On the day when his enemies were salivating and barely able to control their excitement, U.S. Rep. Peter King spoke kindly about fellow Rep. Charles Rangel, who was hit with 13 charges by the House Ethics Committee.
Speaking on a conservative radio program, King, a Republican, said that although he could not think of a political issue where he agreed with Rangel, “I have great regard for Charlie Rangel. This is a guy who was shot in Korea and spent 40 years in Congress. This is a sad day.”
Rangel, who has been in Congress since 1971, is accused of holding four rent-stabilized apartments in Manhattan and using his office to raise money for an educational institute named after him at City College in Manhattan. Although there was talk last week of Rangel’s attorneys trying to cut a deal, no agreement has been announced.
Rangel is best known as the representative for Harlem and other parts of upper Manhattan. The fact that he also represents a sliver of Sunnyside and parts of Western Queens only reflects the insanity of redistricting.
Rep. Joseph Crowley said, “It’s certainly not a happy day. I have a lot of respect for Mr. Rangel and his life’s work. We’re close and always will be.”
Rangel deserves his day in court. But we hope it will not come to that. The congressman is a war hero and a senior member of the House of Representatives. A way should be found to allow Rangel to bring his time in public service to a dignified close.
The Coastal Classroom
Even at a time when the city is tightening its belt, there are some wonderful programs that have managed to survive. One of these is Green Girls, a program for middle school girls run by the city Parks Foundation’s Coastal Classroom.
Located in Long Island City, Green Girls are casting nets in the East River and learning about the hidden life of microorganisms there.
The summer camp combines math and science with hands-on fun and, from what we observed, is a success.
