Rangel

Congressman Charlie Rangel was convicted of committing all sorts of ethical violations of House rules.

What I don't get are why punishments are limited to a House vote deploring his conduct, a fine, and denial of privileges. You only hurt your constituents if you deny privileges, and he's too broke to pay a fine if he can't pay for his legal counsel.  A vote is a slap on the wrist.

I don't get why they waited til after the election to schedule this "trial."  But even more so, I don't get why his constituents voted for such an ethically challenged individual. How sad.