"When Will He Leave?"

I like having company in my home. Good food, good conversation, music and laughter make for a fun time for all involved. My Mom and Dad liked to entertain, and they had many friends. We always had our cousins around us on every occasion, on every holiday family flocked to our house. I promise you this; whenever a large group of Italians get together food and fun abound.

My Dad also had regular poker games at home, in our rec-room. Mom would prepare large platters of cold-cuts or roast beef, chips and dip and other types of finger food was always provided; and it was plentiful. I was never awake for an entire "poker night", as these nights lasted into the "wee hours". Everyone was gregarious when the game started, there was a lot of joke telling and reminiscing. Later on, the room became quiet as the game took over the socializing. I remember one occasion when I awoke and the game had just ended; it was about 9:00 A.M; Dad was saying his goodbyes, and Mom was picking up the house. When the door closed, I heard my Mom say "I thought they would never leave!" The gathering that started out so happily had become a trial of length; a grueling gauntlet of hospitality. The guests had overstayed their welcome; they didn't know when to leave the party.

In Congress, presently, Charlie Rangel is going through some changes. It seems Charlie has been a "BAD BOY". As the former head of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, he was among the most influential people in Washington. Charlie has been charged with some serious tax issues, and ethics violations. It has been said Charlie has a rent-controlled apartment in his district in New York's Harlem area. Actually, it is several apartments combined into one large residence that rivals Park Avenue condos. Charlie is a man of "discriminating taste". Charlie likes the good things in life; no matter who is paying for it! So far, eleven ethics violations have been alleged, not mentioning the tax abuse. Charlie has been in his district 40+ years, filling the seat formerly held by Adam Clayton-Powell. Charlie is an affable type, smiley and charming in his demeanor. He is the type of guest one would welcome into their homes. Unfortunately, this house guest not only has overstayed his welcome; it seems he has cheated at the card game. Congress went behind closed doors to give Charlie a chance to "leave the game" with little to no consequences; Charlie is staying. Charlie wants another term in Congress. A congressional trial is all but assured as Charlie won't take a hint about retiring. Even Barack Obama gave him a strong message about a dignified exit, but Charlie is deaf on the situation. This doesn't bode well for the democrats as they enter the fall election; a scandal at election time will reflect on the entire party.

Charlie needs to understand the "party's over" for him. I'm sure right now someone in the democrat party is whispering "Is he ever going to leave?"