The House ethics investigators have announced a public trial regarding ethics charges against Representative Charles Rangel. This is not news.

 I have written in American Commentaries on numerous occasions about Charles Rangel’s unethical behavior under the “Congressional Culture of Corruption Continues” series: #3 – Rangel Violates NY Rent Stabilization Laws (9/8/08); #6 – Rangel’s Tax Evasion (9/13/08); #12 – Rangel Demonstrated His Disdain for ethical Behavior (12/12/08); #21 – Charles Rangel is a disgrace to the House of Representatives (8/27/09);  #22 – Rangel Pays Off Democrats on Ethics Committee (9/4/09); #28 – Charles Rangel Ethical Violations Go Unchecked (2/27/10).

 As recently as March of this year I posted an article titled “The House Ethics Process is Working?” (3/21/10). My conclusion: “Only if the Democrats designed it to miserably fail.”

 The shame of it all is not that Charles Rangel has been allowed to engage in unethical behavior for so long. The shame of it all is not that the ethics committee took so long to arrive at this juncture.

 The shame of it all is that Democrats have been negotiating with Rangel for months to avoid the circus of a trial. They have yet to reach agreement. However, talks between the Democrats and Rangel continue. The possibility that another corrupt Democrat Congressman escapes punishment for his unethical acts will surely shatter the 11% approval rating Congress now enjoys.

 Rangel is said to be dragging his feet on an agreement because he wants another term in Congress. The Black Caucaus will protect Rangel at any cost, up to and including using the race card against Democrats on the Ethics Committee. Any type of ethics trial dragging close to the November elections will prove to be hazardous to Democrats up for re-election.

 Whatever happens, do not look for principled Democrat representatives to do the right thing.  The Democrats goal is to cover up, sweep it under the rug, and if Rangel proves obstinate Democrats in the House may throw Rangel under the proverbial bus.