Many years ago, I learned deceit doesn't pay. Not forme, at least. I'm a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of person.That straightforward quality makes me a great reporter, but I'd bea lousy politician. I can't lie to save my life—just ask my mother,or all the traffic cops who have never once let me skate by with awarning.

As a result, I have a very low tolerance for folks who do lie,whether it's Wall Street bankers, warmongering presidents or CEOswho up and quit out of the blue, at the peak of their careers, inorder to spend more time with their families.

A skill set required of journalists is the ability to sniff outsituations that don't add up. Lately, everywhere I turn, I get awhiff of stink.