**A Lasting Memory of Rep. Charlie Rangel: The Voicemail That Stays With Me**
In a world where politicians come and go like bad reality TV shows, Rep. Charlie Rangel left us with a voicemail that will echo through the ages—much like the sound of a cat being vacuumed. It was a Tuesday afternoon when I received the fateful message, and let me tell you, it was more shocking than finding out that your favorite pizza place doesn’t deliver to your new apartment.
“Hey, it’s Charlie! I’m busy right now, probably saving the world or at least trying to find my other sock. Leave a message, and I’ll get back to you—unless I’m in a meeting with a bunch of people who think ‘bipartisan’ is a new flavor of ice cream,” the voicemail began. I was immediately struck by the sheer brilliance of his wit. Who knew a congressman could be so relatable?
But it didn’t stop there. “If you’re calling about the budget, just remember: it’s like my grandma’s lasagna—layered, complicated, and definitely not gluten-free. Call me back if you want to discuss it over a slice!”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Here was a man who could turn fiscal policy into a culinary adventure. As I replayed the voicemail, I imagined Rangel hosting a cooking show titled “Cooking with Congress,” where he’d whip up a budget casserole while explaining the intricacies of tax reform.
In a world filled with political drudgery, Rep. Rangel’s voicemail was a refreshing reminder that sometimes, all you need is a little humor—and perhaps a side of lasagna—to make the chaos of politics a bit more palatable. So here’s to you, Charlie! May your voicemail live on forever, just like that lasagna in my fridge that I’m too scared to eat.
