GI Joe suicide cop was so credible. Like a politician.

The suicide cop story out of Fox Lake, Illinois shows that credibility trumps integrity, but thankfully only for a little while. Joe Gliniewicz, GI Joe, Kingpin of Corruption, the Rot that Fox built, was the poster child for honorable police officers. He was loved and respected by coworkers and the community. From a distance he was a clean shaven, tattooed knight in blue. Up close? A skittering cockroach, reeking of stolen money and cheap perfume.

He expertly cultivated a look. An appearance that villagers wanted to believe. He carefully sculpted a facade that gave him the power to rob his fans. It is a sadly familiar story. While the dullards were glorifying his veteran-cop image he was betraying their foolish trust and stealing their money to buy hookers, jewelry, and a bigger house.

As a sociopath, he was unmatched, with Ted Bundy-like charisma serving his selfish needs. He projected honesty and credibility, but he had no honor, no integrity and no moral standing. Today a news report said that he contracted to have the village manager killed. Why? Because that lady might uncover his misdeeds. This was the kind of cop that kills people, plants a gun, and makes up a story about how his life was in danger.

When a person appears too good to be true, they are. They really are. There is no purely good person. Anywhere. Those who strive to project their own perfection are usually desperate to fill the crags in their character. They smooth over their flaws, but the gaps are still there, rotting deeper under the veneer of respectability.

It is the political season and here they come dressed in pin-striped suits, wearing flag pins. The media loves the smooth, well-coiffed faces of those oh-so-credible smooth-talkers who want to  be in charge of your tax dollars, your relationships and your bodies. Remember GI Joe and be cautious. Be very cautious.