More on our old friend...

Bernie Kerik was on Taser's Board of Directors for several years. He made millions of dollars for his advice and guidance during his tenure.

Mr. Kerk is currently facing criminal charges that could result in him being sentenced for up to 142 years in prison [update: now facing only 28 years [LINK]]. And it is not the first time he's been accused of wrong-doing.

Here is yet-another story about Mr. Kerik: [LINK] If true, then yuck.


Commentary:

Sometimes it seems like there is a natural tendency for a linear spectrum to bend into a circle.

For example, Stalin and Hitler were supposedly at opposite ends of the left-right political spectrum, but there really wasn't much to distinguish between them - they were both evil murderous thugs. And I've already noted that some extremist right-wing self-proclaimed 'law-and-order' folks are the first ones to break the law. Or certain US presidents that will shred the US Constitution to 'protect' the citizenry. Or those that will be too quick launch a war to 'help maintain peace' (it often applies to both sides). And every now and then we see examples where the very top figures in law enforcement get all tangled-up with mob bosses (not mentioning any names... ahem...).

That's the big problem with being an extremist. If the line bends into a circle, then it becomes far too easy for one to cross the line and become exactly what you dislike. Examples: Those fighting for peace cause riots that lead to death. Those that think that they're working to protect their country, become the country's worst enemy. Law enforcers become law breakers.

One sees this happening all the time.

Personally, I'm an extremist moderate. I stay as far away from either end of the spectrum as I possibly can. Hopefully it helps to keep me from crossing the line too often.