Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Thirteen Days Until My Release From Taft Federal Prison Camp
Tomorrow I will shop in the commissary at Taft Camp for the last time. At least I think it will be my last shopping day. I’m told that the administration freezes all accounts ten days before each prisoner’s release date. If that holds true, I will not be shopping again. And good riddance! I look forward to the bargain prices at Whole Foods.
I’m still thinking about the corporate speaking opportunities that I will pursue. Through Lessons From Prison, I offer all types of guidance that business professionals will appreciate. One of my 60-minute prepared speeches is especially timeless. I call it “Exacerbating Troubles Through Denial.”Many people, this blogger included, exacerbate troubles through denial. During my presentation I will help those in my audience understand the motivations and the absurd decisions I made that led to my confinement. After talking with other prisoners and reading about defendants who have struggled through the criminal justice system, I know that I was not alone in clinging to denials.
Most readers remember the unfortunate case of Martha Stewart. She did not serve a prison term for her role in an insider trading scandal. Martha Stewart joined the ranks of American felons as a consequence of her denying responsibility for her actions. The cover-up was worse than the act itself.
Today I learned of Michael Corona, who had been the Sheriff of Orange County. According to reports I heard, he had been acquitted of substantive criminal acts, but his lying and denials resulted in his being convicted. Now he must serve a prison sentence in excess of five years.
Through this speech I will discuss my own denial in detail. I went to great lengths to cover up my culpability. Those bad decisions resulted in six-figure legal fees and a longer prison term. Acceptance of responsibility makes much more sense, amd through this one hour speech I’ve prepared on the subject, I will show the reason why.
