Tag Archives: Charles B. Rangel

The Rockets’ Red Glare, the Bombs Bursting In Air.

Congressman Charlie Rangel often says that the last bad day he had was way back in 1950. Let me explain what he means by that.

Rangel joined the US Army at 18. He was assigned to the segregated, all-African-American 503rd Field Artillery Battalion. His nickname was “Sarge,” which was funny, because Rangel actually was a private first class, not a sergeant.

On November 27, 1950, Rangel’s commander, General Douglas MacArthur, learned that the Chinese Army was about to surround America’s Eighth Army. MacArthur ordered the Eighth Army to retreat. But that could happen only if American units held off the Chinese forces on the Eighth Army’s right flank. Charlie Rangel’s unit was given that suicide mission, in what became known as the Battle of Kunu-Ri.

The Chinese Army quickly surrounded Rangel’s unit. His unit kept fighting.

Sundown brought less shooting, but also bitter cold. The temperature dropped below zero. Even at night, the Chinese Army’s bugle orders rang out, and the night sky was lit by Chinese flares. Rangel called it a “waking nightmare.” He kept fighting.

Having the high ground, the Chinese Army pounded Rangel’s unit with artillery fire. On the third day, an explosion sent shrapnel into Rangel’s back. The shrapnel hit him so hard that he was tossed into a ditch. He kept fighting.

Rangel and his unit could hear American soldiers screaming and moaning. They could hear American soldiers being taken prisoner. Rangel said, “We couldn’t see any possible way out of the situation.” They could have surrendered. But they didn’t.

Rangel and his unit were trapped behind enemy lines for three days of heavy fighting. After three terrible days, under cover of darkness, Charlie Rangel, sleepless, wounded, bleeding and freezing, led 40 American soldiers to safety.

Half of Rangel’s battalion died in the fighting. Rangel spent a long time in the hospital, recuperating. For his courage and leadership, he was awarded a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, two Presidential Unit Citations, and three battle stars.

And Charlie Rangel was awarded a certain perspective on life itself. As Charlie always says, “Since Kunu-ri, I have never, never had a bad day.”

One week from Tuesday, Congressman Charles Rangel faces the voters in the New York Democratic Primary. National Public Radio calls it Rangel’s “toughest reelection challenge” since he won the seat in 1970.

Win or lose, it won’t be a bad day for him. Not after what he went through at Kunu-ri. But I want it to be a good day for him. That’s why I’m helping him, and why you should, too. Click here.

Courage,

Alan Grayson

~ Recent Post

what is Congress doing …for Americans 12/02

12/01/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes: 9:30aET December 2, 2010

Following Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the next 30 minutes.

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 3:30pm to allow for the Democratic caucus meeting.

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00amET December 2, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 2, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

6:09 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:08 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable James Oberstar.

6:07 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable James Oberstar.

6:05 P.M. –

Mr. Jones requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 9: Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min and himself for 5 min.

Mr. Serrano asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Friday, December 3, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2010, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Serrano asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Thursday, December 2, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 3, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

H. Con. Res. 325:

supporting the goals and ideals of National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day

6:02 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 528:

commending the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies for its efforts to promote peace, stability and security throughout North America, Europe, and Eurasia

6:01 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 527:

commending the NATO School for its critical support of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) efforts to promote global peace, stability, and security

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 2847:

to regulate the volume of audio on commercials

6:00 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1690:

supporting the observance of American Diabetes Month

5:59 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

5:53 P.M. –

CENSURE PRONOUNCEMENT – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1737 Mr. Rangel of New York presented himself in the well of the House for the purpose of administration of censure by the Speaker of the House.

H. Res. 1737:

in the matter of Representative Charles B. Rangel

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 333 – 79 (Roll no. 607).

5:35 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Butterfield amendment Failed by recorded vote: 146 – 267 (Roll no. 606).

5:11 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered on the amendment and on the resolution.

5:10 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Butterfield.

An amendment to change the recommendation of censure contained in the resoluttion to that of reprimand.

4:06 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1737

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1313:

expressing support for designation of May as “Child Advocacy Center Month” and commending the National Child Advocacy Center in Huntsville, Alabama, on their 25th anniversary in 2010

4:05 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 413 – 0 (Roll no. 605).

3:55 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 4853:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 234 – 188 (Roll no. 604).

3:36 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

S. 3307:

to reauthorize child nutrition programs, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 264 – 157 (Roll no. 603).

3:25 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 200 – 221 (Roll no. 602).

3:07 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 6469:

to amend section 17 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to include a condition of receipt of funds under the child and adult care food program

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416 – 3 (Roll no. 601).

2:37 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 4853:

2:36 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendment with an amendment to H.R 4853, the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.

1:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4853.

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1745, the House moved to agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment.

H.R. 6469:

to amend section 17 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to include a condition of receipt of funds under the child and adult care food program

1:09 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

12:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6469.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Miller, George moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 6473:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

12:41 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

12:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6473.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Costello moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

12:21 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

H. Res. 1576:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Day of Recognition for Parents of Special Needs Children should be established

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 413 – 0 (Roll no. 600).

12:12 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1598:

expressing support for the designation of the month of October as National Work and Family Month

12:11 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 412 – 0 (Roll no. 599).

12:03 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1638:

supporting the goals and ideals of National GEAR UP Day

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 405 – 0 (Roll no. 598).

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

11:56 A.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

11:55 A.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1745:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 4853) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules

11:54 A.M. –

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 213 – 203 (Roll no. 597).

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

11:44 A.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 224 – 186 (Roll no. 596).

10:32 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1745

Considered as privileged matter.

10:15 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

10:12 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 3998, S. 987, H.R. 4387, H.R. 5651, H.R. 5706, and H.R. 5773.

10:10 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Johnson, Sam of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:07 A.M. –

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:03 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Doug Tanner, Faith and Politics Institute, Washington, DC.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ my 2cents ...

trippi Tuesday …& some News

11/16/2010 Nativegrl77

The President will be giving out the Medal of Honor today, which is such a proud moment to be an American in a time when we use to have two wars now only one as well as the first person of colour as our President giving you chills. It is a very special day to be alive and see all the wonder things President Obama has been able to accomplish with or without the help of, I guess Americans who call themselves Republicans. The weather here sucked last night and early this morning though it has calmed down finally it is just the beginning of autumn, which will move into winter sometime soon.

I posted a letter to Americans from Leader Harry Reid and apparently, it upset someone so much that they responded. While I am glad to get responses to the various articles posted, this one seems a bit dramatic. It is obvious the person is very right of center and it confirms how personal feelings create gridlock. Unfortunately, this same attitude will continue to happen on the floor of Congress as personal feelings get in the way of doing the peoples business. As Republican members of Congress show lack of compromise so do their constituents and while that may be normal up to a point in our own private lives, this behavior cannot continue on for too long as we all know the quicker folks work together the sooner Americans will be able to move into the 21st Century. Anyway, below is the response to the open letter to Americans from Harry Reid.

A desperate lie by a desperate piece of filth. It’s laughable in the extreme. The truth is that Americans did not vote the Liberal filth out of office for the sake of working with their remnants.

They and their supporters, the domestic enemies of America, can sit down and shut up or things will go harshly for them sooner than it might otherwise.

Other News …

Rep. Rangel is convicted by House panel on ethics violations on 11 of 13 counts -non-legal action

Cholera outbreak sparks riots in Haiti

Republican leaders suddenly decide to vote against earmarks -pushed by tea party members

Tina Fey is censored by PBS -on Palin comments

Walmart drug plan for seniors may not be best dealConsumer alert: A new Medicare drug plan with the lowest upfront cost in the country may not be for everyone, experts say.