Sunday, January 4, 2009
We're now in the first week of 2009 and I'm very enthusiastic about the progress I'm making. Those who have been following my blog postings know that I'm active here at Taft Camp. I continue to exercise and read a lot and I am also working on a project I expect to finish in early March. That project, which I'm kind of keeping close to my vest for now, will help me launch a career as a speaker and consultant upon my release. I'm eager to show what I've learned through the prison experience.
More than prison, the challenges I've faced with the criminal justice system have taught me some valuable lessons that I believe I can prove to be useful to others. Let's face it, I was a young man who had a privileged adolescence. My parents Tallie and Bernie, provided my brother Todd and me with every opportunity. I graduated from USC and held a position of distinction with major Wall Street brokerage firms. Yet, here I sit in federal prison. Something went wrong with my thinking.
As I watch the economic crisis decimate fortunes across America, I know that many people struggle with pressure of monumental proportions. As I was, many of them have access to capital. When those who lack the virtue of good character and integrity feel they are entitled to something more, they sometimes allow such feelings to stand in the way of their better judgment. Such rationalizations can lead to decisions they later regret. I was in such a position and I hope to help others avoid the temptations that tore my life asunder.
I have been in touch with professors from a few universities who teach ethics classes. Students may find value listening to the experiences of a man who fell off the righteous path. As is evidenced through these daily blog postings, I live as an open book. I invite the teachers not only to use my experiences in prison as a teaching tool, but I welcome any questions the professors may have regarding my experiences.
The motivation that drove my bad decisions may not be too different from those that tempt other offenders. Others who came from professional backgrounds. By discussing motivations that ended up compromising my good judgment, the experiences I had in trudging through the criminal justice system, the devastation my actions had on victims, the pain and humiliation my crimes caused my family and the experiences I've endured as a federal prisoner, I may forewarn some from succumbing to temptation in their careers.
With hopes that others may learn from my mistakes, I strive to reconcile with society. This blog may take me one step closer to that direction.
