Charles B. Rangel Quotes

Powerful Charles B. Rangel for Daily Growth

About Charles B. Rangel

Charles Bernard Rangel, born on January 4, 1930, in Harlem, New York City, is a renowned American politician, educator, and author, serving as the United States Representative for New York's 15th congressional district since 1971. Raised by his grandmother and mother in Spanish Harlem, Rangel attended public schools before earning a scholarship to attend the Bronx High School of Science, where he excelled academically. Rangel's political career began at City College of New York, where he served as the student body president. He was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War and later earned his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Master's degrees from The Graduate School and Union Theological Seminary, both in New York City. Rangel's political influences include Franklin D. Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr., and John F. Kennedy. He was instrumental in shaping the Democratic Party platform during the 1960s and 1970s, advocating for civil rights, economic justice, and urban development. Rangel is particularly known for his work on tax reform and has been a consistent advocate for progressive policies. His major works include "The End of Elliot County: A Novel" (1978), a semi-autobiographical novel about the struggles of African Americans in rural Kentucky, and "Integrity: Ideals for a New Century" (2002), which explores the principles he believes are essential for leadership. Rangel's memoir, "And I Haven't Had a Penny: And Other Lies They Told You About Politics," was published in 2015. Throughout his career, Rangel has received numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. He continues to be an influential voice in American politics and a champion for progressive causes.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I'm for you, if you're for the people."

This quote by Charles B. Rangel emphasizes his commitment to prioritize the needs and interests of the general public over personal or partisan concerns. In other words, he is expressing that his allegiance lies with those whom he represents, as long as they are working for the greater good of the people. This quote underscores the importance of elected officials being accountable to their constituents and making decisions based on what is best for them, rather than personal or political agendas.

"We have a moral obligation to the next generation, not just to leave them the facts of life but to leave them a world of life."

This quote emphasizes the responsibility we have towards future generations. It's not only about passing on knowledge and wisdom (the "facts of life"), but also about preserving and nurturing the environment for their survival and prosperity ("a world of life"). In other words, it underscores the importance of sustainable living and intergenerational equity - ensuring that our actions today do not negatively impact the opportunities and quality of life for those who will come after us.

"Democracy is not a spectator sport."

This quote, from Charles B. Rangel, underscores the notion that democracy requires active participation. It's not something to be observed passively; instead, it necessitates citizens taking an active role in shaping their society through voting, civic engagement, and informed decision-making. The essence of a thriving democracy lies in its people actively participating and upholding the principles of equality, freedom, and justice.

"The greatest nation in the world should not have more people in prison than any other nation."

This quote by Charles B. Rangel highlights a concern about mass incarceration, suggesting that as the greatest nation in the world, the U.S. should aim for a justice system that doesn't excessively imprison its citizens compared to other nations. It implies a focus on rehabilitation, fairness, and preventing unnecessary imprisonment, rather than merely punishing crime.

"We all have an obligation to help our fellow man, particularly those who are less fortunate than ourselves."

This quote by Charles B. Rangel highlights the ethical duty each individual holds toward humanity, emphasizing that we should prioritize helping others, especially those who are disadvantaged or struggling. It underscores a sense of community, empathy, and social responsibility, encouraging us to take action when we witness suffering and to use our resources, skills, and influence to uplift others. Essentially, Rangel's quote reminds us that our shared humanity should compel us to help one another in times of need.

Dr. King's famous 'I Have a Dream' speech was delivered at 'The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom,' a call to justice beyond the traditional civil rights movement's focus.

- Charles B. Rangel

King, Famous, I Have A Dream, Dr

For a member to say, 'I'm a lame duck' violates political science 101.

- Charles B. Rangel

Science, Member, Violates, Duck

Manufactured scandals prohibit public servants from doing the job they were elected or appointed to do.

- Charles B. Rangel

Elected, Appointed, Scandals, Prohibit

I am a firm believer that upon release, ex-offenders should be afforded a second chance to become productive citizens by providing rehabilitation and education that will help them join the workforce.

- Charles B. Rangel

Second Chance, Providing, Believer

As the wealthiest nation on Earth, we have made a commitment to provide health care for those over 65. In order to pay for this, each of us should contribute the same, flat percentage of our earned income.

- Charles B. Rangel

Nation, Income, Contribute, Percentage

When thousands of men and women work full time but need food stamps to put food on their tables, when they can't get health benefits, when they can't get paid sick days, then we must do whatever we can to stand up for them.

- Charles B. Rangel

Sick, Benefits, Food Stamps

Those of us in the Congress must confront and overcome Republican intransigence to increasing the minimum wage, extending unemployment insurance and protecting food stamps.

- Charles B. Rangel

Insurance, Protecting, Food Stamps

Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy is the very foundation of Veterans Day.

- Charles B. Rangel

Veterans Day, Sacrifices, Honoring

In the battle of Kunu-ri, more than 5,000 American soldiers were killed, wounded or taken as prisoners of war. Ninety percent of my unit was killed.

- Charles B. Rangel

More, Wounded, Ninety, American Soldiers

Since the enactment of the War Powers Act in 1973, which I supported then and support now, Congress has been reluctant to assert its authority when presidents decide to send American soldiers into harm's way.

- Charles B. Rangel

Congress, Been, Harm, American Soldiers

I proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War as an artillery operations specialist in the all-black 503rd Field Artillery Battalion in the Second Infantry Division.

- Charles B. Rangel

War, United, United States, Battalion

Living in New York City, I am reminded by the Statue of Liberty that the United States of America has always welcomed those yearning to breathe free and seek a better life.

- Charles B. Rangel

City, New York City, United, Better Life

It's morally wrong, and economically self-defeating, that so much wealth flows upwards towards the richest of Americans, while millions work full time but still can't provide for their families.

- Charles B. Rangel

Flows, While, Self-Defeating, Morally

We must urge a national dialogue on better methods of curbing preventable gun violence, and address the need for mental health awareness and access to psychiatric services in this country.

- Charles B. Rangel

Gun, Country, Address, Preventable

I, for one, would think both about how far we have come as a country and how much further we need to go to erase racism and discrimination from our society.

- Charles B. Rangel

Racism, Think, Country, Erase

We all want a simpler code, but tax reform is about much more. It is about ensuring that everyone pays their fair share. The tax code is also used to promote behavior that we as a nation support, such as home ownership or charitable contributions.

- Charles B. Rangel

Nation, Code, About, Simpler

Under Saddam Hussein, the nation of Iraq possessed and used chemical weapons against both their own Kurdish population and Iranian military forces.

- Charles B. Rangel

Nation, Iranian, Hussein, Saddam

A default on our debts as a result of not meeting our obligations would be a disaster for the stock market, and Americans would see their retirement funds shrivel up.

- Charles B. Rangel

Retirement, Obligations, Our, Funds

As a high school dropout, I understand the value of education: A second chance at obtaining my high school diploma through the G.I. Bill led me to attend college and law school and allowed me the opportunity to serve in Congress.

- Charles B. Rangel

Education, College, Through, Diploma

Supporting mental wellness is crucial to any goal of decreasing gun violence in America.

- Charles B. Rangel

Goal, Wellness, Gun, Decreasing

The U.S. Congress can do a lot to support America's workplaces and the family. By working together in a bipartisan fashion, we can ensure our constituents get jobs they need while helping employers make smart decisions about their workforce.

- Charles B. Rangel

Congress, Helping, About, Workforce

Now is the time for the U.S. and the nations of Western Europe who engaged in the slave trade throughout this hemisphere to come forward in a positive way to assist in undoing the harm that was caused by their past colonial policies in the hemisphere.

- Charles B. Rangel

Policies, Engaged, Harm, Positive Way

As a Korean War Veteran, I know too well the troubling nature of war. This is why I will always support a diplomatic answer before military intervention.

- Charles B. Rangel

Nature, Will, Always, Korean

Since the Korean War, U.S. and South Korea have established an enduring friendship with shared interests, such as denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, combating aggression abroad and developing our economies.

- Charles B. Rangel

Established, Abroad, Shared, Korean

As a Korean War veteran, I know firsthand and understand the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.

- Charles B. Rangel

Understand, Made, Sacrifices, Korean

Since most American students cannot simply pay their full tuition out of pocket, financing a college education often takes the form of loans, both private and from the government.

- Charles B. Rangel

Education, College, Private, Financing

In various fields, such as science, technology, sports, business and the arts, immigrants enrich our culture every single day.

- Charles B. Rangel

Business, Technology, Sports, Every Single Day

We love the ability of the people to influence the actions of decision-makers, of lawmakers and presidents to be removed from or elevated to office by the will of voters, and of the community to connect amongst diverse populations through the ballot box.

- Charles B. Rangel

Love, Through, Ballot, Elevated

Meanwhile, our young men and women whose economic circumstances make military service a viable career choice are dying bravely in a war with no end in sight.

- Charles B. Rangel

Career, Circumstances, Young, Young Men

Regardless of the nature of their crime or any rehabilitation that may have occurred, these ex-felons cannot participate in the decision-making process of this great Nation.

- Charles B. Rangel

Process, May, Participate, Great Nation

The world has placed chemical, biological and nuclear weapons in a separate category because their use constitutes a crime against all humanity.

- Charles B. Rangel

Use, Separate, Placed, Biological

I went to college and law school with the help of the GI Bill. That experience moved me so much, I dedicated the rest of my life to serving this great country and helping others succeed.

- Charles B. Rangel

College, My Life, Country, Law School

As a member of Congress, I believe Congress must provide oversight of actions by the Executive Branch as our system of checks and balances requires.

- Charles B. Rangel

Believe, Congress, Branch, Balances

I am running for re-election no matter who runs.

- Charles B. Rangel

I Am, Running, Re-Election, Runs

If you got problems like unemployment, Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and there's a guy that's always been there for you and for your family, then you say 'He's a nice guy. I don't know where he came from or how long he's been here, but Charlie Rangel's the man.' That's what I'm relying on.

- Charles B. Rangel

Here, Been, Medicaid, Medicare

What are we Democrats fighting for? We are not fighting for salvation and going to heaven. But we are fighting for Medicaid, Medicare, health care, education, jobs, helping old folks.

- Charles B. Rangel

Education, Salvation, Going, Medicare

We owe it to the flood victims of New Orleans to give them truthful answers as to why this event took place and to assure our citizens that tragedies like this will never happen again.

- Charles B. Rangel

New, Give, Took, New Orleans

The people who couldn't get out of New Orleans to escape the storm were predominantly Black.

- Charles B. Rangel

Storm, Black, New, New Orleans

If we believe in our current penal process, then the penalties imposed by judges and juries should be the only sanctions for one's crime, not the invisible sanctions of the legislature.

- Charles B. Rangel

Process, Imposed, Penalties, Sanctions

Our immigration policy should be driven by what is in the best interest of this great country and the American people. Comprehensive immigration reform will strengthen U.S. security and boost economic growth.

- Charles B. Rangel

Best, American, Country, Boost

After the threat of war is gone, we should not turn our backs on the men and women who eliminated that threat. We should embrace them and keep our promises we made to them.

- Charles B. Rangel

Embrace, Made, Eliminated, Promises

I was proud to march beside some of the most notable Civil Rights activists, such as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Joseph L. Rauh, Jr., from Selma to Montgomery.

- Charles B. Rangel

Notable, Some, Martin Luther, Beside

I am struck by how casually we as a nation react to the carnage in Iraq.

- Charles B. Rangel

I Am, How, Casually, Struck

No American should live in fear of going to work or sending their kids to school. Let's end the fear. Let's enforce existing gun laws.

- Charles B. Rangel

Gun, Laws, Gun Laws, Enforce

Since January 2003, at the height of the debate on the possible unilateral strike against Iraq, I have advocated for a reinstatement of the military draft to ensure a more equitable representation of people making sacrifices in wars in which the United States is engaged.

- Charles B. Rangel

Against, United, Engaged, January

I applaud President Obama for launching his 'My Brother's Keeper' initiative that is aimed to empower our youth to achieve success.

- Charles B. Rangel

Initiative, Achieve, Keeper, Applaud

The Klan had used fear, intimidation and murder to brutally oppress over African-Americans who sought justice and equality and it sought to respond to the young workers of the civil rights movement in Mississippi in the same way.

- Charles B. Rangel

Young, Used, Had, Intimidation

Immigrants have faced huge obstacles to achieving the American Dream, yet have persevered to overcome them.

- Charles B. Rangel

Obstacles, Achieving, Dream, Faced

As a nation we should commit ourselves not only to the fight against terrorism, but to economic justice, defeat of the AIDS epidemic and vestiges of discriminatory policies of all kinds.

- Charles B. Rangel

Nation, Against, Epidemic, Economic Justice

Today many Caribbean workers can be found in the hospital, construction, service and hotel industries, but there is also a growing professional sector.

- Charles B. Rangel

Professional, Also, Many, Industries

Whether you are Republican or Democrat or liberal or conservative, we should never, never, never allow ourselves emotionally to interfere with another person's right to express themselves.

- Charles B. Rangel

Conservative, Another, Allow, Interfere

Hurricane season routinely strikes the Caribbean harder than the U.S.

- Charles B. Rangel

Caribbean, Than, Strikes, Season

Since coming to Congress in 1971, I have been fighting to help create an environment where the goals of the National Work and the Family Month can become a reality.

- Charles B. Rangel

Work, Congress, Been, Goals

I still remember March 31, 1981, when a deeply disturbed John Hinckley Jr. took aim at President Ronald Reagan and fired shots that hospitalized the Commander-in-Chief and two others, and left his Press Secretary James Brady paralyzed for life.

- Charles B. Rangel

Aim, Disturbed, Reagan, Paralyzed

So many deaths could be prevented if measures were implemented to expand background checks and keep individuals like John Hinckley from ever buying firearms in the first place.

- Charles B. Rangel

Like, Could, Firearms, Implemented

This country was founded upon the principle that we are all endowed with certain inalienable rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness - those rights are what make America great, and they belong to each and every one of us.

- Charles B. Rangel

Country, Belong, Principle, Endowed

Without question, conditions in the Haiti are worse since Aristide's removal, and continue to deteriorate.

- Charles B. Rangel

Question, Haiti, Continue, Deteriorate

Reapportionment is not friendly to a lot of communities and it hasn't been too friendly to mine.

- Charles B. Rangel

Been, Lot, Mine, Communities

A greater tax deduction for students is not a handout. On the contrary, it helps those who are willing to meet the challenges of higher education to invest in our collective future.

- Charles B. Rangel

Education, Challenges, On The Contrary

There were no weapons of mass destruction and Saddam Hussein was not involved in the September 11th attack.

- Charles B. Rangel

Mass, Hussein, Weapons

The War Powers Act requires presidents to seek the consent of the American people, through their representatives, before sending our troops into war. It is the responsibility of Congress to deliberate and consult with the executive branch before involving ourselves in a military conflict.

- Charles B. Rangel

Through, Congress, Before, Powers

I'm in the kitchen and I'm not walking out.

- Charles B. Rangel

Walking, Out, Kitchen

I am proud to represent New York's 13th Congressional District, which has one of the largest and diverse populations in the country.

- Charles B. Rangel

New, Which, Largest, Diverse

I don't know whether the number of any particular Latino group has made or will make any particular difference in the issues that I am concerned with.

- Charles B. Rangel

Will, Made, Concerned, Group

I authored the Universal National Service Act because I believe that everyone in America should contribute to the greater good of America.

- Charles B. Rangel

Everyone, Contribute, Greater Good

It is without doubt that freedoms of the press and speech need to be protected, but there are undisputed limits to these freedoms, limits that often come into play when national security is threatened.

- Charles B. Rangel

Doubt, Play, Need, Limits

Since we replaced the compulsory military draft with an all-volunteer force in 1973, our nation has been making decisions about wars without worry over who fights them. I sincerely believe that reinstating the draft would compel the American public to have a stake in the wars we fight as a nation.

- Charles B. Rangel

Nation, Been, Sincerely, Compulsory

Full participation in government and society has been a basic right of the country symbolizing the full citizenship and equal protection of all.

- Charles B. Rangel

Country, Participation, Been, Equal Protection

As a veteran, I know firsthand the satisfaction there is in defending the democracy you so strongly believe in, but I can also attest to the trauma encountered from combat on the battlefield.

- Charles B. Rangel

Trauma, Defending, Firsthand, Battlefield

The Iraq war took priority over domestic disaster prevention.

- Charles B. Rangel

Over, Domestic, Took, Prevention

To honor the legacy of veterans and the democratic principles they fought for, I am glad that I introduced the Korean War Veterans Recognition Act which was enacted in 2009.

- Charles B. Rangel

Legacy, Veterans, Which, Korean War

The Affordable Care Act has been designed to provide health security by driving competition, lowering premiums, and protecting families.

- Charles B. Rangel

Affordable, Been, Protecting, Designed

The right to vote should be considered sacred in our democracy.

- Charles B. Rangel

Right, Should, Considered, Vote

At least 23,000 civilians have also died in the Iraqi killing field and the U.S. is stuck in a quagmire.

- Charles B. Rangel

Field, Civilians, Least, Stuck

From leading the world into the age of democracy to spearheading the technological revolution, America has always been at the forefront of greatness.

- Charles B. Rangel

Greatness, Always, Been, Technological

The President is destroying the fabric of America with a combined policy of war, tax cuts for the wealthy, and reductions in spending for domestic needs.

- Charles B. Rangel

Wealthy, Needs, Reductions, Destroying

Liberty and security are often in direct confrontation and must be balanced in a way that protects us without destroying what is worth protecting.

- Charles B. Rangel

Protecting, Protects, Direct, Destroying

Encouragement of higher education for our youth is critical to the success of our collective future.

- Charles B. Rangel

Success, Education, Critical, Encouragement

Respecting our veterans includes providing them the ways and means they so desperately need to reintegrate into our lives and serve us again as productive members of our civilian community.

- Charles B. Rangel

Veterans, Means, Providing, Civilian

By requiring all 30 million Americans age 18 to 25 to perform two years of national service, in the military or civilian life, we will be asking for a shared sacrifice from all American citizens.

- Charles B. Rangel

Shared, American Citizens, Civilian

If there's no relationship with a father who's absent, nobody talks about it.

- Charles B. Rangel

Father, About, Talks, Absent

If you are spending too much, you cut back on spending and you raise your revenues. And that's it.

- Charles B. Rangel

Back, Cut, Your, Revenues

America was born as a nation of immigrants who have always contributed to its greatness.

- Charles B. Rangel

Greatness, Nation, Always, Immigrants

The United States is historically a nation of immigrants.

- Charles B. Rangel

United, United States, Immigrants

Thousands of people may have been killed by hurricane Katrina and many more could die in its aftermath because of the President's refusal to heed the calls of governors for help in repairing the infrastructure in their states.

- Charles B. Rangel

Die, Been, States, Hurricane

I don't want to respond to rumors that have no basis at all... But I am willing to respond to questions that the public and the press should know.

- Charles B. Rangel

Questions, Want, Willing, Respond

The promise of the American Dream requires that we are all provided an equal opportunity to participate in and contribute to our nation.

- Charles B. Rangel

Nation, Participate, Requires

America's legacy has been crafted by generations of hard-working men and women who moved to the United States from all over the globe to pursue their dreams.

- Charles B. Rangel

Over, Been, United States, Hard-Working

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was indeed a vital instrument of democracy, ensuring the integrity and reliability of a democratic process that we as a Country hold so dear.

- Charles B. Rangel

Voting, Process, Country, Vital

The victor will be the one who gets the most voters out.

- Charles B. Rangel

Will, Most, Voters, Victor

The challenges African-Americans are facing today are rooted in the system of slavery.

- Charles B. Rangel

Today, Challenges, System, Rooted

I think that, as Americans, we should never forget that when we tamper with freedom of speech, it is a very sensitive issue that affects all of our constitutional rights and privileges.

- Charles B. Rangel

Think, Very, Privileges, Never Forget

No one looks forward to a recount.

- Charles B. Rangel

Looks, Forward, Recount

I have a record that I'm so very, very proud of, and no campaign is going to take that away.

- Charles B. Rangel

Proud, Very, Take, Campaign

Of course things get stagnant; people get too used to their environment, but that's why I'm in my district every week, at meetings with my constituents.

- Charles B. Rangel

Week, Why, Used, Stagnant

Not having insurance not only destroys your life, it destroys your fiscal life. It breaks up marriages. You cannot functions anywhere unless you have good health.

- Charles B. Rangel

Insurance, Breaks, Having, Destroys

Our nation has come so far since 1968 when Dr. King was assassinated, but I know we can do better to achieve The Dream, and that is why I keep marching on.

- Charles B. Rangel

King, Nation, Achieve, Marching

When people are healthy and not hungry, they are stronger workers building a robust economy.

- Charles B. Rangel

Healthy, Hungry, Robust, Workers

As every American who has ever received a paycheck is aware, the amount of money earned and the amount actually brought home are not the same.

- Charles B. Rangel

American, Amount, Brought, Paycheck

I've been around Congress long enough to know there are issues we may never see eye-to-eye from the opposite aisle, but we should all agree that our job is to move America forward and benefit the people.

- Charles B. Rangel

Congress, Been, Around, Aisle

I feel terrific.

- Charles B. Rangel

Feel, I Feel, Terrific

I've been beat up pretty badly. Pretty badly. Yet at the end of the day, everyone says I'm doing a pretty good job.

- Charles B. Rangel

Pretty, Been, Badly, Pretty Good

A quality education grants us the ability to fight the war on ignorance and poverty.

- Charles B. Rangel

Education, Ignorance, Grants, Quality

No one should go into debt if a family member gets sick or injured.

- Charles B. Rangel

Go, Injured, Family Member, Debt

We don't windsurf in Harlem.

- Charles B. Rangel

Harlem

We can't have Harlem become one borough for the rich.

- Charles B. Rangel

Rich, Become, Harlem

I'm just glad that my community has faith and confidence in me.

- Charles B. Rangel

Faith, Confidence, Me, Glad

I didn't ever want to leave Manhattan. I have an abnormal fixation.

- Charles B. Rangel

Leave, Abnormal, Ever, Manhattan

Living in America means enjoying freedoms that people in many other countries cannot.

- Charles B. Rangel

Living, Other, Means, Enjoying

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.