I recently read a New York Post article detailing how former President Bill Clinton has abstained from endorsing Charles B. Rangel, long-time, extremely effective Representative of New York City’s 15th Congressional District. It made me wonder, “What the hell?” Actually, it made me downright angry.

One of the most important factors of any relationships, be it personal or professional, is loyalty. So I seethed as I read that Clinton, whom I respect and admire more than any politician of my lifetime, refuses to publicly endorse a man who has stood steadfastly beside him when it was the least popular thing to do. Since 1992, Mr. Rangel has championed Mr. Clinton through unpopular legislative negotiations, not to mention throughout the impeachment fiasco. Additionally, Mr. Rangel was one of the first to step up and endorse Hillary Clinton’s exploratory and eventual Senate campaigns. Oh, and did I mention Mr. Rangel supported and endorsed Hillary’s campaign for President in 2008? Yes, he did.

So it really irks me that Clinton’s excuse for not endorsing Representative Rangel, who is facing a tough re-election bid, is that a former Clinton aide is also running for the same seat. Huh? Excuse me?

Out of loyalty, Clinton should have informed the aide that his unwavering support will be publicly afforded to Mr. Rangel by way of a full-hearted endorsement. Instead, Clinton has vowed to remain neutral by not endorsing either candidate, and to me, that is 100% disrespectful, not to mention disloyal.

Clinton relied and counted on Mr. Rangel’s support, “no matter what”, so it is completely unthinkable that both Bill and Hillary have turned their backs on one of their staunchest supporters.

Where is the effing loyalty in politics?

I have seen it time and time again, and even after all these years, I do not understand it. How does one fight for something so passionately, then let bygones be bygones when the election is over? When I decide to support a candidate, my heart and soul goes into that endorsement because I believe that particular candidate to be the best person for the office. My support and loyalty do not go down the drain when the candidate loses; I’m still anti-Obama because I was pro-Clinton; still anti-(Andrew) Cuomo because I was pro-(Charlie) King; still anti-Bush because I was pro-Gore, etc. I would not campaign 17 hours a day for someone unless I felt that society would implode without them in office. So this seemingly disloyalty from the Clintons towards Rangel is not lost on me. That said, I am certain, given the power of the bygones, the Clintons and Rangels will remain good friends for life as I carry the torch of resentment.