Quote: Originally posted by Texasman on March 14, 2005
Probability and consequences do suck...I mean if an already super-rich bee-atch like Martha Stewart can commit a financial crime, go to jail, then go back to her cushy home and become richer and even more adored by a stupid general public who is more concerned about poor Martha instead of their own lives, it makes one wonder why honest people who are nicer to the people around them and in need can't get ahead financially by legal means. I bet if Martha played any of the Lottery games, she'd "probably" win the top prize and people would buy even more of her crap! Hmmmm....I like 256 tonight in Texas Pick 3. What say you, Martha? Be our Pick 3 guru-ess, Martha, pullease!! Damn, and get you hair styled for once in your filthy-rich life!!
Probability is not what got Martha Stewart to where she is financially today. The consequence of her years of effort is her wealth. Don't get me wrong, I am no Martha Stewart fan, however I do read the Wall Street Journal and the crime she had to serve time for, had it been any one else, would have never happened. The standard penalty for her crime is a fine not exceeding 10 times any profits generated and/or barred from trading for up to 12 months. If you don't believe me, do a bit a research. You just might be amazed at how many "fines" are issued daily for "illegal stock tips". To my knowledge, no one has ever went to jail for the really minor offense she committed. Justice doesn't occur when it's one sided or when it's used to make examples of individuals and yet not applied to all. Sad part is, it was her popularity that caused her to go to jail, not the crime itself. I may not care for Martha Stewart, but if you are going to enforce a law, do so with all who commit the crime. If you don't believe me, do some research on several major Corporations that has went thru major shakeups and even bankruptcy because of the crooks that controled it. See how much time they served for stock trading with inside information. Hundreds of thousands of people were affected by the crimes committed by those crooks, yet none of those crooks have served any time and most are not even facing any penalties. Martha Stewart didn't affect my life.
I guess, my personal and not so humble opinion is, wealth is a consequence of consistant hard efforts and determination to succeed. Wealth is not a consequence of probability and never will be. Those who believe it are sadly diluted and may never succeed in life. I also believe wealth is not measured in dollars, but then again, that is my personal opinion much as what you think is yours. And who knows, we could both be wrong.
Sir Metro
Humility is not being sorry for having to say your sorry.