Free Republic

Ethics: If a prominent Republican neglected paying taxes, then insulted the disabled, his political career would be over instantly. Is a double standard saving House Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel?When a quarter-century ago this week, Reagan Administration Interior Secretary James Watt made his infamous "a black, a woman, two Jews and a cripple" quip, he was out the door within weeks. Will the same happen to Rep. Rangel after being asked last Friday why Republican presidential nominee Sarah Palin's popularity frightens Democrats? "You got to be kind to the disabled," replied Rangel, a New York Democrat. WCBS-TV reporter Marcia...

'These two entities -- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- are not facing any kind of financial crisis,'' said Representative Barney Frank of Massachusetts, the ranking Democrat on the Financial Services Committee. ''The more people exaggerate these problems, the more pressure there is on these companies, the less we will see in terms of affordable housing.' - NY TimesWednesday, September 17, 2008 ________________________________________ Rep. Frank says markets need more regulation By Robert Schroeder Last update: 1:02 p.m. EDT Sept. 17, 2008Comments: 7 WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Financial markets need more regulation and Congress must consider whether a new entity is needed...