Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY) has found himself under a cloud of suspicion for a number of financial issues. First and foremost, Rangel's rental property on the coast of the Dominican Republic has resulted in a controversy over $75,000 in rental income that he must now pay taxes on to IRS. (He is re-doing his tax returns to pay taxes on the income.) In addition, questions are being asked about rental apartments in New York City that Rangel uses as well as alleged requests he has made of corporations and foundations to fund an academic center that bears his name.
As a result of the ethical questions, Republicans are asking that Rangel be removed as chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.
I am not passing judgement on the controversy surrounding Congressman Rangel. I have no idea what the facts are. I only wish to point out two things about Rangel in his life and political career.
First, Charles Rangel is a distinguished combat veteran of the Korean War, who served with valor.
Second, I remember as a DEA agent, Rangel was known as a strong supporter of our agency and its mission.
Those two aspects of his resume have always led me to respect Congressman Rangel-even though I often disagree with his positions. In spite of my disagreements with him, I have never considered Rangel to be a radical leftist. I consider him to be an American patriot, which he has proved.
As far as the allegations against Rangel, I can only say that the chips should fall where they may. I do hope, however, that his errors are simply mistakes, and that my respect for him will not be lessoned.
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