NY Dems Plan Party for Rangel

Despite facing 13 counts of ethics violations from the House of Representatives, it appears that Charlie Rangel is set to receive beaucoup bucks from a fundraiser slated for August 11. According to The Hill via foxnews.com, prominent New York Democrats are planning a party to celebrate Charlie "I didn't know I had to claim that income" Rangel's 80th birthday with proceeds from the event ($200-$2500 per ticket) to go to the Rangel Victory Fund. The fund presumably helps finance re-election costs to insure that Charlie's seat is cemented in the "D" column.

A few of the names being floated in organizing the event at The Plaza Hotel in Manhattan (of course) are Senator Charles "Jag Off" Schumer (right; only time he'll be there), Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, and Governor David Paterson. You know, the usual suspects that scream from the highest mountain when the other side of the aisle farts the wrong way but have no problem rewarding unethical and, arguably, illegal behavior. Kind of like the whole Trent Lott incident where they screamed for Lott to step down for what they called racist remarks yet would laud a Ku Klux Klan member (Senator Robert Byrd, for those who may be new to the political arena.). I guess it all boils down to what letter you sport after your name.

There are those decent members of the House who have called for Rangel to resign or step down should the charges against Charlie have merit. Eleven House Dems have not jumped on the All-Hail-Rangel bandwagon. Among them is New York Rep. Michael Arcuri. It could be political theater ahead of what could be an election bloodbath looming in November, but I'd like to believe that someone within that party has a sense of decency and ethics. We shall see.

Rumored to be on the guest list for the "birthday bash" are New York gubernatorial candidate Andrew Cuomo and New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, a liberal Dem and a liberal in RINO clothing respectively. Let's face it. Cuomo and Bloomberg are cut out of the same political cloth and both would proudly throw their undying support behind the liberal agenda. I could see Bloomberg playing the role of ringleader in the circus set to begin in the fall should Charlie not reach a settlement with the House Ethics Committee. "Move along, folks. Nothing to see here."

And let's not forget the Congressional Black Caucus, who has urged the House to withhold judgment on Rangel. Do they mean the way they withheld judgment against the previously-mentioned Trent Lott? I guess uber-liberal members of the caucus, such as Sheila Jackson Lee and Maxine Waters, want America to look at the color of Rangel's skin first before passing judgment. White, black, yellow, red, green, purple, polka dot, or neon pink, the misuse of one's office and tax evasion are wrong and should be punished according to the law. The thought of the caucus losing a member must have all of them breathing into paper bags to keep from hyperventilating. I'm curious to see the caucus's reaction should Rangel be found in violation of not only the ethics rules of the House but the law itself. Will the caucus agree with the committee's findings or will they scream racism? Hmmmm......

Charlie Rangel has been accused of offenses that would have the average American on a straight path to the nearest federal penitentiary. Rewarding his alleged crimes by having a fundraiser under the guise of a birthday celebration is appalling at best. Until the members of government realize that they have no special privilege under the law, we can expect to see the pattern continue.

Hey Charlie! I got your birthday wishes right here!!!