Bye-bye Bernie

A little while ago, Ward posted that Bernie Kerik had been selected as President Bush's nominee for the Director of Homeland Security. Seemed like a good pick, and one that the Democratic Party was actually supportive of. Well, Kerik has withdrawn from consideration due to issues over a nanny/maid he employed several years ago whose immigration status is "questionable." This is an echo of Linda Chavez's withdrawl from consideration for Labor Secretary in the first term.

While I admit what's good for the goose is good for the gander - Republicans used similar charges to deny Clinton's nominee for Attornery General, Zoe Baird - I have to wonder if this kind of scrutiny and automatic disqualification is really in the best interests of the country? Such a problem - even if Kerik had been charged and convicted of an actual crime here - would not keep him from being a leader of any corporation, civic group, and probably - assuming there was genuine repentance - of a church. But it disqualifies him from being director of homeland security?

I dunno. I am an idealist, but still believe in foregiveness and a sense of proportion.