No sooner did I write about not being polled, than I answered a phone poll.  About my local Congressman.  What I answered surprised me.

Charlie Rangel has been great to NY and the country.  He also has some alleged ethical lapses.  Serious (alleged) ones.  He is 80 years old and probably should make way for the younger generation (who are nearly eligible for AARP benefits).

But, Charlie Rangel remained a steadfast liberal even when it was a dirty word.  He spoke up against the tyranny of fear-mongering during the Bush years, even when others (whom we thought were strong) cowered.  He has worked hard for over forty years to move America forward.

Assume what is alleged is true.  He failed to pay taxes on investments and improperly owns too many apartments in a subsidized building.  I am ok with it.  (Not HAPPY, but ok if I hold my nose.)  I guess I have mellowed or my righteous indignation has been spent on other, more deserving targets.  Or, I guess I put it into perspective of what other politicians did — sold their votes to big oil, took us into a war that was a mistake, vilified a group of Americans or immigrants for political gain, stoked the birther movement for political gain.  I could go on and on.

Yes, he should retire soon (and wear an orange jumpsuit if he is guilty) and let the younger politicians carry the torch, but right now we need people who are experienced in the trenches and are squarely on the side of the President to help the President get us out of the mess created by 8 years of George and Dick.

So, guilty or not, Charlie is my man.