DJs under fire after death of nurse following royal prank

NEW: Prime Minister David Cameron says his thoughts are with the nurse's family Australian DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian "mutually decide" to go off air The DJs made the decision after the nurse they tricked apparently committed suicide Nurse Jacintha Saldanha was found dead after taking a prank call on Catherine London (CNN) -- As radio pranks go, it was irreverent on-air fare: Two DJs, impersonating Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles, trick a nurse to get details about the hospitalization of Prince William's pregnant wife. A nurse who was a victim of the stunt, Jacintha Saldanha, apparently committed suicide Friday, King Edward VII Hospital said in a statement The fallout from Saldanha's death has stretched around the globe, from Britain to Australia -- with questions being raised about how far is too far in the effort to find out details about the Duchess of Cambridge's pregnancy. "Pranksters Face World Fury," screams the front-page headline of the UK's Daily Mirror, while Daily Telegraph columnist Bryony Gordon said it was "not so funny to hear two grown adults call up a hospital ward full of sick people to try to scam information about one of them." Read more: Nurse's death casts glare on 'shock jocks' The two Australian DJs, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, behind the practical joke are under fire, with some using the phrase "blood on your hands" to condemn their actions on the Sydney-based radio station 2DayFM. Hospital prank victim found dead Nurse pranked by DJs found dead Tragic end for prank call victim The DJs have since apologized, and "mutually decided" to go off the air for an undetermined period, Rhys Holleran, CEO of the Southern Cross Austereo media group, said Saturday during a news conference. Holleran said he was "very confident that we haven't done anything illegal." "This is a tragic event that could not have been reasonably foreseen and we are deeply saddened by it," he said. A spokesman for David Cameron said the prime minister "thinks this is a very sad case and his thoughts are with her family and colleagues." News of Saldanha's death broke Friday, with the hospital saying she "was recently the victim of a hoax call." London's Metropolitan Police said they were notified Friday morning that a woman was found unconscious. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are treating the death as "unexplained," they said. Audio of the call posted online suggests a woman spoke briefly to the DJs before she put the call through early Tuesday morning to the ward where Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, was being treated for acute morning sickness. Throughout the controversy surrounding the hoax, authorities did not identify the nurse. Her identity was released after her death. "They were the world's worst accents ever. We were sure 100 people at least before us would've tried the same thing. ... We were expecting to be hung up on -- we didn't even know what to say when we got through," Greig told listeners Thursday. Off the air, Greig and Christian tweeted about the practical joke on Thursday and earlier Friday, promising "more on the #royalprank." The pair's Twitter accounts were taken down late Friday. Some listeners applauded the prank, like one who identified himself as Guido on the station's Facebook page and wrote, "It is only a joke people! it was great i love it!!!" Others were outraged, with such negative comments outnumbering positive ones on 2DayFM's Facebook page before the nurse's death. "Your stunt was done at a time in this country where there is paranoia about the intrusion of the media into people's lives," Gary Slenders wrote. "I know you will say it is harmless fun, the management of 2DayFM will say that it won't happen again, but this exactly where the phone hacking scandal started." The outcry grew exponentially after the hospital confirmed Saldanha's death, leading the Coles supermarket chain to remove all its advertising from 2DayFM. "This death is on your conscience," reads one Facebook post. Several accused the two of having "blood on your hands." Saldanha's family released a statement asking for privacy and directing questions to police. She is survived by her husband and two children. "We as a family are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Jacintha," said the statement, released by police. Saldanha, 46, worked at the King Edward VII Hospital for more than four years, and she was described as an "excellent nurse," well-respected by co-workers, the hospital statement said. The hospital "had been supporting her throughout this difficult time," it said. A St. James's Palace spokesman said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are deeply saddened to learn of the death. "Their Royal Highnesses were looked after so wonderfully well at all times by everybody at King Edward VII Hospital, and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha's family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time." Separately, a palace spokesman told CNN: "At no point did the palace complain to the hospital about the incident. On the contrary, we offered our full and heartfelt support to the nurses involved and hospital staff at all times." The Royal College of Nursing, which represents nurses nationally, also expressed sorrow over Saldanha's death. "It is deeply saddening that a simple human error due to a cruel hoax could lead to the death of a dedicated and caring member of the nursing profession," said Dr Peter Carter, its chief executive. The hospital said Wednesday that it deeply regretted the call had been put through. The private hospital is known for treating royals. In June, Prince Philip, 91, was admitted to the same hospital with a bladder infection, forcing him to miss part of the queen's Diamond Jubilee celebration. CNN's Laura Perez Maestro, Max Foster, Per Nyberg, Chelsea C. Carter and Tim Lister contributed to this report.

'Gangnam' star sorry for anti-U.S. rap

Singer Psy performs onstage at Kyunggi University on September 25 in Suwon, South Korea. South Korean pop star PSY apologized for what he called "inflammatory" lyrics PSY rapped in 2004: 'Kill those f---ing Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives' The lyrics, posted in October on CNN iReport, exploded on blogs, social media months later PSY: 'I will be forever sorry for any pain I have caused by those words' (CNN) -- Is this the end of "Gangnam Style" mania? Korean pop star PSY -- who rose to fame through his YouTube record-breaking video "Gangnam Style" -- apologized Friday for anti-American lyrics he rapped back in 2004. That performance resurfaced on CNN's iReport and then circulated widely online. It included lyrics calling for the death of American troops serving in Iraq, not long after news of the brutal slaying of a South Korean hostage by Iraqi insurgents -- an incident which sparked anti-American sentiment in South Korea. In his apology, PSY said his performance had been emotionally charged and was a response to events in the war in Iraq. "I understand the sacrifices American servicemen and women have made to protect freedom and democracy in my country and around the world," he said in a statement. He said the song "was part of a deeply emotional reaction to the war in Iraq and the killing of two Korean schoolgirls that was part of the overall anti-war sentiment shared by others around the world at that time." The girls were struck and killed by a U.S. military vehicle. PSY continued: "While I'm grateful for the freedom to express one's self, I've learned there are limits to what language is appropriate and I'm deeply sorry for how these lyrics could be interpreted. I will forever be sorry for any pain I have caused by those words. "While it's important that we express our opinions, I deeply regret the inflammatory and inappropriate language I used to do so." The lyrics of the song, titled "Dear America," were written by the South Korean rock band N.E.X.T., and PSY was one of three performers rapping out the lyrics on stage. The lyrics were posted on an unvetted CNN iReport in October. The English translation of the Korean lyrics has picked up steam online since then, drawing thousands of views, and then exploding on blogs and social media this week. CNN reached out to the iReporter who brought attention to PSY's anti-American lyrics, but did not receive a response. CNN was able to translate the lyrics as saying," Kill those f--ing Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives and those who ordered them to torture," and going on to say, "Kill them all slowly and painfully," as well as "daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law and fathers." PSY is scheduled to perform with stars such as Diana Ross and Demi Lovato at the event, Christmas in Washington. President Barack Obama is also planning on attending the event. The lyrics led to a petition on whitehouse.gov demanding that he be dropped from the concert, as conservative websites picked up the story. But the petition was deleted later in the day. The White House website claimed that it violated terms of participation. Commenters on the original CNN iReport responded with varying viewpoints on the lyrics. Some expressed outrage over the Korean pop star's alleged call for the slaying American troops. Commenter shin000 said on October 31: "Whatever the reason is, the fact that Psy insulted American Army and their family is changeless. He sang this song because of that accident and public opinion?" Others praised PSY for speaking up and expressing his anti-war sentiments. Commenter SavvyMike said on October 30: "As an American, this makes me like Psy even more. Glad to see he has the balls to call out America when we are doing evil." Other commenters lashed out at the iReporter, saying that he misrepresented PSY in his iReport contribution. Commenter jsong9172 said on October 30, 2012: "He is criticizing the US Army, not the country. Do a thorough background research before you scribble something otherwise you'd ruin one's life." After the lyrics from the 2004 performance surfaced, there was an often vitriolic response on Twitter: "So Mr. 'Gangnam Style' @psy_oppa made a song before about America and how all U.S. soldiers should be killed....guy should flee the US now," said @TheOfficialTate. Fashion publicist/reality star Kelly Cutrone said his "words against the women in my country" were "disgusting," and referred to him as a "poseur faker freak." @eclecticbrotha defended him saying, "Oh look, we're supposed to hate Psy because he once joined protests against American imperialism." As for PSY's handling of the criticism, Matt J. Duffy, a journalism teacher from Atlanta, tweeted, "His statement is lesson in good crisis PR." It's unclear what the fallout of the revelation of these anti-American lyrics will be. But it has us wondering -- what do you think the consequences should be? Should a rapper be held accountable for what he said in 2004? Let's talk about it in the comments on this story. You can be sure we'll continue this conversation on CNN for the next few days. CNN's Henry Hanks and KJ Kwon contributed to this report.

2 blasts in 2 days in Kenya area

Smoke billows from a fire in a street, on December 7, 2012, following a large explosion outside a mosque in Nairobi. Three people were killed and eight wounded in the blast, the Kenyan Red Cross and police said. The blast followed one in the same neighborhood earlier in the week. At least 16 others are injured in the Friday explosion near a mosque in Eastleigh Recent explosions have rocked the East African nation Last month, a grenade attack killed seven and triggered riots in the area Nairobi, Kenya (CNN) -- A blast ripped through a neighborhood in Kenya's capital, killing three people in the second attack in three days targeting the predominantly Somali area. At least 16 others were injured in the Friday explosion near a mosque in Eastleigh, a neighborhood in Nairobi, according to the Kenya Red Cross. It was the second blast in the area in three days. On Wednesday, another blast left eight people injured, including three who were in critical condition with severe head injuries, the Kenya Red Cross said in a statement. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Recent explosions have rocked the East African nation, including a grenade attack last month that killed seven and triggered riots in Eastleigh. The grenade was hurled at a minibus full of passengers driving through the neighborhood. Following that attack, angry mobs scorched and looted Somali-owned shops in the area. Somalis in the area stoned the attackers, triggering riots that prompted police to respond with teargas. Grenade attacks have escalated since Kenya sent its forces to neighboring Somalia last year to battle the Al-Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked group it blamed for kidnapping foreigners in the nation. Authorities have also blamed the terror group and its sympathizers for the grenade and gun attacks in Kenya. Kenyan forces are engaged in a fight in Somalia to debilitate the militants. The group once held large territories in Somalia, but has lost significant ground in the past year, including its southern base of Kismayo. The forces seized the port city in September. CNN's Alden Mahler Levine contributed to this report

Rice under fire from left as Kerry's name won't go away

By Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Deputy Political Editor It's not just Benghazi anymore. One of the most controversial energy projects in the nation also has become a flash point in the drama surrounding who may become the next secretary of state – and it's coming from the left instead of the right. Back on Nov. 28, "OnEarth," published by the Natural Resources Defense Council, dug into U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice's financial disclosures and found that she and her husband have a stake in TransCanada, the company pushing for the Keystone XL Pipeline to be built. NRDC officials say it's an important issue that must be discussed during the nomination process. But the timing of report raises questions, as it is being surfaced by an environmental activist community that has previously given support to another potential secretary of state candidate – Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry. NBC News' Mark Murray explains why the partisan divide over the potential nomination of U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice is intensifying. The decision on whether to approve the pipeline goes through the State Department. "If confirmed by the Senate, one of Rice's first duties likely would be consideration, and potentially approval, of the controversial mega-project," Scott Dodd at "OnEarth" wrote. "Rice's financial holdings could raise questions about her status as a neutral decision maker." Dodd noted that "Rice owns stock valued between $300,000 and $600,000 in TransCanada, the company seeking a federal permit to transport tar sands crude 1,700 miles to refineries on the Texas Gulf Coast, crossing fragile Midwest ecosystems and the largest freshwater aquifer in North America." Bill McKibben, an anti-pipeline activist, told the publication: "It's really amazing that they're considering someone for Secretary of State who has millions invested in these companies. The State Department has been rife with collusion with the Canadian pipeline builders, and it's really distressing to have any sense that that might continue to go on." Susan Casey-Lefkowitz, the NRDC's director of international programs, sounded a less strident tone a day later: "What's most important is that she rid herself of her holdings in TransCanada and other tar sands-related companies, and we're confident she will do that ... What's most important is that we have a good, thorough review done." Danielle Droitsch, a senior attorney for the NRDC and director of the Canada Project, told First Read: "We think Ambassador Rice has the credentials to be secretary of state, but if she were nominated, and then appointed, these holdings would have to be addressed." She added that "high-level officials dealing with Keystone should not have any conflicts of interest." The likelihood is that, if nominated, Rice will have to divest herself of her TransCanada investment to avoid a conflict of interest. Will new Obama appointments come this week? Is there a way to get both John Kerry and Susan Rice into the Obama cabinet? NBC News' Chuck Todd and Time's Joe Klein join the discussion. The environmental group's effort to shed light on Rice's financial interest in TransCanada could be just an attempt, if Rice is nominated, to get a "thorough review" and make sure it has a staunch ally in trying to thwart the project, as Casey-Lefkowitz said. But could it also be a signal that the NRDC prefers another candidate for the job – Sen. John Kerry, the other of the final two candidates reportedly being considered for the post? After all, environmental groups have strongly supported Kerry in the past and have a long working relationship with him. Like they would for most Democrats in a presidential election, for example, the NRDC and the League of Conservation Voters, among others, ran ads in the 2004 election boosting Kerry. LCV even endorsed Kerry before the New Hampshire Democratic primary that year, although it has notably not spoken out about Rice. Droitsch, however, would not address whom the NRDC prefers for the job. "We're trying to signal that the pipeline decision has to be conflict-free," Droitsch said. "That would pertain to any potential nominee. The president has the prerogative to nominate the person he believes is best for the position." The Senate will then raise questions, however, she said. And "now is important to raise the issue ... We want to make sure that anyone who's being considered would be free of those conflicts. That's our primary interest right now." The NRDC, which has been very involved in efforts to block Keystone, is the environmental interest group most pressing the issue of Rice's financials. But others might not be as keen to see Kerry leave Capitol Hill. After all, consider that green groups already spent a lot of money trying to oust Republican Scott Brown from the Senate – and were successful. But if Kerry becomes secretary of state (or even defense secretary), his seat would become vacant, raising the potential for a costly and competitive special election. "Who cares if the U.N. ambassador has a TransCanada stock. Who cares if the head of the FDA has TransCanada stock," said a Democratic strategist and ally of the administration who is a veteran of confirmation battles. "If she [Rice] were to be nominated, she would go through a process by which we look for financials conflicts. Maybe this stock would be identified as something that posed a conflict, and she would sell," the strategist said. "But she hasn't gone through that process, because she's not a nominee to anything. If they want to say that if she is the nominee, she should sell the stock, that's fine. But you can't legitimately hit her for having it now. And that is likely why NRDC backed off and no other environmental groups have piled-on." What really is going on here likely has less to do with Rice and whether she should ascend to secretary of state, and more with the NRDC leveraging pressure on the president and the administration to make sure the pipeline is rejected again once it comes up for approval. And that could be soon. The next step in that approval phase, in fact, could come as early as next week, Droitsch said. TransCanada has applied for a shortened pipeline in hopes of having that approved – something the NRDC strongly opposes. A Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement could be released by the State Department as early as next week, Droitsch said. "It is critically important for there to be independent decision-makers, free of conflict of interest, who can take an independent view," she said. She then tied the administration's decision on the pipeline to climate change, an issue that has regained prominence as a result of Hurricane Sandy. In the days following Sandy's landfall, in fact, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsed President Barack Obama for his leadership on climate change. How Obama decides on the pipeline "signals where the U.S. is headed in terms of importing dirty fuels, inconsistent with an administration that is committed to fighting climate change," Droitsch said. "We're confident President Obama understands the seriousness around the issues surrounding this pipeline. Approving it sends the wrong signal about our country's commitment to climate change. Yes, he's under a lot of pressure, but the public is very concerned about this. It's not a decision I know he'll view lightly."

Priest stripped of duties over Mass with woman priest

Bob Graf Jesuit priest Bill Brennan, 92, was stripped of his priestly duties after he presided over a Eucharistic liturgy with a woman priest last month in Georgia. By Becky Bratu, NBC News A Milwaukee-area Catholic priest was stripped of his priestly duties after he presided over a Mass with a woman priest last month in Georgia. On Nov. 17, the Rev. Bill Brennan, a 92-year-old Jesuit, performed a liturgy in Columbus, Ga., at which Janice Sevre-Duszynska, an ordained member of Roman Catholic advocacy group Womenpriests, which is not sanctioned by the Vatican, was a participant. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee and his religious order, the Society of Jesus, ordered Brennan not to perform any priestly duties in public or present himself as a priest publicly. "I was really angry when I found out ... that his faculties were suspended, too, because for God's sake, he's 92 years old," the Rev. Jerry Zawada, a friend of Brennan's who has also led liturgies with Sevre-Duszynska and was suspended for it, told NBC News. "But he's so faithful to what needs to happen." "He's willing to take risks at that level," Zawada, a 75-year-old Franciscan, added. The Catholic Church prohibits women's ordination, saying it has no authority to ordain women because Jesus chose only men as his apostles. The church's Canon Law 1024 says only baptized men may receive holy orders.  Pope urges 'obedience' Pope John Paul II issued a letter in 1994 saying that the church "has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women," and in 2010 the church included the "attempted ordination of women" among the list of grave crimes against its law, under the same category as the sexual abuse of minors. Grave crimes are punishable by defrocking or excommunication. Earlier this year, Pope Benedict XVI denounced the priests supporting women's ordination, saying their desire to change the church was a "desperate push" driven by their "own preferences and ideas." Instead, the pope urged for the "radicalism of obedience." About 59 percent of American Catholics are in favor of women's ordination, according to a 2010 poll by The New York Times and CBS, but the Vatican sees the initiative as having the potential to cause a rift in the church. Brennan is only the most recent priest to be penalized for his support of women's ordination. Courtesy of Janice Sevre-Duszynska Jesuit priest Bill Brennan and Janice Sevre-Duszynska, an ordained member of Roman Catholic Womenpriests, co-preside over a liturgy in Georgia on Nov. 17, 2012. Last month, the Rev. Ray Bourgeois, an American of the Maryknoll religious order, was dismissed by the Vatican's doctrinal watchdog, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, for his support of women's ordination. Last week, the Vatican also stripped an Austrian priest of his right to use the title monsignor for advocating in favor of women priests and married priests.  'Good stubborn' Sevre-Duszynska told NBC News she wasn't surprised by the actions taken to penalize Brennan, whom she describes as being "good stubborn" and "full of such fire." "It was a hope in the back of my heart that these men would walk in solidarity with Bill, stand up for justice and … make it a new world, make it a new day in our church, as Bill has done," she said. "It's time for the rest of the male priests to find the courage to listen to the workings of the Holy Spirit in their heart and conscience." Bob Graf The Rev. Bill Brennan attends a protest in Milwaukee in 2008. Sevre-Duszynska first met Brennan two years ago at a civil disobedience action organized by SOA Watch, an organization that seeks to close a U.S. Army training school at Fort Benning, Ga. The school used to be known as the School of the Americas, and SOA Watch claims it was involved in human rights abuses in Latin America. For many years, Brennan worked as a missionary in the Central American country of Belize when it was a British colony known as British Honduras. Brennan, who uses a wheelchair when his legs become tired, and Sevre-Duszynska were among the 29 people arrested at the protest. "He's very fragile, but he's very strong in his heart," Sevre-Duszynska said of Brennan. "He's living in the heart of God, and he has lots of strength inside." Not showing off 'for the ladies' Brennan's "lifetime of service to the poor" and his work with immigrants and those marginalized by society will continue to be honored by the Jesuits, Jeremy Langford, a spokesman for the Jesuits' Chicago-Detroit province, told NBC News. While Brennan's diocesan faculties have been withdrawn, he remains a Jesuit, Langford said, adding that the Society of Jesus has no intention of taking further actions against Brennan. The Jesuits are mostly known for their missionary work and support of human rights, social justice and education. The Society of Jesus operates many colleges and universities around the world.  Brennan, who lives with other retired Jesuits in the Milwaukee area, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he understood the risks when he decided to perform a liturgy alongside a woman priest. "Sometimes in our lives we have to trust our conscience and bring about the consequences," he told the newspaper. "I wasn't trying to show off for the ladies." According to Sevre-Duszynska, Brennan compared his support of women's ordination to his support for women's suffrage, remembering that when he was born in 1920, his mother was still not allowed to vote. Bob Graf, who was a Jesuit and has known Brennan for almost 20 years, spoke to Brennan this week and said he was taking the decision in stride. "He's very calm, he's very peaceful, which is surprising, but he is," Graf told NBC News. "He's a wise old man," he said, adding that Brennan will continue his life's work. "He just can't wear his robe and collar." More content from NBCNews.com: Woman survives six days in snow eating tomatoes Shark bait? Rotting whale on Malibu beach raises fear Mormon church website: 'Sexuality is not a choice' 7 dogs rescued as police bust dog fight Video: Deaf twins hear for the first time Follow US news from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook

Obama asks $60.4 billion for Sandy

President Barack Obama tours storm-damaged Staten Island, New York, in November. Administration seeks $60.4 billion for Sandy relief Leaders in New York, New Jersey welcome effort They say it's a start New York (CNN) -- President Barack Obama on Friday asked Congress to provide $60.4 billion for states affected by Superstorm Sandy. Obama's request, made in a letter, falls short of the total damage estimate in affected states. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said last week the latest estimates of storm costs in his state were $36.8 billion, while New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo told reporters the total cost in his state was $41 billion. In a joint statement Friday, Christie and Cuomo said they have been working with Obama, administration officials and congressional delegates on relief. "Today's agreement on the administration's request to Congress would authorize more than $60 billion in funding that will enable our states to recover, repair, and rebuild better and stronger than before," they said. Sandy-hit home bulldozed without warning Sandy destroys students' home, school Gov. Christie explains his Obama praise Jersey shore, meet fiscal cliff The money will go toward recovery, as well as preparing their states for future natural disasters, the governors said. Four Democratic senators, Frank R. Lautenberg and Robert Menendez of New Jersey, and Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, said the funding would be a start. "There is a great deal of flexibility that better allows us to help homeowners, small businesses, hospitals, beach communities and localities rebuild, repair and protect themselves," they said in a statement. The four expressed concern, though, for what they were sure would be future requests for additional funds as their "states' needs become more clear." "This is going to be a tough fight in the Congress given the fiscal cliff, and some members have not been friendly to disaster relief," their statement read. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, acknowledged the deficiency in the request, but emphasized the need for quick action by Congress. "While the total funding request released by the White House today is not everything requested, we have always been realistic about the fiscal constraints facing the federal government," Bloomberg said. "We need a full recovery package to be voted on in this session of Congress. Any delay will impede our recovery." Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo, R-N.J., said Obama's request was not enough. "I disagree with President Obama's decision to not fully request the funding the states of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut say they need to recover and rebuild from the unimaginable, widespread damage caused by Hurricane Sandy," LoBiondo said.

Opinion: We're the unethical ones

Members of Congress are widely considered dishonest. But, wonders Dean Obeidallah, should anyone really feel superior? A Gallup poll says Congress has the second-lowest ethical standards of any profession Dean Obeidallah: If we care about ethics, why did we re-elect 91% of Congress in 2012? No one brags that his or her lawyer or accountant is the most ethical, honest person, he says We scoff at others' apparent moral bankruptcy and imagine we are superior, he says Editor's note: Dean Obeidallah, a former attorney, is a political comedian and frequent commentator on various TV networks including CNN. He is the editor of the politics blog The Dean's Report and co-director of the upcoming documentary "The Muslims Are Coming!" Follow him on Twitter: @deanofcomedy (CNN) -- Congratulations, members of Congress: A new poll finds that you're not viewed as having the lowest ethical standards of any profession in the country! You edged out car salesman for that honor. Of course, you're viewed as the second worst profession in terms of honesty and ethics, but hey, savor this moment -- you've earned it. At least these are the findings of a Gallup poll released this week that asked people to rate "the honesty and ethical standards of people" in different professions. Besides Congress and car salesmen, also bringing up the rear in this poll are the usual suspects, among them lawyers, stockbrokers and bankers. Topping the list of professions we find most ethical were nurses, followed by pharmacists and doctors. Dentists came in lower, but I doubt that dentists are truly less honorable than M.D.s; it's just that dentists seem to enjoy causing us so much pain that this may be our way of paying them back. In reviewing the poll results, I am left with a few burning questions. First, how can car salesmen be viewed as less trustworthy than Congress? It wasn't the guys at the local Ford or Chrysler dealership who caused our government to lose its AAA credit rating. And they aren't the ones who can't agree on a budget deal while we collectively stare into the abyss of the "fiscal cliff." In fact, I have no doubt that a group of car salesmen could iron out a deal on the budget quicker than our recalcitrant Congress -- plus get us all to buy some undercoating for our cars to boot. But here are my bigger questions about this poll. Do we really care about the ethics of the people in these professions? Does it truly matter to us whether they are honest? If we actually did care about the moral fitness of Congress, why would we re-elect them to the tune of 91% in 2012? If honesty truly meant something to us, wouldn't we have voted out at least half of them? Even 25%? But no, when given a chance last month to vote out Congress, we sent home only 9% of those up for re-election. And let's look at lawyers, a profession consistently viewed as ethically challenged. Before I saw the light and became a comedian, I was a practicing attorney for about six years. I can tell you firsthand that my clients never, ever asked me about ethics. Does the military have an ethics issue? Borger: Cliff is Congress' own creation Harvard students accused of cheating What did my clients always ask me about? How do we win -- be it a lawsuit or negotiations. (Followed by: How much is this going to cost me?) I even had clients tell me, in essence: I don't care what you have to do to win this case; win it, or I will find a lawyer who will. It was up to me to rein in my clients who wanted to go beyond what was ethically permissible. Let's consider stockbrokers, also a profession that wallows in the pit of perceived low ethics. If your stockbroker had a tip for you that was not illegal but was ethically ambiguous, would you execute the trade based on that info if it could make you a nice payday? Or what about your accountant? Would you support her recommendation to take a "questionable" deduction that would save you a nice chunk of money? Honestly, have you ever heard someone brag that their lawyer, accountant or financial planner was the most ethical, honest person they ever met? Unlikely. But I bet you heard people say things like "My accountant is amazing at finding loopholes," "my broker gets me great returns on my money every year" or "my lawyer is a killer." We want the meat, but we don't want to know how the calf is forced to live in a crate or how the lobster is boiled alive. We want tender veal, tasty seafood, lawyers who win cases and brokers who make us money. We want results. But when a poll comes around about ethics, we are all of a sudden holier than thou. We scoff at others' apparent moral bankruptcy. We joke about their lack of ethics. We convince ourselves that we are ethically superior to them. Yet in the very same instance, we re-elect them to Congress. We retain them to represent us in legal proceedings. We hire them to manage our money. And when they do a good job, we recommend them to friends. So here are my real questions about this poll: Who really are the unethical ones here? Who truly deserves to be on the bottom of the list of honest people? Them or us? Follow us on Twitter @CNNOpinion Join us on Facebook/CNNOpinion The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Dean Obeidallah.