Posted on 08/10/2010 1:19:01 PM PDT by Justaham
Embattled Rep. Charles Rangel defended himself on the House floor Tuesday, daring members to expel him.
Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) maintained that he did not intentionally break any House rules and complained about the investigation and trial process conducted by the House ethics panel, which has brought 13 charges against him.
"It may be stupid, it may be negligent, but it's not corrupt," Rangel said in a meandering speech that lasted more than 30 minutes.
In professing his innocence of all charges, Rangel also invited the ethics panel and House to take its shot at expelling him.
"I'm not asking for leniency, I'm asking for exposure of the facts," Rangel said.
"If I can't get my dignity back here, then fire your best shot at getting me expelled," the 20-term lawmaker said.
Earlier in his speech, Rangel said, "I am not going away. I am here," triggering light applause from some lawmakers.
It takes two-thirds of the House to expel a member.
A Democratic lawmaker who requested anonymity said House Democratic leaders attempted to persuade Rangel not to deliver his speech. The Democratic source called Rangel's address a "train wreck."
The ethics committee nearly reached an agreement with Rangel for the House to reprimand him, but that deal fell apart last month.
"This has to stop sometime. It has to stop," Rangel said, pointing out he requested the ethics probe more than two years ago. "I deserve and demand the right to be heard."
(Excerpt) Read more at thehill.com ...
In professing his innocence of all charges, Rangel also invited the ethics panel and House to take its shot at expelling him.
It doesnt sound like he's professing his innocence of the charges, just disputing the nature of the charges. Negligent in reporting income, he'd have gotten to it. Not criminal tax evasion. Try that one with the IRS, see where it gets you.
I double dare them.
feast on live, squealing puppies on prime-time TV ..... No big deal. It would just be fresh bush-meat to his constituants.
You gotta give Charley credit for having brass cajones!
Wanna bet?
Expel him, oh please! This is a resume enhancement for democrats. Look for Rangel to take the VP slot held by Biden.
"If I can't get my dignity back here, then fire your best shot at getting me expelled," the 20-term lawmaker said.Earlier in his speech, Rangel said, "I am not going away. I am here," triggering light applause from some lawmakers...The Democratic source called Rangel's address a "train wreck."
The ethics committee nearly reached an agreement with Rangel for the House to reprimand him, but that deal fell apart last month.
"I deserve and demand the right to be heard."
Keep on keepin' on, Blue Lou. Every time you open your mouth, I'm upping the GOP House seat gains +10 on the over/under. You can look forward to going back to holding your banana courts in an Annex building broom closet - gives 'em that 'intimate' touch you just can't get in Longworth.
he's prolly still got the shovel...
Oh boy. Cat fight!
double dog dare
triple cat dare
quadruple mouse dare
The bastard is fortunate cause if he was but an average street American who had done but just a couple of the things he has done, he would be in jail already.... =.=
Watching Charlie Ran gels today embarrassed me and I am not even a Democrat! That such a person is part of the ruling party is not comforting. While they are at it, why don’t they begin seriously investigating Dian Feinstein and Nancy Pelosi? Their husbands both profited with Federal contracts while their wives were in office!
Watching Charlie Ran gels today embarrassed me and I am not even a Democrat! That such a person is part of the ruling party is not comforting. While they are at it, why don’t they begin seriously investigating Dian Feinstein and Nancy Pelosi? Their husbands both profited with Federal contracts while their wives were in office!
“I always tell the truth, even when I lie.”
Evidently you've never heard of Larry Sinclair, Donald Young, Nathan Spencer and Larry Bland.
"It may be stupid, it may be negligent, but it's not corrupt," Rangel said in a meandering speech that lasted more than 30 minutes.At least he admits that he's "it".
Charlie just gave his Gordon Gecko, “greed is good” speech.
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