So says Daniel Henninger. According to Henninger's Great Guy Theory of History, the great guys in congress give themselves and each other a pass in the interest of the greater good they do. Good in their own minds anyway. Great guy Chris Dodd just got an elaborate pass on the special mortgage deals he got as a Friend of Angelo, but Rangel's tax troubles and unreported income look to be a bridge too far.
Congress just passed a financial regulation bill and people wonder how it can be 2000 pages long. The Rangel saga suggests why. The reason it's 2000 pages long has less to do with the need for regulation and a lot to do with the needs of Washington. Every financial player in America will have to contribute money, one way or another, to Washington's great guys—to their campaigns, their legacy projects, to the former members of the congressional family who will lobby and lubricate the bill's incomprehensible details.
That's the deal in Washington now. But that's not the deal as understood by most American voters. American politics is about to go through one of its periodic purifications. Decent, competent members of Congress will get swept away. Charlie Rangel, a 20-termer and a great guy, will go down in ignominy.
In the old days, guys who were lucky or smart left office or died before the sheriff arrived. This year the voters have the Capitol surrounded. In January we're going to get the 112th Congress and a chance for better than what we've had. Let's get on with it.
Tough break for Charlie Rangel, but yes, let's get on with it.
I heard this piece, "Charlie Rangel's a Great Guy," on Don & Roma (WLS Chicago). Man, I was struck at the simplicity and correctness. God Bless Amercia - and the freedom loving citizens of this great nation! We will not be over thrown - by those like Rangel.
As you said - let's get on with it!
Many Thanks for your words and energy!
Betsy
Posted by: Betsy Leggett | August 05, 2010 at 08:06 AM