Stealing from ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
twistedchick
Dec. 7th, 2004 01:54 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
theweaselkingStealing, in fact, wholesale, from this post:
How does being "a close supporter of Bush and Cheney" make Bernard Kerik qualified to lead Homeland Security? Here's some of his past experience: undercover narc, prison warden, and personal security for the Saudi Royal Family. Does that qualify him to run the biggest agency in town?
Let's take a closer look:
--A very brief bio and more details here.
--Kerik's life is not an open book. No college degree, though that was a requirement for anyone in the NYPD above captain. Conflict of interest concerns, croneyism, and leaving his job of training the Iraqi national police early without explanation. And he's a board member of Taser International, which makes stun guns, which are used by police nearly everywhere.
--This view of him from New Jersey sees Kerik as an ambitious Republican: He considered running for governor before learning that the New Jersey state Constitution has a seven-year residency requirement. But there is no such limit for U.S. senators....But, if Kerik's luck holds, he'll be able to dole out national security pork for the next year (or three, if he wants to wait for 2008); then head home to Jersey with a pocketful of IOUs. That's the last thing the Democrats need: a Republican working-class superhero with red-hot ambitions in a state that's supposed to be true-blue.
--This Philly Inquirer story points at Kerik's weak resume.
--Peace, Earth and Justice News calls Kerik 'front man for a police state' and an 'unconditional loyalist.' This article goes into detail on many of the matters alluded to in the above items.
--Reuters says the HSA job may put Kerik into an awkward position when Taser seeks more government contracts -- since Kerik is still serving on Taser's board of directors. Well, yes, you could say that. "Awkward" is a good description. So is "conflict of interest."
--Kerik blocked the promotion of a qualified jail supervisor because the man had reprimanded a corrections officer whom Kerik was dating, according to this Newsday article.
--From TruthNews, a right-wing religious site, here's what is probably the official Republican view of Kerik's background and nomination for the job. Notice what's smoothed over in comparison to the other coverage, and notice what's not even mentioned.
--The Gotham Gazette, on Kerik in NYC and his 'three priorities'.
How does being "a close supporter of Bush and Cheney" make Bernard Kerik qualified to lead Homeland Security? Here's some of his past experience: undercover narc, prison warden, and personal security for the Saudi Royal Family. Does that qualify him to run the biggest agency in town?
Let's take a closer look:
--A very brief bio and more details here.
--Kerik's life is not an open book. No college degree, though that was a requirement for anyone in the NYPD above captain. Conflict of interest concerns, croneyism, and leaving his job of training the Iraqi national police early without explanation. And he's a board member of Taser International, which makes stun guns, which are used by police nearly everywhere.
--This view of him from New Jersey sees Kerik as an ambitious Republican: He considered running for governor before learning that the New Jersey state Constitution has a seven-year residency requirement. But there is no such limit for U.S. senators....But, if Kerik's luck holds, he'll be able to dole out national security pork for the next year (or three, if he wants to wait for 2008); then head home to Jersey with a pocketful of IOUs. That's the last thing the Democrats need: a Republican working-class superhero with red-hot ambitions in a state that's supposed to be true-blue.
--This Philly Inquirer story points at Kerik's weak resume.
--Peace, Earth and Justice News calls Kerik 'front man for a police state' and an 'unconditional loyalist.' This article goes into detail on many of the matters alluded to in the above items.
--Reuters says the HSA job may put Kerik into an awkward position when Taser seeks more government contracts -- since Kerik is still serving on Taser's board of directors. Well, yes, you could say that. "Awkward" is a good description. So is "conflict of interest."
--Kerik blocked the promotion of a qualified jail supervisor because the man had reprimanded a corrections officer whom Kerik was dating, according to this Newsday article.
--From TruthNews, a right-wing religious site, here's what is probably the official Republican view of Kerik's background and nomination for the job. Notice what's smoothed over in comparison to the other coverage, and notice what's not even mentioned.
--The Gotham Gazette, on Kerik in NYC and his 'three priorities'.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-12-07 11:01 am (UTC)If you look at the selection process, that seems to be the biggest single qualification for any appointment nowdays...
(no subject)
Date: 2004-12-07 04:47 pm (UTC)You know, I think by this point it is apparent that the phrase "conflict of interest" has left that dialect known as "American English". It's so rampant that it's barely worth being outraged about anymore.