Charlie Rangel: Elected During Another Era

The lead article in The New York Times this morning, “Trial for Rangel Looms as Panel Details Charges,” describes 13 separate matters before the House Ethics Committee released yesterday as the basis for potential reprimand or even expulsion from Congress.

The matters represent the usual political overreach regarding favors, noblesse oblige and the use of political power for certain privileges. They were once common in the House and Senate, but as political actions have come under greater scrutiny in the age of the Internet and the 24-hour news cycle, they are no longer winked at.

The sundry violations include the use of a rent-stabilized apartment that did not serve as a primary residence, the solicitation of donations for a school named in his honor and the failure to pay taxes on a foreign villa, perhaps purchased as a hedge against inflation.

The only serious matter involves meeting with Eugene Isenberg, the CEO of an oil company, Nabors Industries, regarding a tax break before the Ways and Means Committee, and the near-simultaneous contribution of $100,000 to Mr. Rangel’s school after the Committee ruled in Isenberg’s favor. Mr. Rangel, who was previously opposed to the tax break, changed his vote just prior to the donation.

I’m sorry, but I can’t get really worked up about any of this stuff. Mr. Rangel has fought for the poor and oppressed in his Harlem district for decades, and he’s 80 years old now, and a very proud man. He deserves accolades for his many accomplishments, not approbation just prior to an election campaign for political reasons, motivating both the Democrats and Republicans at this stage. Give the poor man some peace.