Thanks a lot, Mr. President!

It is better for a slimy earthworm to stay underground. It may feel good to come out for a while and enjoy the sun; but soon some kid will stomp it to the ground screaming ‘eyooowww!’. Today’s news story on the former Police Commissioner of New York City, Bernard Kerik, reminds me of this rule.

Kerik was the driver, bodyguard, and confidant of Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Despite of his questionable qualifications, Giuliani rapidly moved him up through the city law enforcement agencies as he needed a crony to enforce his tough policies. As the Police Commissioner of New City, Kerik got his share of glory during Sept 11 disaster. Later, when Giuliani started a highly successful consulting firm, he joined him. Life was going good for Kerik. Then in December 2004, President Bush nominated him for the post of the Chief of Homeland Security. There was an initial euphoria about a tough New York police officer being put in charge of national security. But it soon wore off when stories of Kriek love affairs (two at the same time!), and some questionable financial deals came out in the media. Nobody had bothered to thoroughly check his past until this nomination! The media frenzy questioning Kerik's qualifications continued to get worse with calls like, 'Why is Kerik not indicted?'. Finally, Kerik had no choice but to ask the President to withdraw his nomination. He was also forced to resign from his lucrative consulting job under Giuliani. Later, Federal Prosecutors filed a case against him for accepting money from the city contractors. Today he pleaded guilty to those charges. He must have muttered, 'Thanks a lot, Mr. President!'