the rix mix

Rangel’s friends say he was just sloppy, but it’s more likely that he just feels he’s too important to be bothered with the rules.

Gail Collins on Congressman Charles Rangel, the elderly, ethically-challenged Chairman of House Ways & Means. In ways it's difficult to explain, Rangel is beyond hubris. It is hubris when a smaller man behaves like Rangel. A Tom DeLay, for example. Some politicians at all levels become Rangels when they're easily re-elected, consolidate their power, & do what they do for a long time. They still show up at events, express opinions - angrily when called for, shake hands, kiss cheeks, schmooze, affable enough - if detached. But they no longer "represent" the people who elect them, even when they continue to reside in the same neighborhood. Washington politicians are worse because they relocate, & their city digs or homes in Virginia or Maryland are superior to the ones they own back in their states & districts. They move their families, buy vacation homes even farther away.

They're not concerned with mere details. They don't experience the common anxieties of constituents anymore, or relate to them. because their true constituents are the people they know & deal with every day. They're secure. They figure nobody is checking up on them, & it could be true for years, even decades, without serious opponents waging strong campaigns in close elections. If Rangel faced those, he'd likely have closer relationships with his tax accountant, lawyers, & various financial advisors. He might have some vague idea of how distant he is from the folks back in New York City whose votes for him are cast one at time.