Congressman Rangel

The New York County Democratic Committee emailed party members to attend a Community Press Conference in support of Congressman Charles B. Rangel. County Leader Keith L.T. Wright wrote: “We want to let everyone know that we love our Congressman, that we have his back and that we want the Democrats to vote no to censure.”

The County Committee added: "Earlier this week, the House Ethics Committee found Rangel guilty of sloppy and careless mistakes, but not corruption, in the handling of his personal finances and support of a public service program at City College for minority students. The full House is expected to vote after the Thanksgiving break whether he should be censured for his errors."

I applaud Congressman Rangel's service to our country and his progressive leadership in the House of Representatives. But I must distinguish his positive contributions from his recent Ethics Committee conviction. At the very last minute, just as the hearing was to begin, Rangel chose to walk out (effectively waiving a defense), claiming that he couldn't afford legal representation - even though he was advised to set up a legal defense fund way back in 2008.

Charles Rangel's behavior is symbolic of the personal entitlement which typifies too many politicians once they forget that public service is one of the highest callings there is. Failure to pay income taxes on rental income and accepting four rent-stabilized apartments are not mere "sloppy and careless mistakes," as characterized by New York County Democrats. Rangel's conviction is a serious transgression which deserves punishment, regardless of the congressman's record and accomplishments in the House of Representatives.

Attending the "Community Press Conference" would send a message that ethics violations don't matter. I want no part of that message, so I didn't go.

Scott