Wednesday, October 28, 2009

BEING RICH/WEATLHY DOES NOT GRANT YOU ABSOLUTION NOR DOES IT NEGATE YOU FROM RESPONSIBILITY

View Being Rich

There are far too many hunger, homeless, and unemployment people in America. So when I read articles as those written on: Cage, Rajaratnam, and Lohan; I must admit that to some degree it unnerves me a bit, to think that for some insane reason these individuals somehow think (or behave in a matter) that being rich grants them absolution or negates them from being responsible for their actions, deeds, or affairs. And by no means do I think all rich or wealthy people behave or think along these lines. But there are a number of them that seem to think it’s their God-given right to do so.

First, although I was once a loyal fan of Nicolas Cage I find it

disturbing that someone of his Nicolas Cagesupposedly intelligence could whine publicly about not being smart enough to keep an eye on his own assets. I also find it difficult to support the “I’m broke” pity-party of someone pulling down 38 million dollars on one movie. Geez! He could feed a small country on that salary.

Among other things one of the statements in the article that really stands out for me is,

“The lawsuit said the advisor had also failed to alert Cage to the fact that his money was running out, and had over-extended his lines of credit with banks.”

Again, I must point out to those like Cage who don’t seem to know it, but being rich does not negate you from being responsible for your own finances. If you think you are too important, busy, or wealthy to keep an eye on your own money, than clearly you don’t really deserve to complain when it’s gone. How is it that there are some so-called stars who can’t seem to be able to handle their own lives without an entourage of assistants, advisors, housekeepers, and what-nots? When there are so many others who don’t seem to have an issue with handling their own affairs, or keeping an eye on those they’ve hired to do it for them. Take a page from the book(s) of Oprah, who has stated on numerous occasions, “You must keep an eye on your own money.” Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and others also follow this philosophy; I’m almost certain the aforementioned are much busier than Nick Cage.

“Cage claimed that his recently-fired business manager had failed to pay taxes when they were due and had placed him in speculative and risky real estate investments "resulting in (the actor) suffering catastrophic losses."

Are Cage and others like him so special they aren’t required to sign a tax return? If not, then it should have occurred to Cage that if he hadn’t signed a return, one had not been filed. I realize for some it is easier to blame others for any and everything that may have gone wrong within your life; but how do you justify blaming or suing someone else for your neglect and foolishness – the police will tell you, that “ignorance is no excuse” for not obeying a law. Granted if someone within your trusted entourage of advisors steals from you, they should be sued and made to repay, but if its bad advice and you accept it, then that’s on you.

As much confidence as I have in my extremely knowledgeable financial advisor, J. Williams; if he were to suggest that I invest in the failed Circuit City stores, I’d be a fool to do so.

In August 2007, Lindsay Lohan was ordered to complete an 18-month alcohol education program, serve 24 hours in jail and perform 10 days Lindsay Lohan1of community service while on 36 months probation for drunk driving, reckless driving and driving under the influence of cocaine. You know the story.

However, because of Lohan’s lack of responsibility, Judge Revel added one year to Lohan's sentence so she could finish the program and suggested the actress complete it as soon as possible. The 23-year-old actress's attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, told the judge that Lohan's absences stemmed from a miscommunication between her and program administrators. Again, although she’s rich and has the funds to hire an expensive attorney, stylish, etc. she still has to be held responsible and accountable for her own affairs and actions.

Finally, we come to Rajaratnam 52, considered the richest Sri Lankan in the world, was arrested for conspiring with Intel Capital treasury department managing director Rajiv Goel and Anil Kumar, a director of McKinsey & Co. The alleged offenses took place over Rajaratnamthree years

starting in January 2006. The scheme made more than $20 million in illegal profits over several years.

Rajaratnam was released on a $100 million personal recognizance bond secured by $20 million in cash and property. Clearly he’s not hurting for money, but for some bizarre reason he seems to think he’s above following the rules regarding “insider trading” because foolishness and greed will make you ignore the rules as well as the obvious.

All six were charged with securities fraud and conspiracy in two criminal complaints filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. Kumar was permitted to be released on a $5 million bond, Kurland on a $3 million bond, and Moffat and Chiesi on a $2 million bond. In California, Goel posted $300,000 cash for bail. The six were also charged in a separate civil complaint by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC said the accused traded on insider information from 10 companies.

Interesting to note, was the prosecutor’s warning shot for the rest of Wall Street, "Today, tomorrow, next week, the week after, privileged Wall Street insiders who are considering breaking the law will have to ask themselves one important question: Is law enforcement listening?" he said. But how effective it will be for the other privileged-law-breakers, is yet to be seen.

In conclusion, a child is a responsibility to its parents. As is being responsible is a requirement of an adult. Responsibility, as defined is an instance of being responsible (accountable): as such, there has to be some degree of accountability for one’s own affairs. Therefore, Cage, Lohan, and Rajaratnam the responsibility for this mess is ultimately yours!

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