Ben Stein on Charlie Rangel

[beachFool]

I think someone asked for a Charlie Rangel post.

Here's one from a Republican.

Ben Stein: Charlie Rangel Still a Hero to Me - CBS Sunday Morning - CBS News

"Now, just to me (whom you all know as a lifelong Republican), Rangel's misdeeds seem like extremely trivial matters. The IRS has not prosecuted him for tax evasion. When you are a busy man, small tax issues can get lost in the shuffle."

"But what I really want to say about Charles Rangel is that this man is a genuine American hero. "

"In unbelievably difficult service in the Korean War, his unit was swamped, cut off, overwhelmed by hordes of Red Chinese crossing into Korea. In the worst cold weather imaginable, under fire, starving, acting Sergeant Charles Rangel, in a black unit led mostly by white officers, took a large group of men, led them by example, lifted their morale, as they fought their way out to safety. Men were being shot, freezing, getting captured all around him, yet he got most of his men out.

For this leadership, sacrifice, and courage, Mr. Rangel was awarded a Bronze Star with a V for Valor. "

 

[30ashopper]

If I win a bronze star does that mean I get to cheat on my taxes too?

 

[Geo]

I thank him for his
service. Now throw the bum out of office along with the rest of them who can't abide by laws/follow rules. IMHO, his valiant military service is irrelevant to the manner in which he serves the people.

 

[futurebeachbum]

Now throw the bum out of office along with the rest of them who can't abide by laws/follow rules.

If they threw all of those who can't abide by laws/follow rules it will be time to become a realtor in DC because there'd be a whole lot of homes suddenly on the market.

 

[Geo]

Sad but true...

 

[Andy A]

Wow, Geo, we've got to quit this. I, once again, agree with you completely.

 

[Geo]

But on the ignorance thread you said a high ranking military man could never be an embarrassment- only "misdirected". Is Charlie Rangel an embarrassment for his actions or exempt because of his military service and therefore only misdirected???

 

[Andy A]

You're comparing apples and oranges again. What Charlie Rangel did by any stretch of the imagination was criminal. If you or I had done it, the IRS would have come after us big time and we might well be in jail. What the Lt. Col. did was misdirected opinion and speech. Big difference. and BTW, I, for one, am getting tired of every generalization posted being taken down to an infintesimal level to make a point. Don't come back with some nonsense as you are bright enough to know damn well what I am talking about. To intimate that retired Lt. Col's cannot do any wrong was not my intention and you know it. I am not going to qualify every thing with what pleases the left on this board. Read it, consider it, ignore it or agree with it but for all quit playing "word games". Most of us write clearly enough for our meaning to be understood. As I said, either accept it or ignore it.

 

[Geo]

Andy, you respond with paragraphs that do nothing to clarify your position.

Please. I am seeking to understand what you believe.

Regarding the Texas Congressman who stubbornly refuses to acknowledge his President is a US citizen despite proof- you said:

"There are no retired Army Lt. Col.'s who are an embarrassment. There may be some who, according to some, are completely misdirected."

Regarding Charlie Rangel- you stated your agreement with me that his valiant military service is irrelevant to how we judge him now.

Please clarify for each-

do you believe that the Texas birther is less of a buffoon for his behavior because he was a military man?

P.S. Watch the video.

 

[Geo]

Let me simplify-

Texas Birther- idiot or not an idiot

Rangel- bum or not a bum