EDITORIAL: Colbert before ethics--Rangel trial takes back seat to comic farce

The Washington Times ^ | October 5, 2010 | Editorial

[jazusamo]

Democratic leaders would rather waste time with comedian Stephen Colbert than uphold the ethics of Congress. With the refusal of the House to hold ethics trials for Rep. Charles B. Rangel, New York Democrat, and Maxine Waters, California Democrat, the arrogance and impudence of Nancy Pelosi's speakership is on full display.

California Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren, who invited and hosted Mr. Colbert's ridiculous Sept. 24 testimony, is the chairman of the House ethics committee who nixed demands for the trials of her two Democratic colleagues. Both are charged with financial improprieties that bring disrepute on Congress. Mrs. Waters is accused of using undue influence to benefit a bank for which her husband was a board member and "significant invest[or]." Mr. Rangel is accused of 13 violations ranging from tax avoidance to improper fundraising.

The committee made its official charges against both in midsummer. The Rangel investigation has stretched more than two years. There is no reason why the trials can't proceed. Yet Ms. Lofgren, obviously fearful of further embarrassments for her party before the elections, continues to interfere with the course of justice.

[mia]

Banana Republics are run like this. We are on a very slippery slope. I’m 67 and I don’t remember anything like this happening before. Of course, I wasn’t paying attention until 1998 at the time of Monica’s blue dress.

; )

[Free in Texas]

Good thing they’ve got their priorities in order!/sarc

[jazusamo]

Banana Republics are run like this.

That is so true! I'm a year your senior and though I've only been paying close attention for about 10 years I've always tried to stay aware what was happening, I don't remember fiasco's like this either.

Before and after I came of age to vote there were still Dems that put the country before politics. As time went on there were fewer and fewer until we now have a Dem party that are leftists, and I'm being kind in saying that.

It's imperative we take back the majority in the House, Senate and preferably both until this tyrant is out of office, our country's well being depends on it.