Posted on 12/02/2010 4:53:24 PM PST by speciallybland
In a historic action against one of its own, the House Thursday voted 333 to 79 to censure Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) on 11 charges of violating rules of the chamber -- a vote that overwhelming yet clearly wrenching for many of his colleagues.
Following the vote, Rangel walked down to the well of the House to receive his public rebuke, alone and looking somber, as Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) read a list of the violations.
When she concluded, Rangel responded, "I just want all of you to know that I know in all my heart that I will not be judged by this Congress, but by my life, my actions, and my contributions to society."
Before the vote, Rangel the 80-year-old Harlem lawmaker said in a 6-minute address that he brought these events "upon myself."
Rangel also apologized to his colleagues "for putting you in this awkward position," recalled it was 60 years ago this week he had been wounded in the service of his country in Korea, and said he "wants to continue to service this Congress and this country."
But Rangel also continued to argue that a fairer punishment based on House precedent would have been a reprimand. And two colleagues sitting on his right and left -- Reps. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) and Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) both took up that same argument on his behalf.
But in the end, that argument did not prevail, with the House rejecting an amendment to reduce the punishment down to a reprimand.
Three Republicans who favored reprimand over censure were Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), Don Young (R-Alaska), and Ron Paul (R-Texas).
(Excerpt) Read more at hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com ...
Punishing a crook is only wrenching when it comes to dems.
censure = joke
RODNEY KING! RODNEY KING!
Given Charlie’s exploits in Korea one would think he had a purple heart, bronze star, and a CMO as well.
You won't hear any more about her, that subject was dropped by the gov't and the media like a hot potato.
Give me a few million in graft, free housing and tax breaks and I’ll stand there and let them yell at me all they want. They can yell until they get tired of it, I’ll take my punishment.
He should have been expelled.
recalled it was 60 years ago this week he had been wounded in the service of his country in Korea
Sorry Charlie, but just because you once served honorably doesn't give you pass when you become a scumbag... After all, wasn't Timothy McVeigh awarded the Bronze Star?
Mark
Have you never watched the proceedings on the floor of the house?
They ALWAYS ask for the yeas and nays. Then state their opinion and when someone ask for a recorded vote, they vote “electronically”.
In order to be judged by your life you must be dead, right?
Supporters, including many in the Congressional Black Caucus and New York delegation, backed that call. Censure is an extremely severe penalty, said Rep. Peter King (R) of New York, one of two Republicans to vote against censure. Why are we being asked to reverse more than 200 years of tradition and precedent?
House censures veteran Rep. Rangel for misconduct
A half-dozen members spoke in Rangel's defense, arguing a reprimand was appropriate. A handful of Democrats applauded after one of them, Republican Rep. Peter King of New York, backed Rangel.
Peter King can be a class act at times, but other times he's a RINO.
If you or I did the same, Rangel would be pushing for jail, because we are rich and racist.
What is the matter with Ron paul? He’s kind of demented..
Screw you, Charlie. Your ass should be in jail. Especially given your position as chairman of the House Ways and Means.
It’s like a cop getting a ticket for being busted for bribery.
That fat crook should be perp-walked out of the House in an orange jumpsuit, handcuffs and shackles.
When a man like that is re-elected overwhelmingly in his district as he was, you just have to shake your head in amazement that such people live in this country and, in fact, admire his corruptions. They are an even larger embarrassment than Rangel himself is.
And he was writing tax law. What a disgusting debacle.
That fat crook should be perp-walked out of the House in an orange jumpsuit, handcuffs and shackles.
When a man like that is re-elected overwhelmingly by the voters in his district as he was, you just have to shake your head in amazement that such people live in this country and, in fact, admire his acts of corruption. They are an even larger embarrassment than Rangel himself is.
And he was writing tax law. What a disgusting debacle.
He broke several laws. Prosecute him. He shouldn't be above the law just because he has been successfully scoffing at it for so long.
It’s a shame, isn’t it, when you know that Charlie’s constituency votes solely by what their eyes see; color.
And the fact that this guy is chairs the Ways and Means comittee is a testament to the joke our Congress has become.
Charlie’s persistent denial of any wrongdoing in spite of the evidence should have inspired his peers to vote for expulsion.
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