If I were to put my political philosophy into a concise package, that would just about cover it. :up:

If you really want change, join your local communist party, get an ak47, and wait for the general workers revolution against the corrupt capitalists

failing at that, just be satisfied with what you have already
many people around the world already envy the US's democratic principles

Many loved Rome's democratic principles as well, but it was still weakened to the point of death by it's politicians.

AMEN! From the results of the recent election, it would appear the country is becoming fed up, pissed off and waking up to the fact that major changes need to happen. What this says however is, it is obvious we have a long way to go and far too many are still sleeping. Wake up and smell the coffee folks! tHow could this guy be re-elected, let alone those who would give this guy a free pass and a slap on the wrist, still hold office. Like AVG said, he should have been tried just like anyone else would be, pay any fines, and probably go to jail. On top of that, the guy has the nerve to declare "I can't afford a lawyer" ... How about selling some of that property you didn't pay taxes on to pay for your lawyer. Give me a huge freak'n break.. I say THROW THE BUMS OUT!

Duke needs to ask for a retrial after this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_Cunningham

Isn't that somthing? Good read and juxtaposition! So much for Charlie's plea for leaniency due to his military service eh? :03::D Of course it may also lead a person to ponder... Does party affiliation have anything to do with the outcomes? :hmmm:

I'm no fan of Rangel (or Cunningham) but I prefer it to be extremely difficult to expel a person that the voters have elected to public office.

It's similar to a proposal that was recently defeated at our last town meeting which would have banned felons from running for town selectmen. Now it's highly unlikely that i'd vote for a person with a criminal record but I don't like the idea that my fellow citizens and I aren't allowed to elect anyone we want.

What about finish elected time then go to prison?

How about impeach?

Oh no you misunderstand Nik.

If whatever the scoundrel did rates a jail term I say the sentence should take effect immediately. Let a replacement be appointed or elected in special election according to state law like it would for a death in office or any other job incapacitating reason.

But I have a problem with government overturning the will of the voter for lesser reasons. Afaik Rangel didn't do anything that actually rates sending him to jail so while he probably ought to be the subject of a state impeachment effort, that should be for the voters of New Yorks 15th congressional district to make that call.

Imo of course.

You mean like Clinton?

I thought the tax thingy is a problem? That's why I like your signature.:D:salute:

Could be I guess but so far he hasn't been convicted of tax evasion in a court of law or sentenced to a jail term by a judge.

Thanks! :up: I applied it earlier this month right down to town selectmen. Didn't do too much good here in Democratachusetts but i'll keep plugging and maybe someday pluralism will again be seen here in the nations Cradle of Liberty.

August is spot on, IMO.

It is the State/constituency that has the final say on booting them. The party, OTOH, can and should be judged on their reaction. For minor infractions (this is major, IMO), they should boot them from committee or party leadership spots if they want the party to look clean. For stuff like this, they should boot him from the party. Failure to do so is an endorsement of his crimes.

Censure was the most they could do without expulsion - which given that Mr. Rangel was just re-elected, should not occur. His constituents, regardless of his legal issues, decided to send him back to Washington. To expel him would be to ignore their choice.

Censure will assure that he is relegated to a minor role - his seniority is not technically stripped, but by tradition the party (either one) tends to shun a censured membor.

Now should there be a legal prosecution? Thats up to a Federal or NY DA I would think.