Congressman Charley Rangle, D-NY, is in the news again, the House Ethics committee looking into some shenanigans having to do with cheating on his taxes and other assorted stuff politicians always take for granted that they don’t have to do. Charley explained his failure to pay his taxes on his being unable to understand the tax code, which is mildly humorous, since Congressman Rangel chairs the powerful House committee that writes the tax rules for the rest of us. Charley Rangle has always, to my mind, been one of the good guys, not a hater like some of his Democrat colleagues, but more interested in the perks associated with being a powerful politician. But now the sheriff is after him, including the High Sheriff. President Obama has suggested rather forcefully that Charley resign, since he would no doubt be an impediment to the Dems keeping the House this November. In addition to the president, many of his colleagues have urged him to resign, but Charley just grins and says he hasn’t done anything wrong, and in his mind, he hasn’t. Yes, the sheriff is after him. There’s a big Wanted Dead Or Alive poster in the sheriff’s office, with Charley’s picture on it.
The sheriff moseyed up the street
Boots kicking up the sand
The Wanted poster of the cheat
Gripped firmly in his hand
He’d seen that face ride into town
And head for the saloon
A smiling face, a tiny frown
The time was just high noon
A-past the swinging doors he strode
His six-gun at his hip
A-past the horse the stranger rode
Still sweaty from the trip
He saw his quarry in the dark
A-standin’ at the bar
His voice commanded in a bark
Just stand right where you are!
I’ve come here to arrest you, sir
For cheating on your taxes
You’ll spend a goodly time in stir
Depending what the max is
The man looked up and smiled a smile
Said you know who I am?
It’s well for you I do not rile
Or you’d be in a jam
For I’m beloved Congressman
Chuck Rangle from New York
And I’m the guy who writes the plan
For guys like you who work
Must follow under pain of law
The penalties are clear
No matter how quick is your draw
You’ll serve at least a year
But none of this applies to me
Because, son, I’m your better
So you can not arrest me, see
But you can write me a letter
With that he put his shot glass down
And climbed upon his horsey
And headed north for New York town
Though he’d have to cross New Jorsey