Indicted Kerik Launches Legal Defense Trust
Like Scooter Libby and Tom DeLay before him, former NYC Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik is using his indictment as a tool to fundraise from the right-wing base.
A grand jury issued a 14-count indictment against Kerik yesterday. But Kerik knew it was coming. “Several weeks ago,” the Kerik Legal Defense Trust had already sprung into action and launched a website to raise funds for the embattled Kerik.
The defense trust’s website contains a page entitled “About Bernard B. Kerik” that notes he was nominated to serve as secretary of Homeland Security, “but neglects to mention he was forced to withdraw in disgrace in December 2004 over tax issues related to a nanny he employed.”
The site lauds Kerik’s “heroism” and “distinguished service” with laudatory quotes from Rudy Giuliani (”An excellent Police Commissioner and Courageous Leader on 9/11″) and Tony Blair (”You are an inspiration to all of us”).
The defense trust informs potential donors that, “Any contribution you make to the Trust will be treated as a gift to Mr. Kerik to be used at his discretion.” Potential donors should note, however, that Kerik is under indictment because he has been accused of misappropriating his finances. Ellis Henican writes in Newsday:
But I’m still a little confused about why Bernard Kerik needs money from me. The man lives in a mansion in New Jersey. He got that $4.4 million stock bonanza for sitting on the Taser board.
How’s Bernie so broke? He’s barely paid for his first cup of coffee, and since he left city government in 2003, he’s been positively raking it in.
He’s been a partner in at least two highly lucrative security firms, one with Rudy Giuliani and one that he ran. Like giant vacuum cleaners, he and Rudy have been sucking huge fees from corporations and foreign governments eager to hear tough-guy 9/11 anecdotes.
And the man needs a hundred bucks from me?
The website does not report its board members or its contributors. Some questions for Kerik’s good friend Rudy Giuliani: Are you formally participating in the defense trust, and do you endorse it?
Sort Comments By: Top Rated | Date
74 Responses to “Indicted Kerik Launches Legal Defense Trust”
Register
RSSLogin
Topic Cloud
ArchivesBlog RollAbout Think ProgressContact Us
Donate
Oh man. Maybe he ought to ask his pal Rudy for some money. I hear Rudy’s makin’ out real well exploiting 9/11….
November 9th, 2007 at 2:12 pmNo way! LOL! A Legal Trust for Bernie?
Bernie’s slogan: Translation: I sold my integrity, but I’m still in the poor house. Give me more.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:13 pmHehehe. I love the Bruce Willis face in the pic. Loser.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:16 pmLeftside Annie beat me to the punch
November 9th, 2007 at 2:16 pmAmazing how low that guy will go even though he has lots of money.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:17 pmhttp://melinda-carlisle.blogspot.com/
Looks like they only started setting it up two weeks ago:
Registrant:
Domain Discreet
ATTN: keriklegaltrust.com
P.O. Box 278
Yarmouth, NS B5A 4B2
CA
Email: 205533e40a1e672901f6c306095a8c55@domaindiscreet.com
Registrar Name….: REGISTER.COM, INC.
Registrar Whois…: whois.register.com
Registrar Homepage: http://www.register.com
Domain Name: keriklegaltrust.com
Created on…………..: Thu, Oct 25, 2007
Expires on…………..: Sat, Oct 25, 2008
Record last updated on..: Thu, Nov 01, 2007
Hmmmm….
November 9th, 2007 at 2:23 pmIf he raises money for legal defense, does this mean he’s going to actually pay his legal bills? Or is he saving up for a house in Paraguay?
November 9th, 2007 at 2:26 pmI love it ! It used to be republican voters made contributions to political campaigns . Seems now their making contributions to the legal defences of those same players . That’s progress !
November 9th, 2007 at 2:26 pmOh and a big hello to Joe and Karl from the blogosphere !
November 9th, 2007 at 2:27 pmWell to be honest, what Republican nowadays doesn’t have a close personal friend, crony, etc. that not under indictment?
November 9th, 2007 at 2:28 pm4 - Leftside Annie beat me to the punch
Comment by Uncle Ho — November 9, 2007 @ 2:16 pm
Proud to share the credit with you, UH. ;o) GMTA.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:35 pmThe Repubs are such a bunch of low life criminals, they should just come out with one giant “Repub Criminal Defense Fund” for all of them.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:37 pm“Rule of law” my butt.
I love it ! It used to be republican voters made contributions to political campaigns . Seems now their making contributions to the legal defences of those same players . That’s progress !
Comment by freeman — November 9, 2007 @ 2:26 pm
There are probably some Republican voters who won’t be able to tell the difference. This slick website looks just like a campaign site.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:39 pmThe indictment includes an “Asset Seizure” provision, taking at least $255,000 in ill-gotten gains. Another interesting tidbit from the indictment is one of the Counts of “False Statements” to the US Government - Kerik failed to disclose during the Homeland Security vetting process that in 2003 he got a $250,000 personal loan from a “Brooklyn businessman” (”John Doe #7″) who in turn got the money as Kerik “well knew” from “John Doe #8″ a “wealthy Israeli industrialist whose companies did business with the US Government”.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:41 pmThe Repubs are such a bunch of low life criminals, they should just come out with one giant “Repub Criminal Defense Fund†for all of them.
“Rule of law†my butt.
Comment by OxyCon — November 9, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
And their pitch can be “Just as you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs, you can’t get to power without breaking some laws. Help keep Republicans in power. Every dollar you contribute allows more laws to be broken, which they can’t do without YOUR help.”
November 9th, 2007 at 2:42 pmI heard all aout being responsible during the SCHIP period, why, trolls, should this guy get money? He had a good job, right? He is responsible for the mess he got himself into,right?
November 9th, 2007 at 2:45 pmHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAAA!!!!!!!!!!
November 9th, 2007 at 2:47 pm“also, btw, im raising money for the LAST time i stiffed my legal defense!”
November 9th, 2007 at 2:47 pmHey TCDon,
November 9th, 2007 at 2:48 pmWhere is your “Clinton did it”?
the dummies misspelled ‘distinguished’.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:49 pmon the kerik site that is . . .
November 9th, 2007 at 2:50 pmAnything and everything the right wing does all gets down to - can they make a buck off it?
November 9th, 2007 at 2:53 pmThe website brags about Kerik’s training of the the Iraqi police force. That sure was a smashing success.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:59 pmwhat’s a guy with a police car and two helicopters need with a legal defense fund?
November 9th, 2007 at 3:06 pmKerik - “Interim Minister of the Interior” under the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, charged with supervising the training of Iraqi police in 2003. He just quit without warning after 3 months. And it was AFTER that Giuliani pushed Bush to make him Secretary of Homeland Security.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:09 pmOur soldiers are homeless and Children have no Health Care but the Republicans feel it’s necessary to support a criminal who has enough stolen money but just needs his legal fees paid. Bernie would withdraw some money from his off shore accounts to cover the legal fees. This is a true example of the United State Democracy at work. Now the new AG Mike can do some magic and give Bernie the famous get out of jail card. Rudy and Mikie are friends and Rudy will re appoint his friend Mikie if he does this favor.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:09 pm-GASP!-
This is outrageous! People should never be allowed to decide what they want to do with their own money, including giving it to someone else.
Here is a little clue for the outraged: if I want to give money to the Kerik fund then that is my business, if you don’t then that is your business, regardless of whether or not you think he deserves or needs it.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:11 pmIsn’t there something contrary to the rules about moneys going to a fund being operated for a specific purpose (legal defense) actually being used however the recipient wants?
November 9th, 2007 at 3:12 pm#26 minotaur
November 9th, 2007 at 3:14 pmHe’s going to need it !
shades of Scooter Libby!
November 9th, 2007 at 3:19 pmMost people who can’t afford an attorney have the court appoint one for them. It’s funny how these rebublicans (knowingly) break the law then solicit money to get ‘the best legal team (someone else’s) money can buy’.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:20 pmHere is a little clue for the outraged: if I want to give money to the Kerik fund then that is my business, if you don’t then that is your business, regardless of whether or not you think he deserves or needs it.
Comment by Minotaur — November 9, 2007 @ 3:11 pm
You’re donating your allowance? Good for you. And feel free to ignore the post entirely, like the quotation that asks why someone with millions of dollars actually needs to start a legal defense fund. Just go ahead writing these moronic comments. It’s a free country, right?
November 9th, 2007 at 3:29 pmThis is simply mind-boggling..
November 9th, 2007 at 3:31 pmThe hypocrisy knows no bounds.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:32 pm#26 minotaur
He’s going to need it !
Comment by freeman — November 9, 2007 @ 3:14 pm
I could care less if he needs it or not, if someone wants to send the guy their money, go for it.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:33 pmRepublican Bush lovers and Giuliani lovers will send money to defend Kerik, because fascists support other fascists no matter what they did.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:35 pmYou’re donating your allowance? Good for you. And feel free to ignore the post entirely, like the quotation that asks why someone with millions of dollars actually needs to start a legal defense fund. Just go ahead writing these moronic comments. It’s a free country, right?
Like I said, what business is it of yours if I or anyone else wants to contribute to the Kerik fund? Like you said, it’s a free country and what people do with their own money shouldn’t concern you.
The quotation you refer to is an opinion and nothing more, you could ask the same why millionaire pols beg for campaign money or millionaire team owners beg for a new tax-funded stadium. Does it seem unethical for a millionaire to ask for money for his legal defense fund, sure, but doing so isn’t illegal.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:38 pmThe quotation you refer to is an opinion and nothing more, you could ask the same why millionaire pols beg for campaign money or millionaire team owners beg for a new tax-funded stadium. Does it seem unethical for a millionaire to ask for money for his legal defense fund, sure, but doing so isn’t illegal.
Comment by Minotaur — November 9, 2007 @ 3:38 pm
In other words, you don’t get it at all.
No one said it was illegal. But at least you noticed that it was ethically challenged; that’s a start. Everything else you’ve posted is a straw man attack.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:40 pmHere is a little clue for the outraged: if I want to give money to the Kerik fund then that is my business, if you don’t then that is your business, regardless of whether or not you think he deserves or needs it.
Comment by Minotaur — November 9, 2007 @ 3:11 pm
minnie, you go ahead and give bernie your money. give him all of your money. then sell everything you own on e-bay and give the money to bernie. then borrow all the money you can from your friends and family and give it to bernie. will you do that for bernie? will you do that for us? i knew you would.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:42 pmIt’s funny how these rebublicans (knowingly) break the law then solicit money to get ‘the best legal team (someone else’s) money can buy’.
Lots ‘o whining today about how other people choose to spend their own caysh.
I would think you guys would love the fact that, as Jay so adroitly stated, that fascists are wasting their money on other fascists on behalf of what you have already decided is a lost cause. Less money for said fascists to build secret oil pipelines and such, right?
November 9th, 2007 at 3:43 pmNo one said it was illegal. But at least you noticed that it was ethically challenged; that’s a start. Everything else you’ve posted is a straw man attack.
Great place to live isn’t it, America I mean? Even a fud like Kerik has the right to solicit money he probably doesn’t need and anyone out there who feels compelled to do so can contribute.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:48 pmI would think you guys would love the fact that, as Jay so adroitly stated, that fascists are wasting their money on other fascists on behalf of what you have already decided is a lost cause. Less money for said fascists to build secret oil pipelines and such, right?
Comment by Minotaur — November 9, 2007 @ 3:43 pm
well, aren’t you on the miss-the-point sharot bus today. He has the money, and he’s showing a)that he has no shame and b) that he wants to use his own money to build secret oil pipelines, not to pat for his own illegal activities defense. So much for “personal responisibility”, another rightwing canard shot down in flames. Now it should be clear even to you why republicans are incapable of winning a war or defending the USA against terrorist attacks; they have no sense of responsibility.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:48 pmI would think you guys would love the fact that, as Jay so adroitly stated, that fascists are wasting their money on other fascists on behalf of what you have already decided is a lost cause. Less money for said fascists to build secret oil pipelines and such, right?
Comment by Minotaur — November 9, 2007 @ 3:43 pm
right.
(spell check please)
November 9th, 2007 at 3:48 pmThis is just blackmail concealed as a “legal defense fund.” Essentially, this crook is letting all the people know who he’s got the goods on to support his legal defense, or he’ll start naming names and taking all of them down with him. Republiscums better anty up. I bet he collects a fortune.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:50 pmwill you do that for us? i knew you would.
Nein, I just got my latest circular from ‘The Scotch Malt Whiskey Society’ and have my eye on a 23 year old bot’le from an Elgin distillery, priced at $145 smackeroons.
Kerik is on his own, I need my daily dram.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:52 pmI tried to contribute, but they wouldn’t take U.S. currency
November 9th, 2007 at 3:52 pmThat mustache just screams “gay cop”! Not that there’s anything wrong with that…
November 9th, 2007 at 3:56 pmI heard all aout being responsible during the SCHIP period, why, trolls, should this guy get money? He had a good job, right? He is responsible for the mess he got himself into,right?
Comment by Xisithrus — November 9, 2007 @ 2:45 pm
Nah — personal responsibility is only for the non-rich. Having somebody else pony up money for you is OK if you’re rich. And Republican.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:59 pmHe has the money, and he’s showing a)that he has no shame and b) that he wants to use his own money to build secret oil pipelines
I would agree with your assertion that Kerik has little or no shame, but not with your claim that he desires to build secret oil pipelines with his own money.
Please link, I’ll wait patiently.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:59 pmPlease link, I’ll wait patiently.
Comment by Minotaur — November 9, 2007 @ 3:59 pm
Once again, a rightard falls for it. You are awfully stupid if you think there are links to a SECRET oil pipeline, which, by the way, YOU brought up.
You morons never disappoint. Expect you to be dumb, and you always exceed expectations. No wonder we can’t win a war with you in charge.
November 9th, 2007 at 4:05 pmYou morons never disappoint. Expect you to be dumb, and you always exceed expectations. No wonder we can’t win a war with you in charge.
Not at all, it was a crazy liberal who first foisted the idea of secret pipelines; I was just hoping some leftoniard would finally posit some proof that their crazy conspiracies have merit.
November 9th, 2007 at 4:11 pmIf I send him a check for a negative $100 will he pay me?
Pay to the Order of - RUCerious
The Amount of - Minus One Hundred Dollars and 00/100 cents
Memo - Lying bastards should be paying us back
Signed RUCerious
November 9th, 2007 at 4:17 pmNot at all, it was a crazy liberal who first foisted the idea of secret pipelines; I was just hoping some leftoniard would finally posit some proof that their crazy conspiracies have merit.
Comment by Minotaur — November 9, 2007 @ 4:11 pm
Now you’ve sunk to lying, no surprise. it’s where you rightards always go, because facts are always against you. You brought up secret pipelines, fool. And if you think there aren’t any, you’re even a bigger fool than you would appear, which seems impossible, but you’ve shown the capacity for a record level or stupidity and arrogance. That’s why you’re a republican loser.
November 9th, 2007 at 4:20 pmMinotaur, you also can shoot yourself in the face. Show us that you can, buddy!
November 9th, 2007 at 4:28 pmPredictions of the next 911 by a Professional Geologist.
http://www.H2onE2.com Glacial Respiration, Conceptual Ring of Ice, The End of Linear Western Religion
A Geological Exploration of an E2 Earthen Planet And the H2 Human Species
Author: B Billy Marse, Professional Geologist
Brief Description:
http://www.H2onE2.com is an exploration of the universe, geology, climate, biology, humans, psychology, folklore and ancient structures to uncover the beginning and disclose the end of linear western religion. The true DaVinci Code behind the bible is not a supreme spiritual power but a scientific record of climate change described as Glacial Respiration. The Greek philosophers originated the practice of communicating a hidden idea or message in the short story format, as a metaphor. In the bible, metaphors conceal historic climate change within the fanciful stories. The theory of Glacial Respiration explains the myth behind the Holy Grail, structures such as the Great Pyramids, Stonehenge, Easter Island and is the knowledge that was collected in the Jewish Ark of the Covenant.
The environmental changes of Glacial Respiration determine all biological evolution and can explain why higher forms of intelligent humans developed. Further, Glacial Respiration releases the secret hidden by the Knights Templars, Masonic Order and all religions. Uncovers an advanced Blue-Blooded semi-industrial Atlantian Civilization that was built and destroyed many times over for the last million years. The book ends with an explanation of how linear western religion will be physically ended and describes the construction of the doomsday device capable of fulfilling its own self defining prophesy, “Revelationsâ€. H2onE2 is a mind-expanding experience that stimulates the soul, instinct, intellect and is an almanac to the past, present and future of humanity. Rise, awaken and evolve into H3 human consciousness.
The discovery:
November 9th, 2007 at 4:49 pmAs a Professional Geologist, I attempted to link the Dust Bowl/Great Depression to a pre-glacial condition or mechanism and ended up writing the book H2onE2. I felt that there was a strong connection between the Dust Bowl and transition back into Glacial Winter. I did notice that my professors scientifically crumbled every time I mentioned the relationship. I could not go back in time or locate indisputable proof. The proof came from understanding all educational disciplines including history and theology. I soon discovered that all religious text both eastern and western continually described significant climate change conditions relating to Glacial Respiration. For years I fought off mixing science and religion until I discovered that the origins of all religions were founded or created to help humans psychologically survive the harsh earthen environment. Without reason I soon accepted that the world’s complicated religions were the same. This came true and I continued to write and discover. Everything came into place as though I was unlocking a 10,000-year-old puzzle. I also realized this puzzle was opened before I discovered it, by someone else, some other group. If so, further understanding of this knowledge might be extracted from significant historical events. Lastly, this is the vital information needed to make future predictions.
Nein, I just got my latest circular from ‘The Scotch Malt Whiskey Society’ and have my eye on a 23 year old bot’le from an Elgin distillery, priced at $145 smackeroons.
Kerik is on his own, I need my daily dram.
Comment by Minotaur — November 9, 2007 @ 3:52 pm
If you really knew anything about malts, you would first know how to spell whisky.
And you’d know it was Glen Elgin, not “an Elgin distillery.”
November 9th, 2007 at 4:54 pmAfter Bush managed to get elected twice all right wing republicans feel that they can ask for anything from their right wing base, absolutely anything, even money for defending a rich crook !!
November 9th, 2007 at 5:04 pmWithout reason I soon accepted that the world’s complicated religions were the same. — H2onE2
You should read the book called ‘The Mote in Gods Eye’ By Larry Niven =)
November 9th, 2007 at 5:06 pmYou should read the book called ‘The Mote in Gods Eye’ By Larry Niven =)
Comment by Xisithrus — November 9, 2007 @ 5:06 pm
You forgot Jerry Pournelle! You’re gonna burn!
November 9th, 2007 at 5:22 pmLeftside Annie; it’s not that you posted #1, but the Rudy connection- I was going to say something about that, but you beat me to it. ah, well. :-)
November 9th, 2007 at 5:42 pm26 - Minotaur - how SWEET of you to send money to poor Bernie!
I’ll bet you buy a lot of stuff off QVC too, huh?
November 9th, 2007 at 6:04 pm59 - I gotcha, Uncle Ho. I knew that’s what you meant. ;o)
November 9th, 2007 at 6:05 pmTime for congress to pass and ‘endangered scumbags’ law.
-GSD
November 9th, 2007 at 6:11 pmAnd when you think about it, how could Bernie Kerik’s surrender to authorities today not cry out for a new version of Bohemian Rhapsody called Republican Rhapsody? It was kind of inevitable, really, although it briefly was a flip between that and Warren Zevon’s “Lawyers, Guns and Money.”.
Ironically, I used MSNBC’s article for the epigraph on Kerik’s surrender. I say “ironically” because, according to what Crooks and Liars pointed out, MSNBC called Kerik a “hero.”
November 9th, 2007 at 6:23 pmWhy can’t these repubs get out there and support themselves? Pull themselves up by the boot straps and make their own way. If expenses get too high, sell your car and house. Comeon, quit looking for handouts. These welfare types really irritate me.
-Ray-
November 9th, 2007 at 7:32 pm“Repub Criminal Defense Fundâ€
Comment by OxyCon — November 9, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
————-
I hope if they do come up with this fund they don’t try to make it tax exempt.
I’d hate to see Democrats cave in and vote in favor!
November 9th, 2007 at 9:40 pmThe website brags about Kerik’s training of the the Iraqi police force. That sure was a smashing success.
Comment by GregM — November 9, 2007 @ 2:59 pm
—————-
It was, if you consider the death squads as a success.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:47 pm“The website brags about Kerik’s training of the the Iraqi police force. That sure was a smashing success.”
If he had spent more than a few moths in Iraq before he quit that job, who knows? The war might have been over already… /snark
November 9th, 2007 at 10:13 pm“Some questions for Kerik’s good friend Rudy Giuliani: Are you formally participating in the defense trust, and do you endorse it?”
His picture is on the top of the “all-about-bernie” page. I think it is safe to say that untRudy loves the bernie trust.
November 9th, 2007 at 10:19 pmAnd it was AFTER that Giuliani pushed Bush to make him Secretary of Homeland Security.
Comment by gulfwargrunt — November 9, 2007 @ 3:09 pm
——————
Let’s see:
Giuliani recommended Bernard Kerik to be Secretary of Homeland SECURITY.
Giuliani owned a SECURITY company and maybe expected $$$ from Bernie.
Giuliani knew where Bernie’s skeletons were hidden; Dubya couldn’t care less. He just wanted a “9/11 heroe” as his National Cop and fingered “Fredo” Gonzalez to make sure the appointment went through.
But, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”.
It didn’t work out.
November 9th, 2007 at 10:24 pmLook back at the other picture, with Rudy behind,
November 9th, 2007 at 11:14 pmThat is a man to man embrace if I ever saw one and
I know these things. Lovers’ nest indeed.
Rather ironic, the use of the word “trust” in the name, don’tcha think?
November 9th, 2007 at 11:50 pmYeah, that was really Christian right wing of Bernie when he was bangin’ some b¡tch in that apartment overlooking the hole that was the Twin Towers.
∞
November 10th, 2007 at 1:41 amHe is a parasite. He bailed out of Iraq in less than three months. If his lawyers and Guiliani think he is so great, let them defend him pro bono. I hope the legal fees bankrupt him and then he goes to jail. He betrayed al that is good and desent about the NYPD.
November 14th, 2007 at 3:50 pm