Charles Rangel has contributed in the past to our nation, our state, the people of the 15th Congressional District and to the Democratic Party. For that reason, in light of the very serious findings by the ethics committee, he must step aside and announce that he will not run for re-election -- or he will cost our party seats in November.
For the first time in eight years, the House ethics committee has taken a very serious step forward in ethics investigations, calling for the appointment of a special subcommittee to rule on the findings -- a step last taken when former Rep. James Traficant was convicted of taking bribes.
While Rep. Rangel still should be accorded the right to defend himself before a trial of a special subcommittee, the threat to the future of the Democratic Party is today. Rep. Rangel will be, as I argued when I announced my candidacy for the 15th Congressional District, the face of Washington corruption in Republican advertising and campaigns across the nation. Rep. Rangel will, without a doubt, cost the Democratic Party seats in the November election, if he is the nominee of the party.
By announcing that he will not stand for re-election, Rep. Rangel will allow the people of the 15th Congressional District to choose a new Congressman who will be able to spend 100 percent of his or her time defending the interests of the people, not his own political career.
Our party must be clear--we must not allow even the hint of impropriety to be part of our ranks. The people, the voters, are sick and tired of dysfunction. They are fed up with corruption--real and moral. They want leaders who they can trust.
It is time for Rep. Rangel to put party before personal power and prestige.
Follow Jonathan Tasini on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jonathantasini
If he were a republican would you be telling him to fight to the finish, so that the democrat party could benefit and use it in commercials in the coming fall elections?
If the man did something wrong, give him his due process and if the evidence is as 'overwhelming' as it appears to be, then give him a chance to resign.
Otherwise, give him a fair hearing and throw him out if the evidence proves the charges being made.
The pendulum has swung back. People are fed up with their representatives in government (both sides) basing all decisions on a political calculus, and not what's for the good of the people, or in this case, the institution (Congress).
I really don't like the "resign now" mania that seems to exist only in the Democratic Party. There were/are no such calls when Republicans are the subject. Why are we so into self-flagellation?
And , BTW , is there anyone out there who doesn't think Rangle will be the face of Republican attacks? After all , it's a black face.
There is something you can do Mr. Rangel to not only stay in office but restore your irity as well and that is unload.
Really, take this opportunity to reveal everything you know about everyone. Fellow office holders, lobbyests, corporations and bankers. Reveal the scams and opportunists. Be known and remembered as the Congressman who restored congress to the people. Make your next campaign a campaign of reform by a reformed candidate.
How else might we get there if you don't do this?
Also, Mr Tasini your argument that he resign "for the good of the party" rings a bit hollow when his resignation would be most beneficial to your campaign. What if someone asked you to withdraw from the race and support Adam Clayton Powell "for the good of the party?" Would you do that?
People like you represent the soul of what once used to be the proud Democratic Party, not the corporatist, DLC-run, Republican-lite version.
Undeclared income from an offshore property?
Would it not seem that Mr. Rangel should follow the tax laws he helps draft and pass?
That would seem reasonable, no?
He must go for the good of the Progressive movement!
They're so old some of them can't relate to seniors. If they can't relate to our younger population then they can't make good decisions about their future.
These guys have just learned how to turn on a computer. How can you relate to a world of technology when you grew up 100 years ago?
I mean I liked Senator Byrd, but the man was 92 years old! I think once they're up there past 65 they should be retired like the rest of us.