomerate Yum! Brands. None of those investments appeared on the original report, which was filled out by hand and filed in May 2008.
/QUOTE]

What a piece of work. :angry: Nothing ever happens to Rangel He's like the teflon Rep. lol.

imo

[Carol25]

Well, I hate to say this, but if there was an R next to his name, I believe the teflon would wear off very soon. It's about time that something was done with him.

[RosyParks]

:scared: 500k .... :blink: such unbelievable "wealth" ... what's that, maybe 10% of the average insurance exec? gmab

[Barbara2]

:scared: 500k .... :blink: such unbelievable "wealth" ... what's that, maybe 10% of the average insurance exec? gmab


I think you missed the point. IMO

[RosyParks]

Well, I hate to say this, but if there was an R next to his name, I believe the teflon would wear off very soon. It's about time that something was done with him.If ... keyword IF people had the sense to have listened to Rep Rangel, bush2 would not have invaded a sovereign country with Rummie's 'army as it was.' jmr

Conscription is an ugly word, but IF Americans BELIEVE in an action on foreign soil, they'd be either behind a draft measure or volunteering. It would NOT be left to reservists on multiple tours.

Rangel had it right - put yourself or your kids there or admit it stinks. jmr

[magythekat]

:scared: 500k .... :blink: such unbelievable "wealth" ... what's that, maybe 10% of the average insurance exec? gmab


Rosy, what do you have against people that get good educations, work their way up the ladder of success, and make lots of money? That is, by the way, the American Dream and way. There are those that don't have the same opportunities but in many ways, products etc, they benefit by it. I just don't understand the resentment of people with wealth.

[RosyParks]

I think you missed the point. IMODidn't miss a thing; simply NOT accepting ridiculous hyperbole. IF it were a perfect world, come 2010, Charlie Rangel and John Conyers would be among the few remaining. jmr

All the blather about "take back" our govt and yet, some continue to disparage the few reps who DO represent us. What is YOUR problem?

[orangetaffy]

Rosy, what do you have against people that get good educations, work their way up the ladder of success, and make lots of money? That is, by the way, the American Dream and way. There are those that don't have the same opportunities but in many ways, products etc, they benefit by it. I just don't understand the resentment of people with wealth.

I get the feeling she doesnt resent everyone with wealth..only those who are republicans.

[worried]

If ... keyword IF people had the sense to have listened to Rep Rangel, bush2 would not have invaded a sovereign country with Rummie's 'army as it was.' jmr

Conscription is an ugly word, but IF Americans BELIEVE in an action on foreign soil, they'd be either behind a draft measure or volunteering. It would NOT be left to reservists on multiple tours.

Rangel had it right - put yourself or your kids there or admit it stinks. jmr

You have a valid point, but it still does not take away from the fact the Rangel is less than honest when it comes to financial disclosure. I would also like to know where Rangel stands on sending more troops to Afghanistan. In light of the fact that it is OB sending these troops, I think I already know the answer.

[Barbara2]

Didn't miss a thing; simply NOT accepting ridiculous hyperbole. IF it were a perfect world, come 2010, Charlie Rangel and John Conyers would be among the few remaining. jmr

All the blather about "take back" our govt and yet, some continue to disparage the few reps who DO represent us. What is YOUR problem?

I don't have one. I am problem free.

[Carol25]

If ... keyword IF people had the sense to have listened to Rep Rangel, bush2 would not have invaded a sovereign country with Rummie's 'army as it was.' jmr

Conscription is an ugly word, but IF Americans BELIEVE in an action on foreign soil, they'd be either behind a draft measure or volunteering. It would NOT be left to reservists on multiple tours.

Rangel had it right - put yourself or your kids there or admit it stinks. jmr

And any of this has what to do with his omitting over $500,000 on his income statements and ethics violations?

[RosyParks]

Rosy, what do you have against people that get good educations, work their way up the ladder of success, and make lots of money? That is, by the way, the American Dream and way. There are those that don't have the same opportunities but in many ways, products etc, they benefit by it. I just don't understand the resentment of people with wealth.Time to take your cracked ball in for service. I have a fine education, excellent living and a grand lifestyle.

Sorry YOU cannot understand the definition of "personal responibility" with which I was raised includes taking care that others have the same opportunity.

Maybe you do not "understand" because your assumption does not exist. :seeya:

[magythekat]

Time to take your cracked ball in for service. I have a fine education, excellent living and a grand lifestyle.

Sorry YOU cannot understand the definition of "personal responibility" with which I was raised includes taking care that others have the same opportunity.

Maybe you do not "understand" because your assumption does not exist. :seeya:

Well Rosy, I'm so happy for your fine education, excellent living and the grand lifestyle...I totally understand "personal responsibility", but it belongs to the individual..not everyone else.:smile:

[magythekat]

:rolleyes: Yeppers, get that ROPE out ahead of the facts.

So TIRED of all this RW trash. Lets' play - come on with it, add up what Cheney and b2 made, then whine.


If your life is so great, then why are you so bitter Rosy? RW trash huh? That is an odd statement. Is trash only RW? LOL

[Barbara2]

:rolleyes: Yeppers, get that ROPE out ahead of the facts.

So TIRED of all this RW trash. Lets' play - come on with it, add up what Cheney and b2 made, then whine.


It has zero to do with what Rangel made and everything to do with what Rangel tried to hide. IMO

[orangetaffy]

Well Rosy, I'm so happy for your fine education, excellent living and the grand lifestyle...I totally understand "personal responsibility", but it belongs to the individual..not everyone else.:smile:

Exactly. If you want something bad enough..work for it. Don't sit around and wait for someone else to give it to you. It took me 6 years to get a 2 year degree...but I did it myself. No one gave me a dime, no one paid my bills while I did it. makes it worth that much more from where I sit, and is the same values I passed on to my kids. If you don't earn it, it isn't yours.

[Carol25]

Rosy, would love to engage you, but you are breaking TOS by being off topic. So. I'll just skip and scroll on by.

[RosyParks]

Exactly. If you want something bad enough..work for it. Don't sit around and wait for someone else to give it to you. It took me 6 years to get a 2 year degree...but I did it myself. No one gave me a dime, no one paid my bills while I did it. makes it worth that much more from where I sit, and is the same values I passed on to my kids. If you don't earn it, it isn't yours.Whatever. Apparently you didn't attend public schools or a state univesrity. And can CLAIM you did it alone. Brava.

[orangetaffy]

Whatever. Apparently you didn't attend public schools or a state univesrity. And can CLAIM you did it alone. Brava.

No, I did not attend a state university. I attended Community College, because that's what I could afford. Public schools are NOT a hand out, since school is madatory by federal law.

[RosyParks]

No, I did not attend a state university. I attended Community College, because that's what I could afford. Public schools are NOT a hand out, since school is madatory by federal law.Yes, mandatory - in what way did mandatory detract from your benefit?

[RosyParks]

Exactly. If you want something bad enough..work for it. Don't sit around and wait for someone else to give it to you. It took me 6 years to get a 2 year degree...but I did it myself. No one gave me a dime, no one paid my bills while I did it. makes it worth that much more from where I sit, and is the same values I passed on to my kids. If you don't earn it, it isn't yours.So "simplistic" - assuming you were working during those 2 years, you missed your tax break?


BTW The same tax break you would deny others? gmab Let's REALLY get the govt out of your bedroom and stop supporting you, while you declaim it. That works. :thumbsup:

[orangetaffy]

So "simplistic" - assuming you were working during those 2 years, you missed your tax break?


BTW The same tax break you would deny others? gmab Let's REALLY get the govt out of your bedroom and stop supporting you, while you declaim it. That works. :thumbsup:

what tax break? I worked all six year, went to school part time until I had enough credits to get a 2 year degree. No tax break that I ever knew of. I filed and paid my taxes each and every year.

I really dont understand most of what you are saying. Denying who a tax break? The govt in my bedroom? Like I said, you must be wayyyyyy smarter than I, because I can't make any sense out of your posts.

[RosyParks]

what tax break? I worked all six year, went to school part time until I had enough credits to get a 2 year degree. No tax break that I ever knew of. I filed and paid my taxes each and every year.

I really dont understand most of what you are saying. Denying who a tax break? The govt in my bedroom? Like I said, you must be wayyyyyy smarter than I, because I can't make any sense out of your posts.What part of the math did you miss, when you filed your returns? You were given a subsidy for your kids.

Or, in all your personal responsibility, did you decline the tax breaks and actually support your kids?

[Barbara2]

what tax break? I worked all six year, went to school part time until I had enough credits to get a 2 year degree. No tax break that I ever knew of. I filed and paid my taxes each and every year.

I really dont understand most of what you are saying. Denying who a tax break? The govt in my bedroom? Like I said, you must be wayyyyyy smarter than I, because I can't make any sense out of your posts.

You have every right to be proud of your accomplishments. Some things are best ignored. IMO

[RosyParks]

You have every right to be proud of your accomplishments. Some things are best ignored. IMO:biggrin: Please do, next time you want to call "did it" on your own. Please do. Decline the tax exemptions for your kids. Send them to private school on YOUR nickel; then return and tell us how you did it all on your own. tia

[orangetaffy]

What part of the math did you miss, when you filed your returns? You were given a subsidy for your kids.

Or, in all your personal responsibility, did you decline the tax breaks and actually support your kids?

ummm I didnt have kids. it was just little ole me...all by my little ole self. No husband, no kids, no mommy, no daddy. just me.

[orangetaffy]

You have every right to be proud of your accomplishments. Some things are best ignored. IMO

Im trying to figure out how this ignore thing works. I really dont understand what's going on, and why the need to attempt to degrade other posters. Wow, what an eye opening experience this has been.

[Barbara2]

Im trying to figure out how this ignore thing works. I really dont understand what's going on, and why the need to attempt to degrade other posters. Wow, what an eye opening experience this has been.

It's easiest just to decide not to respond. You can put the poster on your ignore list but more than likely by tomorrow the poster will be banned and come back as someone else anyway. Just determine that it's not worthy of a response and scroll on by. IMO

[RosyParks]

ummm I didnt have kids. it was just little ole me...all by my little ole self. No husband, no kids, no mommy, no daddy. just me."K ... one standard deduction, which you took? And, of course, you've factored in the cost of your free public education?

Seriously, not attempting to diminish what you did do for yourself; simply attempting to point out - it wasn't "alone."

:biggrin: Truly happy you were able to benefit. Just not sure why you'd deny others by not shoring up the public education system.

[flareon]

Exactly. If you want something bad enough..work for it. Don't sit around and wait for someone else to give it to you. It took me 6 years to get a 2 year degree...but I did it myself. No one gave me a dime, no one paid my bills while I did it. makes it worth that much more from where I sit, and is the same values I passed on to my kids. If you don't earn it, it isn't yours.

That is a good point and it's exactly the problem with many of these programs. They are designed to create an entitlement attitude and diminishes anyone's sense of accomplishment. You don't value something you haven't earned.

It always depends on the degree of the help.

[flareon]

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003194205&referrer=js

[QUOTE][House Ways and Means Chairman Charles B. Rangel , already beset by a series of ethics investigations, has disclosed more than $500,000 in previously unreported assets.

Among the new items on Rangel’s amended 2007 financial disclosure report were an account at the Congressional Federal Credit Union worth at least $250,000, an investment account with at least $250,000, land in southern New Jersey and stock in PepsiCo and fast food conglomerate Yum! Brands. None of those investments appeared on the original report, which was filled out by hand and filed in May 2008.
/QUOTE]

Who can be surprised at this? When they aren't held responsible, they start to believe they are invincible. At that point anything goes.

[flareon]

It's easiest just to decide not to respond. You can put the poster on your ignore list but more than likely by tomorrow the poster will be banned and come back as someone else anyway. Just determine that it's not worthy of a response and scroll on by. IMO

That's the best way to handle it and CW certainly appreciates it.

[orangetaffy]

"When you're a powerful Congressman and working diligently to increase tax rates to pay for President Obama's health-care plan, we suppose it's easy to lose track of one of your checking accounts. That would be the one at the federal credit union with a balance somewhere between $250,001 and maybe as high as $500,000. And when you're crunched for time and pulling together bills to pass in a rush, we guess, too, that you might overlook several other investment accounts, even if some of them are sizable, such as the ones Mr. Rangel missed at JP Morgan, Merrill Lynch, Oppenheimer and BlackRock."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203706604574376720192072820.html?m od=googlenews_wsj

[Pat]

I'm on the fence about term limits, but when I see all the ethical issues surrounding Congressmen like Rangle it makes me want to jump off.

[Patriot]

Exactly. If you want something bad enough..work for it. Don't sit around and wait for someone else to give it to you. It took me 6 years to get a 2 year degree...but I did it myself. No one gave me a dime, no one paid my bills while I did it. makes it worth that much more from where I sit, and is the same values I passed on to my kids. If you don't earn it, it isn't yours.

Hmmmm.......that sounds really familiar.........wait! Yeah, that's it. That used to be the American Way! Exactly what the Founding Fathers envisioned. Unfortunately, there is a certain group who want to bypass all that hard work and just have it handed to them by those who did do the work. After all, how unfair for them to have it just because they worked, ya know?

[Patriot]

(snip) You have every right to be proud of your accomplishments.


Ditto that, orange. Good on you and congrats on all of your accomplishments! :beer: Long live the American Dream!

[Pat]

Clearly, Rangel is a crook, in the finest Congressional tradition. IMO :laugh:

It says much about his Party and Pelosi, who has ethical issues herself, that he still retains his chairmanship of the House Ways and Means.

However, it should be noted that back when the story first broke about his little off-shore issue and rent-controlled apartments, there were Democrats, as well as the New York Times, calling on him to temporarily step down from his leadership position until the Ethics Committee cleared it up. Now this. The man will never do the right thing, just as William Jefferson didn't.

[flareon]

Clearly, Rangel is a crook, in the finest Congressional tradition. IMO :laugh:

It says much about his Party and Pelosi, who has ethical issues herself, that he still retains his chairmanship of the House Ways and Means.

However, it should be noted that back when the story first broke about his little off-shore issue and rent-controlled apartments, there were Democrats, as well as the New York Times, calling on him to temporarily step down from his leadership position until the Ethics Committee cleared it up. Now this. The man will never do the right thing, just as William Jefferson didn't.

I think they are lax with ethics because they have the "there but for the grace of God go I" attitude. They seem to be harder on members of the opposite party, but for the most part any plans they have to crack down on ethical violations have very little teeth.

In a way it is no wonder these elected officials keep acting as they do. They keep getting re-elected in spite of their many failings.

[orangetaffy]

Sorry Charlie Plays the Race Card Amid New Allegations

"Embattled Rep. Charlie Rangel is pulling a David Paterson and playing the race card amid new allegations he gave campaign money to three Democrats on the ethics panel investigating him, according to published reports. "

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/politics/Sorry-Charlie-Plays-the-Race-Card-Amid-New-Allegations-56915812.html

[Bill Justice]

Isn't "Democrats on the ethics panel" kind of an oxymoron?

:confused::confused:

so are Republicans. Almost all politician lawyers belong in prison.

[flareon]

Isn't "Democrats on the ethics panel" kind of an oxymoron?

:confused::confused:

These people give a whole new meaning to the term "public service".

[orangetaffy]

Rangel has no credibility as Ways and Means chairman

"Even if he didn’t have major credibility problems, all that forgetfulness would raise significant questions about whether Rangel, 79, retains the mental acuity to run a committee that deals with such complex issues."

http://blogs.ajc.com/cynthia-tucker/2009/09/04/rangel-has-no-credibility-as-ways-and-means-chairman/?cxntfid=blogs_cynthia_tucker

[orangetaffy]

"The Ethics Committee process may take a long time. Earlier this year, the liberal Sunlight Foundation found that Mr. Rangel's problems with paperwork go back decades. He failed to report purchases, sales or his ownership of assets at least 28 times since 1978. "I understand being sloppy, missing an asset once or twice," says Sunlight fellow Bill Allison. "But what this shows is he doesn't take financial disclosure seriously." "

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203585004574392793902092058.html