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Now It's Okay For Rangel To Laugh About Ethics Problems
By
Jen Chung
Published Sep 23, 2011
Modified Sep 23, 2011
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By
Jen Chung
Published Sep 23, 2011
Modified Sep 23, 2011
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It was less than a year ago that the House of Representatives voted to censure longtime Harlem Congressman Charles Rangel for a series of ethic violations, which Rangel called "embarrassing" and "painful." Yesterday, Rangel chortled, "Anyone who wants to ask about the Ethics Committee, I'm not answering any questions," when his portrait was unveiled at the Capitol yesterday (the Daily News said that line was greeted with "applause and laughter").
Time changes everything: House Speaker John Boehner said, "Charlie and I have considered each other friends since I got here. We're proud of your accomplishments," and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said, "Thank you for being an inspiration to us." Senator Chuck Schumer added, “Everybody has their good times, everybody has their bad. We all know that. But no matter what the times were like, this man, this great, wonderful man who I am so lucky to have as a mentor and friend to me … his spirit is so strong and so good.”
As for who is footing the cost of the portrait, it seems like it's okay that Rangel is using campaign funds for it.
Tagged
charles rangel
ethics violations
house of representatives
portrait
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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