New York City Gambling Control Commission - Bernard Kerik
Allegations against Bernard Kerik’s about employment of illegal aliens, stock options, conflicts of interest and most any other abuse of power don’t interest me much. Even cheating on his wife, Hala Matli, with two women at the same time, corrections officer Jeanette Pinero and publisher Judith Regan, doesn’t really grab my attention for very long.
HOWEVER
If Bernie’s business dealings do turn out to hint at corruption, let’s not forget that Kerik was also a member of the New York City Gambling Control Commission, a body that controlled access to one of the richest casino markets in the entire world (through offshore casino cruise ships). Any wise owner of a major business constantly keeps an eye out for potential competitors. Casino owners, especially, are very protective of their position. Were I a casino owner anywhere in the Western Hemisphere and a commissioning body was formed to regulate competition inside such a rich market, I would explore ways to undoubtedly ensure such competition never got a chance to flourish.
From experience, I know a little bit about paying off people in positions of authority in order to get what I want. An authority figure with sexual peccadilloes and a potential predilection toward accepting “favors” would always be a good prospect. I wonder if there was ever any “business” done in this regard between Kerik and folks in the casino industry.
Since Kerik dropped out for placement in the Cabinet spot, maybe his background won’t be looked into in any great detail (including any possible casino shenanigans). But, it also seems like his story (the stuff that didn’t make it into his memoir) might be too juicy to pass up. We’ll see.
HOWEVER
If Bernie’s business dealings do turn out to hint at corruption, let’s not forget that Kerik was also a member of the New York City Gambling Control Commission, a body that controlled access to one of the richest casino markets in the entire world (through offshore casino cruise ships). Any wise owner of a major business constantly keeps an eye out for potential competitors. Casino owners, especially, are very protective of their position. Were I a casino owner anywhere in the Western Hemisphere and a commissioning body was formed to regulate competition inside such a rich market, I would explore ways to undoubtedly ensure such competition never got a chance to flourish.
From experience, I know a little bit about paying off people in positions of authority in order to get what I want. An authority figure with sexual peccadilloes and a potential predilection toward accepting “favors” would always be a good prospect. I wonder if there was ever any “business” done in this regard between Kerik and folks in the casino industry.
Since Kerik dropped out for placement in the Cabinet spot, maybe his background won’t be looked into in any great detail (including any possible casino shenanigans). But, it also seems like his story (the stuff that didn’t make it into his memoir) might be too juicy to pass up. We’ll see.
posted by Richard at 8:45 AM Permalink To Article
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10 Comments:
May I ask you:
1.
Don't you feel that by cheating you're actually replacing the Big Cheaters (The Casino Owners), not the System?
2.
You might have made lots of money, but haven't you actually lost 25 (twenty five) best years of your life in this spiritual prison you're describing?
3.
I have not read your book, as a writer of literature I'm more interested in the human perspective. Telling the truthfull story of your life, feelings and urges could make a contribution to this lamentable world and population. I'm a Hebrew writer but I strongly suggest you consider employing a ghost writer in your country, one sensitive and with a social drive, and bring about a creative in-depth memorable book.
For a different climate you're welcome to visit my multi-lingual blog.
Your suspicion seems appropriate. See the New York Times
See the New York Times:
Bernard Kerik spoke to the city's Trade Waste Commission on behalf of a close friend who was helping a company suspected of mob connections try to get a license from the city.
Just stopping in to say hello and to congratulate you on your recent nomination at the BoB Weblog Awards 2004.
www.blogmechanics.com/bob
Hi Richard,
Thanks for your generous response at my blog.
Indeed one needs to read a book in order to assess it (by which you probably mean, evaluate). While I've been indeed talking of Values, in regard to your book I was referring to the genre itself.
Literature is by its nature introspective, offering an in-depth perspective on life. How-To books do not reach that far. It's like the difference between a straw chair in your kitchen, and, let's say, Van Gogh's. One stays with you for as long as it is usable, the other survives Time itself.
You have written in the genre of "kitchen chair", which is usable in its way.
The issue is far reaching and deserves a Van Gogh.
True, he was introspective and suffering and probably most of the time very lonely and tormented. I do not recommend those aspects...
I feel there is a need to understand those deep layers of human spirit.
Dostoevsky was trying to reach into such deep wells. A ghost writer, a professional literary writer in your country might bring some inner truths out to light and then, behold, the "kitchen chair" will attain a totally different level.
While musing on this issue it dawned upon me that in my country, in the world at large, we are all, in a philosophical sense, Lottery Cheaters, as we try each in our petty corner to cheat the Sky, the Wheel dealers. It is pathetic and lamentable yet not as much as the people who populate the Casinoes are.
Some of us even take upon themselves the role of Robin Hood. If I understand correctly it was not your way.
In most countries those institutions "donate" monies to not-for-profit organizations. This is money taken mostly from the poor and deluded.
I know quite well that Casinos exists despite what I might call "the Cheaters of the Cheaters". What I meant was that you replaced, or joined, the System by using those monies.
As for adventures and camaraderie - we found them at the Mafia and criminal gangs as well, so they can stand on their own feet only while bestowed with qualitative content.
Hence my introspective question remains:
What is the Meaning of one's singular unique life?
Great write-up. First time here--solid blog you've got.
http://mrfreestuff.blogspot.com
Corinna sounds like fun girl, huh?
yikes, that's one the heavier comments i've seen in a blog.
anyway, richard, just wanted to let you know i'll be pimping you for sure next time i link up.
The "girl" has granddaughters and is one of the not anonymous writers and fearless activists in Israel, where the roullete is rolling daily under the sky, Mr. Marcus.
Comments are supposed to be to the point and responded respectfully and intelligently, especially by blog owners. That's basic common courtesy.
Life has intellectual and moral challenges as well...
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