I confess that I am bewildered by the recent words of Charles Rangel, the veteran Democrat (in both senses: seniority and decorated service in the Army) set to become powerful chairman of the Ways and Means Committee if Nancy Pelosi becomes Speaker.

Earlier, he announced that all the tax cuts would be on the table, a bold threat to raise taxes. Now, The New York Post highlights his words on ending the Iraq war by stabbing the troops in the back, as the editorial puts it.

"You've got to be able to pay for the war, don't you?" Rangel told the The Hill, a newspaper that covers Congress.

What a terrific message to be sending Osama & Co. It's an engraved invitation to kill as many Americans as possible between now and Nov. 7, in hopes that Charlie Rangel and the rest of the anti—war nogoodniks carry the day at the polls.

What about the tens of thousands of soldiers and Marines now in harm's way? Rangel's leaving them twisting slowly in the wind: Why take risks in the War on Terror today, if Charlie and his friends intend to sabotage the effort tomorrow?

(And make no mistake: Rangel and his fellow aspiring committee chairmen make up a motley crew indeed — a subject we will return to in some detail in the weeks ahead.)

Hat tip: Ed Lasky

Thomas Lifson   9 29 06

Update: Douglas Hanson warned us.