Today, Bernard Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Denny Chin took into account the “staggering human toll” that the crime inflicted on his victim.
We have all been told that “if something sounds too good to be true it probably is”. This definitely applies in this scenario. Thousands of people lost their life savings by relying on Mr. Madoff. Charities lost money. The public lost further confidence in an already shaking economy.
Do the spouses and children who directly benefit from the rewards of this kind crime bear any responsibility? Should they have questioned where all the money was coming from? What about the investors? Should they have wondered how they were able to make such great returns with Madoff when others were not doing so well? Do they bear some responsibility for their own loss?
I think this is a great lesson for all of us. There is no free lunch. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Too often we are willing to turn a blind eye to the wrongs of our loved ones or if we personally benefit. There are inevitably peaks and valleys in all things, especially investments. If someone promises you above market returns year after year, they might be a liar.
Death waits for no one. It comes when it is time; not before and not after. I am sure that everyone has heard then news about the passing of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Both led very public lives and so shall be their deaths. My heart goes out to there family and friends at this time. They will continue to be in my prayers.
But so will the family and friends of Anthony Shogren.
And the family and friends of Juanita D. Castleberry-Bess.
And the family and friends of Rev. Tim Vakoc.
My point is that each and every life is important. It does not matter if you are a top selling entertainer, the most gorgeous girl every to don a bathing suit and pose for a poster or a 3 year old girl. Each of them had a unique and special reason for being on this earth. We should celebrate what they have accomplished and cherish the memories that we have of them.
But as you say a special prayer or light a candle for Michael and Farrah today, remember to say a quick prayer for the others. May they rest in peace.
A friend of mine has this as her status on Facebook today. With the revelation that South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford spent the week in Argentina and has admitted to having an affair, it is not surprising that her status would have a hint of cynicism. It is difficult to not be a cynic when we continually see our leaders appear to stand on principles in public while leading a different life behind closed doors.
The real mark of a great man is how he treats his wife and children. I know this is the 21st centruy and all but a man still has a responsibility to take care of his family and to support them in every way; financially, physically and emotionally. Running off to Argentina over Father’s Day weekend and having an affair is not the way to do that. I always felt that if a man’s wife and children can not believe or trust in him, than the rest of us are fools to do so.
Ever wonder why your peers do not seem to trust or respect you? Maybe you have proven that you can’t be trusted.
I think we all have been expecting this test since the election. North Korea is purposely taking steps to force the United States’; and more specifically, President Obama’s hand.
New reports from Japan indicate that North Korea is preparing to fire a long-range missile in the direction of Hawaii in early July; possible on the 4th of July. The US has moved a mobile missile defense into the area and is prepared to protect US territory according to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
Now it seems as if North Korea is attempting to export weapons or other illegal cargo in violation of UN sanctions. The US has constant air survelience and has sent the USS John McCain to intercept the ship, the Kang Nam. No order to inderdict has been issued but it is good to know that we are ready.
It is good see the President taking these steps to illustrate to the North Koreans and the rest of the world that the US is able, ready and willing to take the necessary steps to protect our interest and our people. None of us want to be in another military confrontation but we must be prepared to back the Commander in Chief as he faces down the leader of this rouge nation. I fear that the President is going to be under a lot of pressure from the left to avoid military action at all costs.
Let’s save the partisan battles for a later date such as the confirmation of Judge Sonomayor or health care. Plenty to disagree on there.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has “Big Problem” with Congress restoring funding for some F22 jets that he wanted to replace with F35 – Joint Strike Fighter.
I have a problem with this too. It’s not that I am an expert, or even close, on fighter jets. I would not know the difference if the two were sitting in front of me. What scares me is that we have Congress attempting to make strategic and tactical decisions on what type of aircraft we need to maintain our national security.
Congress has the responsibility to review and decide whether to approve the department of defense budget but it is above their pay grade to be making a decision as to what type of aircraft is best suited for the military. This kind of micro-managing would wreck any organization in the private industry. I agree that a strong and skilled aircraft industry is in the best interest of our country but let’s leave the decisions as to which planes should be built to those who are in the business; not a Congressman looking at his/her next election.
