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01/14/2008: "Retirement My A$$"

Embattled Orange County Sherriff Mike Carona resigned today, bringing to an end one phase of his effort to fight federal corruption charges. Carona, who last week returned from a self-emposed 60 day leave of absense, is calling his action a "retirement", an convenient way to avoid having to admit he was run out of office. Also, in a decided change from his normal policies, Carona announced his "retirement" via a notice on the OCSD website, rather than stand in front of the bank of microphones with which he has become so intimately familiar over the years.

"Although this is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, my family, my staff and my lawyers all believe that this is the right time to take my retirement," Carona said. "This action will permit me to focus on vindicating my name and refuting the false charges which have been made against me and my wife."

Hmm ... he apparently forgot his mistress is also charged ...

By stepping down now, Carona avoid the inevitably ugly fight that he would have faced from those who would strip him of his office. He also can now accept the pro bono legal services offered by lawyers Brian Sun and John Cline, whose previous clients include Oliver North and Scooter Libby. His current lawyer tried to spin the announcement, saying that he had gotten so used to having Carona accessable on a daily basis during the LOA that he urged him to exercise his retirement option for the benefit of the defense effort.

All politicians feel some power, no matter the office. How you choose to use - or abuse - that power is what separates the good from the bad. It's sad to see what greedy little pigs some politicians can become once they get a little too comfortable in their office. If Carona is guilty of the charges being brought, let's hope a message can be sent loud and clear to those who would choose to abuse our trust for personal gain - it will catch up with you, and you will be brought down.

Maybe he can share a cell with Duke Cunningham ...