Video: Don’t you think you owe your congressman a Benz?
posted at 12:05 pm on May 2, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Lots of people e-mailing about this but I can’t muster the outrage. I get the point — they’re sick with their own sense of entitlement — but after untold billions spent on pork, how can you get angry about this tiny drop in an ocean-sized bucket? It’s like watching bank robbers shoplift a candy bar from a convenience store.
I do like Rangel’s display of balls, though, in suggesting that he’s doing it for his constituents. Behold the sacrifice of the hardworking public servant, forced to travel by Cadillac just to make you smile. Good ol’ Charlie. Click the image to watch.
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I am so sick of these people. They just rub it in our faces. I just…I give up.
ronsfi on May 2, 2008 at 12:10 PM
It’s that kind of attitude that let’s the bucket get so big in the first place.
By the way… this also could have been a great installment of “Guess that Party.” Were there any Republicans in this group?
Spolitics on May 2, 2008 at 12:14 PM
How much of the budget could be saved if we cut out this little perk? I’ve read that some members actually get vehicles for the chiefs of staff. Where in the Constitution is free transportation for elected officials?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on May 2, 2008 at 12:14 PM
This fuels my outrage on pork!
Pam on May 2, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Charlie Rangel, I cringe every time I hear his voice.
Maxx on May 2, 2008 at 12:15 PM
…and by the way. I can see the argument for a car. They don’t really live there, so it’s a job-related expense. But there should be limits. And why the hell are we paying for their gas?!
p.s. Rangel is shameless.
Spolitics on May 2, 2008 at 12:16 PM
That comes from the same Congressman who thinks a middle-class house in TX, where no state income tax is paid, with a nice little fence and backyard, is owned by someone he calls “the rich.”
In fact, anyone middle-class who lives outside his HArlem district he considers “rich.”
newton on May 2, 2008 at 12:17 PM
So, it would be disrespectful to his constituents if he drives a smaller car?? Huh?
StephC on May 2, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Once again, you want to solve all these problems with pompous self-righteous asses like Charlie Rangel?
Two things:
1) The next time clowns like him are up for re-election, don’t vote for them and kick them out of office.
2) Demand that there be term limitation imposed on ALL members of Congress, including the House and the Senate, just as there is term limitation imposed on the President. You serve two terms, and you’re done.
It’s either or the other, but I think everyone now has had a gut-full of guys like Rangel.
pilamaye on May 2, 2008 at 12:20 PM
…and Janis Joplin rolls over in her grave.
James on May 2, 2008 at 12:21 PM
At least most of them are driving American-made cars. What’s the deal with the friggin’ Lexus? (Toyota makes many cars and trucks in American “transplant” factories, but I’m pretty sure the Lexus LS460 isn’t one of them.)
Note the lack of hybrids among the fleet, too.
Damian P. on May 2, 2008 at 12:28 PM
These people talk out of both sides of their mouths. I am not getting a rebate because I am considered “rich” (although I made less than $100k last year) and my taxes should be raised but these guys can spend money on fancy cars. No wonder Congress has such a low approval rating. Excuse me, I need another cup of coffee, damn what did I do with my solid-gold coffee cup???
HawaiiLwyr on May 2, 2008 at 12:30 PM
HawaiiLwyr on May 2, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Lol!!!
SoCalInfidel on May 2, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Someone had to say it: Beep beep’m beep beep yeah
Beep beep’m beep beep yeah.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on May 2, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Hey now baby, get into my big black car.
Hey now baby, get into my big black car.
I want to just show you what my politics are…
Cream…From the album Wheels of Fire 1968…Appropriate I think?
soulsirkus on May 2, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Me too, I get a little vomit in my throat whenever I hear this SOB speak, especially when he puts on his “I’m just a dedicated and humble public servant” act…makes me want to hurl…the only one he’s ever served was himself to our money!
He’s a just another useless government tool!
Liberty or Death on May 2, 2008 at 12:45 PM
This logic is just mind-boggling.
Corky on May 2, 2008 at 12:46 PM
They know their bullet proof. We can’t get them out of office. They’ve rigged the game. Elected for life. My poor country.
ronsfi on May 2, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Doesn’t he care about his carbon footprint?
Rick on May 2, 2008 at 12:51 PM
A donkey and an open umbrella is more than any of the dc bunch is worth at taxpayers expense. Save on the carbon thing too.
L
letget on May 2, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Perfectly appropriate…perhaps we should add some ‘Strange Brew’ to the mix as it’s obvious by Rangel’s illogical and downright absurd justification Rangel’s been drinking a lot of strange brew!
Liberty or Death on May 2, 2008 at 12:56 PM
At least it’s an American car :-( sheesh
Preaching to the choir brother. Do you believe Democrats ever think before they vote? Rangell was the last congressman I heard preaching about reinstating the draft, however, I’ll bet you 9 out of 10 KOS and HuffPo commenters would say it’s something the Republicans want to do.
kirkill on May 2, 2008 at 12:56 PM
ENOUGH !!! I CAN’T TAKE ANY MORE OF THIS CRAP FROM OUR GOVERNMENT !!!
stenwin77 on May 2, 2008 at 12:57 PM
What do you expect. It’s not their money they’re spending. They should have an allowance for this stuff, let’s say $400 a month to pick a car, they would have a very wide selection of cars for that money.
This is just more proof that they do not understand the working man or the value of the (faalling) dollar.
We’re just stupid pee-ons that should enjoy being pee’d on.
Geronimo on May 2, 2008 at 12:57 PM
How true and sad. Same as the tenured professors. Pathetic.
kirkill on May 2, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Faalling = falling. Doh, glad it’s Friday.
Geronimo on May 2, 2008 at 12:58 PM
whos paying the fuel cost ?
palefaced on May 2, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Or how about they get a standard fleet vehicle like the ones state and local government employees drive, you know, the plain white ones with an FM radio, nothing frills, nothing fancy, just basic transportation!
There is absolutely not need for a Benz or a Cadillac, that’s just wasteful and an arrogant slap to our faces!
Easy, every drop adds to the ocean. Besides, it’s our hard earned money, it’s not their money and this type of waste should make every tax payer angry!
Liberty or Death on May 2, 2008 at 1:09 PM
There should be a nightly television show dedicated exclusively to exposing excessive congressional/gov’t spending (preferably not hosted by Lou Dobbs).
CP on May 2, 2008 at 1:09 PM
I had to stop using my solid gold coffee cup because it kept setting my microwave ovens on fire. dang.
Fishoutofwater on May 2, 2008 at 1:10 PM
This is one reason I will vote for McCain, he say’s he wants to put an end to the pork. McCain takes no pork while Hillary takes 3 times of others.
McCain = Pork Stop Express
abinitioadinfinitum on May 2, 2008 at 1:10 PM
The clean-up needs to start somewhere. I say they should all get Chevy Malibus for Ford Escorts. If they want more, they can pay for it. Then on to the pork projects.
bopbottle on May 2, 2008 at 1:18 PM
GREEN for thee but not for me!
Bicyea on May 2, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Besides an election, politicians should also have to pass a Congressional civil servants test.
Minimum ability to recite the Constitution by heart for a start.
Speakup on May 2, 2008 at 1:38 PM
I am actually more suprised that we are not buying them the cars then just leasing them for them. I feel sorry for them. They should get a new every two program going. Poor, poor public servants!
Am I keeping a straight face? NO!
azcop on May 2, 2008 at 1:40 PM
Another poster child for term limits. I maybe can understand the car, but Mark Levin said they also get their gas paid for. Personally, I think they should pay for their own gas. Maybe then we could get some drilling in ANWR.
Kafir on May 2, 2008 at 1:41 PM
Somebody needs to use this clip in a campaign ad against the new Culture of Corruption.
Throw all the bums out, Reps and Dems alike. Bunch of looters.
fossten on May 2, 2008 at 1:44 PM
Platinum coffee cup for the win…
fossten on May 2, 2008 at 1:46 PM
So that’s okay? I bet the store owner would be a little upset. But why should he? Its a small time heist, right? Theft in any amount should make you outraged. Ahhh, but then again there’s that small matter of morals, and atheism doesn’t have any. Does it AP?
Andy in Agoura Hills on May 2, 2008 at 1:46 PM
Welcome to Massachusetts, where one of the very first things newly elected (its just words) Gov. Deval Patrick did was dump Mitt Romney’s standard State Police issue Crown Vic for a shiny new Cadillac. Thus was born Cadillac Coupe Deval Patrick…pimp my state!
dmann on May 2, 2008 at 1:48 PM
“We’ve got to protect our phony baloney jobs, gentlemen!”
Kensington on May 2, 2008 at 1:49 PM
It’s the mindset, not always the money.
right2bright on May 2, 2008 at 1:54 PM
I had to sell my solid gold toilet and solid gold coffee maker in order to pay my taxes so our wasteful government representatives could drive fancy cars…
I wonder what the IRS would do if I paid my taxes with hammers (paint them gold) since not long ago some government agencies were paying $300 for a hammer! At that price you’d think they would be made of gold!
Liberty or Death on May 2, 2008 at 1:55 PM
This report isn’t going to hurt Charlie — he learned a long time ago from Adam Clayton Powell that if you refuse to show any shame or remorse at all for your excesses, the core constituency in Rangel’s district will stick with him under the belief this is simply another way to stick it to the man (or, in this case, to the taxpayer).
On the other hand, it’s also not going to hurt Congressman Weiner’s planned campaign for NYC mayor next year that he’s the only one in this report who comes off as driving a vehicle any normal person on his salary would have leased.
jon1979 on May 2, 2008 at 1:56 PM
Harumph…harumph!!
Pointing to Rangel; “Hey, I didn’t get a “harumph” out of him!”
Classic Mel Brooks!
Liberty or Death on May 2, 2008 at 1:59 PM
I thought that was to fund the alien research and Sector 7?
/
Geronimo on May 2, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Two words.
Toyota. Yaris.
I want Charlie’s fat ass hauled around in an (admittedly kinda cute) econo-box like many of his alleged constituents drive.
Oh, I should recommend something built here, not by one of our allies? Fine.
Ford. Focus.
Hey, better – if Rangel had any actual Focus on his fellow Harlemites instead of his fat wad of cash…
Mew
acat on May 2, 2008 at 2:17 PM
He would show a h*ll of a lot more respect for his constituents if he didn’t waste so much of their money.
pullingmyhairout on May 2, 2008 at 2:19 PM
Rangel belongs chained to a rock with a sledge hammer. He’s the Reverend Wright of NY politics.
Hening on May 2, 2008 at 2:22 PM
Are saying size counts? I don’t think so. Pork is pork and a bite at a time the pig will eventually be eaten.
Wade on May 2, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Contrary to ID4, there are some hammers that do legitimately cost $300.
They are crafted with specialized materials that in various cases can’t cause sparks, are non-magnetic, can’t be chipped, have special coatings or handles, or are extraordinarily large (yesterday, I saw an adjustable wrench in a retail construction equipment store that was sale priced at $150…yeah, it was a big ol’ pipe wrench, but that would just show up on a listing as ‘wrench, 1 ea.’).
There are certainly examples of government waste out there, but unless you know what you’re looking at beyond the name ‘hammer,’ you’re probably missing something special about it.
James on May 2, 2008 at 2:30 PM
That phlemy-throated bag of hot air. Just once I wish he would clear his throat before speaking. It just irritates the crap out of me.
txsurveyor on May 2, 2008 at 2:34 PM
I think the point is way more than their sense of entitlement, it’s that they don’t have to suffer from the very mandates they burden the rest of us with. The story says:
They don’t even pay for their own gas? No wonder they can pander to the enviros and keep us from drilling in ANWR, or campaign to hit corporations with “windfall profit taxes, or campaign to impose a carbon tax on us – they aren’t burdened with the cost of gas or gas taxes, and then they have the unmitigated gall to say we don’t pay our fair share of income/payroll/cap gains taxes.
Granted the Senate is exempt from this particular perk, but it takes both houses of congress to make our lives miserable.
Buy Danish on May 2, 2008 at 2:57 PM
Granted they do need some specialized equipment for certain applications, e.g., spark-proof tools for use in explosive areas, etc. and they are more expensive then your ordinary hammer, I’ll give you that. However, wasn’t there also a big uproar several years ago about $500-$700 coffee makers?
What made those coffee makers worth $500-$700? Did the coffee makers have artificial intelligence where all you had to do was bark out what kind of coffee you wanted and it would make it perfectly everytime and then thank you?
Just wondering…
Liberty or Death on May 2, 2008 at 3:07 PM
Two words:
Keating Five
Red Pill on May 2, 2008 at 3:09 PM
Heh, you may be right! After all now that everyone knows about ‘area 51′ they had to move the whole operation to a new location, after all they can’t have us children finding out about all the reverse engineering they do and the alien bodies they have now can they!
Liberty or Death on May 2, 2008 at 3:11 PM
If one is flying 28 hour missions back and forth to wherever, I nice hot cup of Joe is greatly appreciated. Given a domestic machine that sites on your counter can cost a couple of hunrded bucks, a cost per unit of $500 – $700 does includes the engineering required to intergrate and procduce (in very limited numbers) a coffee machine that will function in lets say a B2.
dmann on May 2, 2008 at 3:20 PM
This could be the next Congressional bank. The republicians can use this to drive home the corrupt congress. This story could change the entire conversation of Nov. It’s the little things that people understand. When you can go to the bank and cash checks for stamps, or when you you get a nice car and don’t pay for it. Those are the little things that get people fired up. It’s hard to grasp billions its easy for the avg person to understand getting a caddy for free and us paying for it at the same time they want TO INCREASE OUR TAXES TO PAY FOR MORE CARS. Why should this frauds get more of our money. Throw the bums out. All the bums. Now if only the REP can show its the other bums in control.
unseen on May 2, 2008 at 4:00 PM
AHA! Apparently Allah is in the mainstream with his punditry on this topic:
Meanwhile, the last sentence nails it for me.
Buy Danish on May 2, 2008 at 4:41 PM
Precisely.
James on May 2, 2008 at 5:40 PM
Hey,, they can’t do with out! As Rangel says,, “All that money he gets” well, that’s honesty.
These people are the biggest thieves in the country. What a scam they run!
JellyToast on May 2, 2008 at 6:35 PM
Don’t you get it? Cholly Rangel needs some fine wheels to drop by all of those buildings he has had named after himself with pork dollars? Are we really to believe that his constituents pay any taxes at all? Aren’t they too poor to do so?
onlineanalyst on May 2, 2008 at 10:27 PM
My two words are: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
I’d like to know when this program started, who participates in it, what the total cost is including gas/maintenance/parking, etc., and why the Senate doesn’t have the same program.
One would think they would be jealous…unless they have some perk more exorbitant.
91Veteran on May 2, 2008 at 11:26 PM
We are so generous…… and used….
sMack on May 3, 2008 at 12:00 AM
11
May 2nd, 2008 @ 3:38pm
by KPHO.com
An 18-year-old illegal immigrant has been arrested in connection with the rape of an 11-year-old girl, Maricopa County sheriff’s deputies said.
Enrique Jacobo-Valdez was booked into the Fourth Avenue Jail on two counts of sexual conduct with a minor.
Jacobo-Valdez, who is known to the young girl’s family, is currently unemployed and had a warrant out for his arrest from Pinal County for possession of dangerous drugs, deputies said.
The sheriff’s office said it dispatched deputies after receiving a phone call Thursday from the victim’s grandmother indicating that she found the 11-year-old locked inside a bedroom.
The man was running from the home when the girl finally opened the door, sheriff’s investigators said.
The grandmother and mother of the victim took the girl to a local hospital where it was determined that she is at least six weeks pregnant and may have been impregnated by the rape, deputies said.
Jacobo-Valdez returned to the girls’ home where he was arrested by deputies for the Pinal County felony warrant, according to MCSO.
During an interrogation, he admitted raping the 11-year-old, sheriff’s deputies said.
DfDeportation on May 3, 2008 at 11:29 AM
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