Why Is Charlie Rangel Still Chairman Of The House Ways And Means Committee?

It's hard for me to believe that the Democrats came to power-- at least partially-- on a wave of disgust at GOP corruption, the Culture of Corruption to be precise, and that they are now tolerating the exact kind of behavior in their own caucus. The congressional caucus is committing political suicide-- and endangering the country-- by putting up with the grotesque behavior of Charlie Rangel.

Rangel is a notorious crook who doesn't belong in Congress. Within 3 minutes of being introduced to him by President Clinton over a decade ago, Rangel pawned me off on his son who made it clear money needed to change hands. I was shocked and revolted. Naively, this is the kind of behavior I expected from Republicans; it's the kind of ethics that disgrace every member of Congress who puts up with it. This morning's NY Times reveals yet more corruption from NYC's most powerful congressman, who just happens to be chair of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Nancy Pelosi has refused to remove him from his position, a position he has used to enrich himself.

This week the Times asked Rangel directly "about whether, in general terms, he had any reservations about seeking the money [as much as $10 million] and meeting with A.I.G. officials, and a major shareholder, given what the record suggests were the company’s interests before his committee." It appears to be part of a pattern of loose ethics that mark Rangel's approach to governance. It pains me to say so but the Democratic congressional caucus will forfeit the support of all decent citizens if it puts up with criminal behavior from members like Rangel. If he chairs another Ways and Means Committee meeting Pelosi should lose her job as Speaker.