Both of these men may not seem to have much in common, but one of them made a decision that shows a good indication of the true nature of his character, while the other has yet to follow his example.
Just before the 2006 draft reports came out that raised questions about whether Bush’s family had received gifts in direct violation of NCAA policies. The school requested an investigation of the matter and Bush went to to deny any wrong doing.
An investigation later showed that Bush was among the recipients of these lavish gifts and ordered USC distance itself from Bush. The Heisman Trophy Trust conducted its own investigation. There was no official call for him to be stripped of the trophy, but on September 14, 2010 Bush made the decision to return the trophy and voluntarily forfeited the honor.
This is one instance where my faith in mankind was restored momentarily. It’s not clear if Bush would have been forced to give up the trophy, but the fact that he did so on his own shows character that is sorely lacking elsewhere in society.
Congressman Charlie Rangel has had a long career and many of his positions are reasonable and his achievements are admirable. Yet the recent deluge of ethics questions involving Rangel is unsettling. It would be one thing if it was one or two accusations, but they have continued to mount.
In July Rangel was officially charged with 13 counts of violating House rules along with federal laws. He will face a formal trial in the House that will determine his fate. In a recent poll 87% of those asked felt that Rangel should resign.
While Rangel did step aside as Ways and Means chair in March, he has said he has no plans to resign. This brings us back to the comparison with Reggie Bush.
It could be entirely possibly that Mr. Bush made his decisions because he knew he was going to be asked to relinquish the trophy, but I chose to have a little faith in humanity. It is entirely possible that Bush looked at the way history would judge him. He may have considered what his fans and admirers would think. He may have thought about his family. Whatever his reasons, it was an honorable action.
Mr. Rangel needs to follow Bush’s example. Rangel has had a long and impressive career, but the ethics violations are tarnishing his legacy. While he may have his personal reasons for not resigning, if he chose to do so he just might be remembered in a positive light when the pages of history are written.
It may be hoping for too much for a politician to take the high road and simply resign, but I think it is a move that would show class and style. Let’s face it, in today’s world that is something we could use a little more of.