The House Ethics Panel convened today to air the 13 ethics violations of which twenty term Congressman Charlie Rangel (D) NY is accused.  The fact that the much anticipated meeting was delayed for nearly an hour caused rumors to run wild that Rangel had cut a deal with the panel.  Rangel never showed up for the 15 minute meeting even though he has repeatedly expressed the desire to publically respond to the accusations. Though Rangel couldn't be bothered to show up, he did provide a written response to the House Ethics Panel.  You know Rangel got caught with his hands in the cookie jar when the Democrats' large majority and penchant for over looking public gaffes can't keep him out of the hands of a Panel that's only publicly met 3 times in 13 years.

Rangel's ethical problems have been dogging the Congressman for years. Rangel's presence in Congress as the chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee have forever made Nancy "I don't recall" Pelosi's public professions of running a clean Congress laughable.  The democrats have relied heavily on Rangel's experience and clout to move recent contentious  bills through Congress.  From Tim "I forgot to pay my taxes" Geithner to Charlie "I don't care who paid for the plan" Rangel, the Obama administration and the democrats have a long history of "Do as I say, not as I do".  Rangel just continues the sordid tradition.

Aaron Gee is a US based IT consultant that blogs at www.foundingideals.com