Madoff

What a sad time in our history.  What Madoff did went beyond any robbery in our history.  Previous robberies and scams affected a relative few people.  Some could actually afford the loss.  This disaster ruined thousands of people's lives.


Yes, there were some greedy people who knew it was too good to be true.  I don't feel so bad for them.  However, most of the people were naive to what was going on, trusted Madoff like they trusted their favorite family member, were part of a investment group, like a stock fund, and had no idea where the fund was investing their money or they were part of a retirement fund that had control of their retirement money.


These people, through no fault of their own, lost almost everything.  Some, so old, find themselves counting on family and friends to get them through the day.  Some, who were planning their retirement, now have to work beyond their golden years.


Is Madoff paying for his sins?  Many would say no.  Yes he's lost his freedom, but the same people he screwed are paying for his prison room and board with their tax dollars.  Is he an unhappy person - I sure hope so.  He has the burden of not only screwing other people, he has taken everything from his wife and children and their children.  His son committed suicide because he couldn't face prison or the wrath of the thousands he hurt.  If Madoff is not unhappy then he truly is a monster.


Well, so far this blog is a major downer.  However, you know me: "Always Make Something Good Out Of Something Bad."  The great majority of these victims are still alive.  If they are, they have food to eat, air to breath and shelter.  They may have found out who their real friends and family are.  They may have found a job they like.  They may have found peace within themselves.


This was a great loss, but an earthquake, fire or tornado could have done the same.  It's just easier to hate an individual than hate Mother Nature.  We know we don't have control of Mother Nature. We assume the earth and the weather have a mind of their own. However, we feel we should have been able to control our investments.  Yes, Madoff was a dog, but why didn't I see it?  How could I have been so stupid.  Why would he do this to me?


You see, what's worst than losing everything is focusing on your mistakes in life.  What's worst than losing all your money, is being angry with yourself afterward.  What's worst than losing all your money, is getting so depressed you stop loving life.  What's worst than losing all your money, is letting Madoff take away your happiness.


I lost almost all my money twice through divorce.  I survived.  I found friends and family that stood up for me.  I stopped being angry with my ex wives.  I accepted what happened and started my new journey.  I didn't see the situation as someone took everything away from me - I saw at the situation as I did what needed to be done and I was not going to let life pass me bye.


I'm heartfelt at the loss these people have endured.  I know it was not their fault.  I know they were taken by a greedy uncaring piece of sh..  However, I also know life is great.  There are so many good things that can still happen to these people if they want it bad enough.  I know anger is not the answer to their happiness.  


I can only hope these victims don't hate themselves.  I can only hope they find a way to continue to reach for all the happiness that is still available to them.  They deserve it!!


Although he didn't do anything to me, 

I can only hope that son of a bitch Madoff will rot in hell.