Harlem Globetrotter

Today, Representative Charlie Rangel (D-NY) announced that he would be taking a leave of absence from his position as Chairmen of the House Ways and Means Committee in light of an ongoing ethics investigation based on trips he took to the Dominican Republic and unpaid taxes on income he received from renting his estate there. Ways and Means is one of the most important House committees based on, ironically, it's role in creating tax laws and generating income for the federal government.
Rangel is a hero among many in the progressive community. However, he is by no means a saint. Having been in congress for almost 40 years, Rangel has had plenty of time to learn the ways that Washington works and to take full advantage. He has been involved in numerous ethics investigations, and is listed in CREW's list of the top 15 most corrupt congresspersons.
The news coming out of the press conference today was big, Rangel is one of the most senior and visible members of congress. There does seems to be another shoe to drop here, though. First, House Minority Leader John Boehner has questioned the legality of taking a temporary leave of absence, and many Republicans continue to call for his full resignation. Also, corruption may be one of the big issues come November. In 2006, Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi promised to clean up the corruption issues that had plagued the Republican congress. Pelosi, however, seemed reluctant to take this action in regards to Rangel, having had this opportunity months ago. With a large anti-incumbent mood growing in the country, can Republicans win back control of the House or Senate based on a fear of corrupt big-government liberals spending your hard-earned tax dollars?
Whatever eventually comes from today's news, this most be counted as a win for the American people. Yes, even for progressives! There are no progressive values that condone congressmen taking money from corporate lobbyist so they can have a nap on a tropical beach. We all remember the outrage that was felt when Tom Delay took golfing trips to Scotland, and we can be no less vigilant here. A corrupt member of congress is a corrupt member of congress. Period. It makes no difference if that member of congress has been fighting for liberal causes longer that some of us have been alive.