Is Rangel's 'Monument to Me' Worth It?

(CBS)  Millions of your tax dollars are going for a new program at The City College of New York in the heart of Harlem. The mission is to get more minority and poor students into politics.

"This is an effort to make sure that America's government looks like America," says City College spokeswoman Mary Lou Edmondson.

Nobody's taking issue with that. What they are griping about is that one member of Congress funneled $2 million in tax dollars into the project through a special "earmark" and the whole thing is named after him.

As CBS News correspondent Sharyl Attkisson reports, that member of Congress is Rep. Charles Rangel - one of the most powerful Democrats on Capitol Hill.

"I cannot think of anything I am more proud of," said Rangel, D-N.Y.

According to promotional brochures, the soon-to-be refurbished building will house the new "Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service," the "Rangel Conference Center," "a well-furnished office for Charles Rangel" and the "Charles Rangel Library" for his papers and memorabilia. It's kind of like a presidential library, but without a president. In fact, the brochure says Rangel's library will be as important as the Clinton and Carter libraries.

Republican Congressman John Campbell of California says it's downright unseemly.

"We call it the 'Monument to Me,' because you're creating, or the person - in this case Congressman Rangel - is creating a monument to himself," he said.

In a debate on the House floor on July 19, Campbell, who's only in his second year in Congress, challenged Rangel, who's been there for 36 years.

"You don't agree with me or see any problem with us, as members, sending taxpayer funds in the creation of things named after ourselves while we're still here?" Campbell said.

"I would have a problem if you did it, because I don't think that you've been around long enough that having your name on something to inspire a building like this in a school," responded Rangel.

But the inspiration for Rangel's library and the idea to give it federal funding came from Rangel, not the college, according to Edmondson.

"Was it his requirement that his name be on the center?" asks Attkisson.

"I don't think we would ever think of not having his name on the center if we had his papers," says Edmondson.

"So he wanted his name on the center?"

Edmondson was at a loss for words in response.

Rangel wouldn't agree to an interview, but told Attkisson on the phone he's proud of the idea and has always tried to put as much money into schools as possible.

And he says education is what the Rangel Library is all about ... brought to you by Charles Rangel and your tax dollars.

[jimmyc1955]

Presidential libraries are paid for with private funds - not tax payer dollars and the are for Presidents. (In Bill Clinton''s case - just sell a few pardons.) Speaker of the house - though far less interesting I can understand a library for their documents.

But an 18 term congressman?? With public money?? And he is getting a office in this place too? Sounds like he is paying himself for his retirement.

This is pork - pure and simple. $2M will pay for the building, his name on it''s side and his office. There will be no benefit to anybody but Charlie. And his mouthing off that because he has been there 36 years he has earned it????? He chose to go into public service.Mr Rangel - take your money - your speaking engagement fees, your consulting fees and pay for life retirement and go home. Bleeding us for your self promoting grand stand is theft. Frankly - other than being the black rep from Harlem your accomplishments (besides mugging for the press and grandstanding every photo op you could worm your way into) is almost unnoticeable. Why don''t your raise private funds for this institution like real philanthropists do instead of our tax dollars.

[tellwilliam]

But you should not use taxpayers money to leave a legacy..Mr Rangel is good enough in his mind to know once he passes, the city and state most likely will name an building or something after him. This embelishment is strickly a waste of our taxes. The money should be use to help the poor in his district which he has ignore for so many years. If you do not believe me, go to his district and take a good wiff of reality.

[sjc_1]

I think Charley would rather have them spend the money on inner city Harlem schools. He was put there to do a job for his district, the state of New York and for the country. He has never forgotten that.

[candy-apple]

How enlightening that some of you will defend this robbery of tax payers because the man is a democrat. If this were a republican candidate (with the same years in office) you would want his head on a silver platter. It shouldn''t matter what party is represented, why is tax payer money being spent to erect a building with this man''s name on it?? If he is that ego-maniacal he should spend his own money to have the d**n building erected and his name on it!!

[jetranger7]

Well lots not forget about the Bush Sr. Library either or the Regan Library, also the Clinton Library,, just wait till these 2 dimwits (Bush & Cheney) get out of office, they''ll be wanting hi-ways named after them , librarys, state parks, etc. Frankly the only thing I can think to name after the both of them (Bush-Cheney), would be a Garbage Dump, or a Hazardardous waste site for toxic chemicals !! Be very appropiate for these 2 Morans !!!!

[slim1h2o]

I cannot think of anything I am more proud of," said Rangel, D-N.Y.

What''s to be proud of? Done anything for Health care, or crime? Race Relations? Didn''t think so.

Why do you deserve a "Presidential Library"? I never even heard of you, till this morning!

Yup, the swindling of the American Tax Payer, continues

[cryonbrian]

2 million? Like that is a lot of money!

[bdfriedman0]

Here is my fantasy: The state legislatures petition to hold a convention to propose amendments to the U. S. Constitution. The convention proposes several amendments, like these: (1) Members of Congress will have term limits, just as the president has. (2) In appropriating funds, Congress may not direct the building of a specific facility in a specific place--no more pork-barrel projects like the Rangel Center. (3) Except in times of emergency, such as declared warfare, Congress may not use deficit spending in order to spend more money than can be collected in revenue. After the convention proposes these amendments, the state legislatures ought to ratify them. Thus, the drunk-with-power, out-of-control Congress would be brought back under control--which would be a good thing, because they can''t control themselves, and they know it. (If you aren''t aware that the state legislatures may petition to hold a convention to propose amendments to the U. S. Constitution, see Article V of that document.)

[figuy30]

THIS IS A GOOD THING! IT''S ABOUT TIME SOMEBODY DID SOMETHING POSITIVE FOR AMERICANS NO MATTER WHOSE NAME IT''S IN INSTEAD OF BLOWING THE MONEY FOR LUNCHES, SOFT DRINKS AND COOKIES FOR THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT, AND FOR MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS AND MILITARY "DETAINEES". MY QUESTIONS ARE: WHO DECIDES WHO IS MINORITY AND POOR? AND WHEN WILL SOMETHING BE DONE FOR THE WORKING MIDDLE CLASS AMERICANS; LIKE MAYBE A REAL GOOD HEALTH PLAN FOR THOSE WHO CAN''T AFFORD IT?

[agnim]

I just love Rangel''s response to that cheeky upstart congressman, "I would have a problem if you did it; ''cause you''ve not done anything significant in your short stay in Congress." Or something to that effect. LOL