Editor's Note

Do Reps. Rangel and Waters Have a Point on Ethics Charges?

August 17, 2010 RSS Feed Print

Nothing goes together in Washington like news-free summer days and seamy political scandals. This year, a two-fer: Democratic representatives Charlie Rangel and Maxine Waters, accused of an array of abuses by the House Ethics Committee. [See who supports Rangel.] Fragile Democrats gasping at the prospect of pre-election trials. Rangel offering no comfort in a memorable floor speech: “Hey, if I was you, I may want me to go away too. I am not going away.” Adding: “Nothing is going to stop me from clearing my name from these vile and vicious charges.” Waters saying much the same, and hinting that racism played a role. Do they have a point? Should they dig in and fight? Or is it time for them to go? Post your thoughts below on Rangel, Waters, and Washington ethics.

Tags:
Maxine Waters,
Charles Rangel,
Congress

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America is sick of the race baiting and race cards that are flashed every time someone wants to deflect their criminal activity. Ask yourself these very simple questions: If senators Rangel and Waters were white, could the illegal activities they are charged with be nullified by their race? Should all of America (and especially their constituents in these hard economic times) give the senators a pass for being above the law if found guilty? If guilty of illegal & unethical activity, would they be held up as shining examples of our best legislators and re-elected?

If you are truthful, the answers are: NO and NO and NO

So...How did you answer? In truth or as a bigot and racist?

Truth of CA 10:31AM August 18, 2010

The sorry story is that Rangel and Waters haven't kept pace with much-awaited changes in congressional culture and expectations. The creation of the Office of Congressional Ethics a couple of years ago signalled that the House would take allegations of unethical conduct--AS WELL AS APPEARANCES OF SUCH--seriously. And "seriously" means addressing allegations instances of unethical behavior with transparent investigations and fact-based recommendations to the House Standards (Ethics) Committee to pursue or not pursue investigations into wrong behavior, with appropriate penalties meted out to those found to be culpable.

OCE is doing its job, as defined in its enabling legislation. The Standards Committee is just now beginning to accept that, in the light of day, it has to do the same.

Congratulations to OCE!

Alf Lanschreft of IA 7:43PM August 17, 2010

The minute anyone gets caught with their finger in the cookie jar, they have an excuse for it being there. But, these two people, have eaten all the illicit cookies, and blame the fact that they are

black, instead of the fact that they are corrupt, have violated the law and need to get punished for it. If an ordinary citizen did these things they'd be in jail -- but not the members of the House or Senate. As they say, ultimate power ultimately corrupts. Well it has. ANd it's time to stop the racial crap, it's time to see these people as what they are --- criminals --- that have penisions for life --- that control the fabric of our lives with their bought and paid for votes. People, the "Change" we seek is what the forefathers of this country intended --- Honest men and Women representing their constituants for the common good -- not personal greed.

John of CA 6:17PM August 17, 2010

Editor's Note

Brian Kelly was named editor of U.S.News & World Report in April 2007, nine years after joining the magazine. With more than 30 years of journalism experience, including covering Capitol Hill, politics, and the presidency both as a beat reporter and as an editor, Kelly is one of the nation’s most experienced magazine editors in steering national and international news content.

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