Wow... This Is Truly Amazing... As Well As Obscene

The Headline...

Ethics Panel Finding Hints at Guilty Verdict for Rangel

The story...

A House ethics panel sitting in judgment of Rep. Charles Rangel agreed Monday to all of the prosecution evidence against him...

Mr. Rangel faces 13 counts of "violating House rules," including failing to report assets, failing to pay taxes on rental income from a vacation property and misusing congressional stationery to try to raise money for a college center named in his honor.

Hmm... violating House rules, huh? And what of... er... violating the law...???

The panel's finding to accept as fact the case's details doesn't by itself represent a guilty verdict, but it strongly suggests the panel will find he violated House ethics rules.

Huh...??? So let me get this straight...

(*SCRATCHING MY HEAD*)

...not only does Congressional "Ethics" Committee stipulation that Rangel actually did what the prosecution alleges not necessarily equate to a finding that Charlie Rangel broke the law... it doesn't even necessarily mean that he'll be "found guilty" of... er... what the prosecution has already successfully proven to the Committee he's done...???

(*MIGRAINE HEADACHE DEVELOPING*)

But, wait... it gets worse...

(*SIGH*)

Blake Chisam, the committee lawyer acting as a prosecutor in the case, outlined the evidence against the congressman...

Wait for it... wait for it...

Under questioning from lawmakers, Mr. Chisam said he didn't believe Mr. Rangel's actions were corrupt, but were sloppy and in violation of House ethics rules.

Folks... this is insane... is this some sort of sick joke...???

(*GRITTING MY TEETH*)

The accusations aren't viewed by investigators as corruption or profiting from his position, but rather a failure to follow the rules of ethical conduct and accurately report his finances as required.

(*TEARING MY HAIR OUT*)

Thus, Mr. Rangel is unlikely to face expulsion from the House even with a finding of guilt; the most likely punishment would be a public reprimand.

Folks... one more time... read the damned charges...!!! (The charges already accepted by the Committee as fact...!!!)

These people are making a mockery of justice itself...