Kerik Shames Rudy

To the Editor:

Rudolph W. Giuliani's supporters now claim that Bernard Kerik's legal problems are not hurting Rudy in his presidential run. If this is true, it's because Rudy's supporters have no shame.

Kerik has always been an incompetent self-promoter with no apparent police skills, and he's also more than a little short on the gray matter. He probably shouldn't have been hired by the NYPD, much less been promoted, and then, incredibly, almost elevated to the exalted position of U.S. Homeland Security Chief (thanks to Rudy, for whom he served as bodyguard 14 years ago).

On the eve of Kerik's possible indictment for tax evasion and other bribery-related charges, Giuliani claimed that Kerik's successes surpass his mistakes. Does he really mean that Kerik's legal acts surpass his criminal acts? How ridiculous a statement is that?

That Kerik is apparently a close friend of some mob-linked men, whose company renovated his Bronx apartment and then sought his help in winning city contracts, apparently doesn't bother Mr. Giuliani very much. I guess what Rudy means is that Kerik's loyalty to Giuliani more than makes up for any wrongdoing and crimes he may have committed. For Rudy, it's always been "the end justifies the means," and reduced crime stats seem to justify anything and everything.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg ruined a good thing when he removed Kerik's name from the Manhattan correctional institution that used to bear his name. Bernie could have been the first person in history to serve prison time in the correctional facility that was named for him.

Giuliani actually said the following: "Sure, there were issues, but if I have the same degree of success and failure as president of the United States, this country will be in great shape." If Kerik goes to prison, will Rudy say the same thing? I guess, as President, he will pardon Kerik first, and then say it.

MICHAEL J. GORMAN

Editor's note: The writer is a retired NYPD Lieutenant and an attorney.