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Not At My Table - Political Discussions => National & International Politics => Topic started by: Gaspar on July 22, 2010, 04:00:54 PM

Title: Charlie got charged
Post by: Gaspar on July 22, 2010, 04:00:54 PM
(http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/100225-rangel-hmed420p.grid-6x2.jpg)

. . .with multiple ethics violations.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Townsend on July 22, 2010, 04:21:17 PM
Linky?
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Conan71 on July 22, 2010, 04:22:28 PM
So they will censure him...

Circlejerk alert.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: guido911 on July 22, 2010, 04:22:42 PM
Quote from: Townsend on July 22, 2010, 04:21:17 PM
Linky?

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/07/22/97979/rangel-summoned-before-ethics.html
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Townsend on July 22, 2010, 04:24:37 PM
QuoteCongressional officials knowledgeable with the ethics process said the exact nature of the violation – or violations – won't be publicly revealed until Rangel goes before an eight-person adjudicatory subcommittee of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct next Thursday to state his case.

Why the secrecy?
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Conan71 on July 22, 2010, 04:27:45 PM
I heard something about Caribbean trips at one point, perhaps this is it, I love the part about a $1.9 mm earmark for what they call a monument to himself  ::)

Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), the chairman of the influential House Ways and Means Committee, came under fire in 2008 for three potential ethics violations.

In July 2008, the New York Times reported that Rangel rented four rent-stabilized apartments in a Harlem luxury building and used one of them as his campaign office. This arrangement appeared to violate New York State and City laws that require a rent-stabilized apartment to be used as one's primary residence. After the story broke, Rangel promptly moved the office from his apartment and filed an ethics complaint against himself.

But a few days later Rangel was back in the news. This time, the Washington Post reported that Rangel had used congressional stationery to solicit funds for his personal foundation from companies with business before his committee. In response, Rangel filed another ethics complaint ($) against himself. Rangel's foundation, the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service, garnered the nickname "Monument to Me" last year after he secured a $1.9 million earmark for it.

Then on Aug. 31, the New York Post broke the news that Rangel had failed to disclose income from renting his Caribbean villa. (The Post's photo of a dozing Rangel is an added bonus.) According to the Times' follow-up, Rangel failed to report the $75,000 in income not only on his congressional disclosure forms, but also on his state and federal income tax filings. What's more, Rangel hadn't paid interest on the villa's mortgage for 10 years. That loan was given to him by a company in which a donor to Rangel was a principal investor. Rangel pleaded ignorance on the loan terms and, once again, called for an ethics investigation ($).

House Republicans, defeated in a prior bid to publicly censure Rangel over the apartment to-do, have responded with calls for Rangel to step down as chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee until the ethics panel concludes its three investigations.


In late November 2008 the troubles continued when the New York Post reported that for years, Rangel had taken advantage of a Washington, D.C., "homestead" tax break reserved for primary residents of the district. But Rangel's rent-stabilized NYC apartment also requires that it be used as a primary residence.

The next day, the New York Times reported that Rangel helped protect a Caribbean tax shelter for a company whose chief executive was a top donor to his foundation. Rangel vehemently denied the allegation that there was any connection.

According to news reports on Feb. 25, 2010, a House panel has found Rangel didn't properly disclose corporate funding of a trip to the Caribbean.

Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Gaspar on July 22, 2010, 04:29:55 PM
Quote from: Townsend on July 22, 2010, 04:24:37 PM
Why the secrecy?

Well, the whole crap-sack we call congress is sitting at 11% approval.  If they made everything public I think they might go into the negatives.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on July 22, 2010, 10:39:47 PM
Wouldn't it be nice if we (Oklahoma) could clean up our little crap-sack corner of that same Congress?

Start small....

Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Conan71 on July 23, 2010, 08:21:57 AM
Quote from: Gaspar on July 22, 2010, 04:29:55 PM
Well, the whole crap-sack we call congress is sitting at 11% approval.  If they made everything public I think they might go into the negatives.

What ever happened to draining the swamp?  Oh yeah, I forgot the swamp monster is still there

(http://www.kylevarner.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/nancy-pelosi-on-botox.jpg)
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: guido911 on August 01, 2010, 04:10:31 PM
More swamp drainage. Maxine Waters in trouble now?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100731/ap_on_go_co/us_waters_ethics

For those needing a reminder of who this idiot is, here ya go:

Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Hoss on August 01, 2010, 04:22:15 PM
Quote from: guido911 on August 01, 2010, 04:10:31 PM
More swamp drainage. Maxine Waters in trouble now?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100731/ap_on_go_co/us_waters_ethics

For those needing a reminder of who this idiot is, here ya go:



Welcome to last week.  I should hope you research better than this...oh wait, you have lackeys for that, don't you?

:o
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Conan71 on August 02, 2010, 10:10:36 AM
Are there any members of the Congressional White Caucus about to get in trouble with the etics committee?
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Gaspar on August 02, 2010, 12:02:47 PM
Quote from: Conan71 on August 02, 2010, 10:10:36 AM
Are there any members of the Congressional White Caucus about to get in trouble with the etics committee?

They have good NAAWP lawyers to keep em out of trouble.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: guido911 on August 02, 2010, 02:50:10 PM
Quote from: Gaspar on August 02, 2010, 12:02:47 PM
They have good NAAWP lawyers to keep em out of trouble.

And the New White Panthers Party will make sure the elections of the members of the white caucus are above board. I also understand many members of the white caucus are also followers of White Liberation Theology.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Conan71 on August 02, 2010, 02:57:16 PM
Yep, you guys just keep making whitecracks wisecracks about the unfair racist witch hunt going on in Congress.  I can't help but think these investigations were instigated by unscrupulous white Republicans.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: guido911 on August 02, 2010, 03:03:24 PM
Quote from: Conan71 on August 02, 2010, 02:57:16 PM
Yep, you guys just keep making whitecracks wisecracks about the unfair racist witch hunt going on in Congress.  I can't help but think these investigations were instigated by unscrupulous white Republicans.

And Tebaggers, don't forger the teabaggers.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Gaspar on August 02, 2010, 03:25:55 PM
Quote from: guido911 on August 02, 2010, 02:50:10 PM
And the New White Panthers Party will make sure the elections of the members of the white caucus are above board. I also understand many members of the white caucus are also followers of White Liberation Theology.

Correction: White Tigers
(http://www.gotpetsonline.com/pictures-gallery/exotic-pictures-breeders-babies/white-tiger-pictures-breeders-babies/pictures/white-tiger-0001.jpg)
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Conan71 on August 02, 2010, 03:27:32 PM
Quote from: Gaspar on August 02, 2010, 03:25:55 PM
Correction: White Tigers
(http://www.gotpetsonline.com/pictures-gallery/exotic-pictures-breeders-babies/white-tiger-pictures-breeders-babies/pictures/white-tiger-0001.jpg)


Technically, those tigers are about 1/2 black.  They can use that to their advantage when it's convenient.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: we vs us on August 02, 2010, 03:52:21 PM
Keep it clean, crackers.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Conan71 on August 02, 2010, 04:04:16 PM
Quote from: we vs us on August 02, 2010, 03:52:21 PM
Keep it clean, crackers.

LOL!  ;D
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: guido911 on August 02, 2010, 04:47:16 PM
Quote from: Conan71 on August 02, 2010, 04:04:16 PM
LOL!  ;D

yep
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: guido911 on August 02, 2010, 04:51:59 PM
Quote from: Conan71 on August 02, 2010, 03:27:32 PM
Technically, those tigers are about 1/2 black.  They can use that to their advantage when it's convenient.

Threadwinner
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on August 08, 2010, 08:05:16 AM
The committee investigating is 50/50 Dem and Rep.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: guido911 on August 10, 2010, 02:35:30 PM
Rangel hit with another ethics complaint:

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/new_charlie_charity_rap_qlUTcDj6QijlO1jbqrvjgP
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Conan71 on August 10, 2010, 02:42:09 PM
I was driving along listening to sound bites of his testimony, or speech, or whatever that screed was and trying to figure out where I'd heard his voice before:

Frank Pentangeli



"I don't know nothing about no corruption"
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Gaspar on August 10, 2010, 02:46:26 PM
Now that we've drained the swamp, it's easy to see the alligators.

Did you hear his speech today.  They advised him not to take the floor, and he went off anyway.
http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/123531/rangel-takes-to-house-floor-to-respond-to-critics

"I will not step down, no matter what."

The man has a gift. . .and he's delivering it to the Republicans!  :D
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Gaspar on August 10, 2010, 02:49:02 PM
I like his latest response.

"It was just some spotty accounting."

Bawhahahah!
(http://biggovernment.com/files/2010/07/rangel-charged.png)
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Conan71 on August 10, 2010, 02:52:01 PM
Let the voters kick him out in November.  Don't even bother with criminal charges, he'll just wind up pardoned anyhow.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Gaspar on August 11, 2010, 08:11:31 AM
Quote from: Conan71 on August 10, 2010, 02:52:01 PM
Let the voters kick him out in November.  Don't even bother with criminal charges, he'll just wind up pardoned anyhow.

I don't think his constituency would do that.  He funnels a ton of pork, and has a constituency unlikely to follow politics or care how bent he is.

If he stays after the hearings, he will end up being neutered.  Without his powerful seat on Ways & Means, he's just another crooked lib collecting a paycheck.  His constituency will fold against him when he no longer has the power to trade votes for pork.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: we vs us on August 11, 2010, 09:20:09 AM
Quote from: Gaspar on August 11, 2010, 08:11:31 AM
I don't think his constituency would do that.  He funnels a ton of pork, and has a constituency unlikely to follow politics or care how bent he is.


Uh, is that because they're black? 

Or maybe it's because it's New York City and city dwellers are notoriously blase about corruption?

Or what exactly did you mean?
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Gaspar on August 11, 2010, 09:23:36 AM
Quote from: we vs us on August 11, 2010, 09:20:09 AM
Uh, is that because they're black? 

Or maybe it's because it's New York City and city dwellers are notoriously blase about corruption?

Or what exactly did you mean?

Wow!  Not really sure how your mind works.
No and no.
Much of his constituency is below the poverty level, and they notoriously vote for people who promise the most largess.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: we vs us on August 11, 2010, 09:27:54 AM
Quote from: Gaspar on August 11, 2010, 09:23:36 AM
Wow!  Not really sure how your mind works.
No and no.
Much of his constituency is below the poverty level, and they notoriously vote for people who promise the most largess.

Oh cool!  It's the poor!  I totally thought you were getting all racial! Whew! 
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Gaspar on August 11, 2010, 09:32:31 AM
Quote from: we vs us on August 11, 2010, 09:27:54 AM
Oh cool!  It's the poor!  I totally thought you were getting all racial! Whew! 

It's not their fault.  They have been socialized to be dependent.  Addicted.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Conan71 on August 11, 2010, 09:32:44 AM
Uh oh Gaspar, I think you might be on the verge of getting chastised for talking about corrupt NYC politics.

It's a beautiful city, great people, etc.

Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: we vs us on August 11, 2010, 09:43:54 AM
Quote from: Conan71 on August 11, 2010, 09:32:44 AM
Uh oh Gaspar, I think you might be on the verge of getting chastised for talking about corrupt NYC politics.

It's a beautiful city, great people, etc.



I only lived there for a semester so don't get nearly as teary-eyed as I do about Chicago. 

This is secretly about my personal failure to collect any sort of graft whatsoever as a citizen of either municipality.

Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: Conan71 on August 11, 2010, 09:46:19 AM
Quote from: we vs us on August 11, 2010, 09:43:54 AM
I only lived there for a semester so don't get nearly as teary-eyed as I do about Chicago. 

This is secretly about my personal failure to collect any sort of graft whatsoever as a citizen of either municipality.



I figured as much.  Graft FAIL!
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: guido911 on August 14, 2010, 02:58:58 PM
Quote from: guido911 on August 01, 2010, 04:10:31 PM
More swamp drainage. Maxine Waters in trouble now?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100731/ap_on_go_co/us_waters_ethics

For those needing a reminder of who this idiot is, here ya go:



Predictable.  Maxine Waters' ethics problems are, wait for it, BUSH'S FAULT!

http://dailycaller.com/2010/08/14/facing-ethics-charges-rep-waters-points-finger-at-bush-administration/
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: guido911 on September 15, 2010, 07:38:59 PM
Rep. Eleanor Norton Holmes (D-D.C.) leaves voice mail seeking "contribution" from a lobbyist with an interest in a committee she sits on. Dumb@ss:

http://blog.eyeblast.tv/2010/09/shock-audio-dc-congresswoman-leaves-voicemail-asking-for-lobbyist-cash/
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on September 15, 2010, 08:44:47 PM
Now, when is George gonna get investigated/charged for his crimes?
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: guido911 on September 15, 2010, 08:51:08 PM
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on September 15, 2010, 08:44:47 PM
Now, when is George gonna get investigated/charged for his crimes?


What did Clooney do?
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on September 15, 2010, 08:52:59 PM
Nothing.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: guido911 on September 15, 2010, 08:55:38 PM
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on September 15, 2010, 08:52:59 PM
Nothing.


Can't you ever freakin try to have fun in here?
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: RecycleMichael on September 15, 2010, 08:57:21 PM
Quote from: guido911 on September 15, 2010, 08:55:38 PM
Can't you ever freakin try to have fun in here?

I laughed.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: guido911 on September 15, 2010, 08:59:50 PM
Quote from: RecycleMichael on September 15, 2010, 08:57:21 PM
I laughed.

Heck, I know you would because you do not take yourself too seriously.
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on September 15, 2010, 09:06:09 PM
I have a HUGE amount of fun here!!  It is always comical to watch the ebb and flow around here!  I love it!  Why would you think I don't?  Why would I waste the time if I weren't having fun?  That is why sometimes I don't come around for days at a time - I have found something that is at least potentially more fun for that moment, but this is just too good to stay away from for too long.

Don't you?

Atlanta is nice today.  Kind of warm, but hey, what can you expect about the deep south in early/mid September?  Still haven't heard any gunshots yet, but the night is young!  May have to go for a walk later...??  Seems like it would be a lot like Valley Brook (OKC) on steroids!







Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: guido911 on September 15, 2010, 09:22:10 PM
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on September 15, 2010, 09:06:09 PM
I have a HUGE amount of fun here!!  It is always comical to watch the ebb and flow around here!  I love it!  Why would you think I don't?  Why would I waste the time if I weren't having fun?  That is why sometimes I don't come around for days at a time - I have found something that is at least potentially more fun for that moment, but this is just too good to stay away from for too long.

Don't you?

Atlanta is nice today.  Kind of warm, but hey, what can you expect about the deep south in early/mid September?  Still haven't heard any gunshots yet, but the night is young!  May have to go for a walk later...??  Seems like it would be a lot like Valley Brook (OKC) on steroids!









Okay. Okay. I'll take it back. Jeez, just don't wet yourself. :D
Title: Re: Charlie got charged
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on September 15, 2010, 09:31:07 PM
You asked.  Just filling in the blanks!