Even fools can dream
April 15th 2011 03:49
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Vyoos news
Of all the categories of criminal activity, the public is arguably most ambivalent about confidence tricksters.
Given that such people play on the honesty of others, this seems strange. But con artists also play on the greed and vanity of people, and in so doing reflect negatives of human character. It is for this reason that we can make heroes of outlaws such as Robin, Butch and Sundance.
Usually though, like most crime, the story contains no justice or adventure, and is instead a seedy tale of the heartless taking advantage of the vulnerable
Take the case this week of a South Carolina man, aged 58, who met a woman and agreed, just hours later, to marry her. She just happened to know of a celebrant who could perform the nuptials at short notice, and he was duly called and the wedding performed.
For reasons not explained by the media reports, our new husband then decided a trip to the local store was necessary. Perhaps he wanted to buy some bubbly to toast the start of a new, happier life.
He wasn't gone long, but when he returned, his "wife" had disappeared. So had the "celebrant" and his $100 fee. So had $600 cash the man had had in his home.
Con tricks can't come much lower than this. As Peter, Paul and Mary used to sing, "An older man but wiser now ... ", but no amount of experience can compensate for a brutally shattered dream.
heraldonline.com
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Comment by Andy Tope
Bagman's Gazette
Oh dear, although what was this South Carolina man thinking? Surely such effusive behaviour in so short a time would make one suspicious?
Comment by Chris Champion
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Yes, your absence has been noticed. Quiet around here without you Gazetting.
As for what this guy was thinking, I suspect the act of thinking was a challenge for him.
Comment by Andy Tope
Bagman's Gazette
I have been continuing steadily with my Gazetting, just not here! I wasn't sure about getting punished by Google, and I'm trying to elevate my Google pagerank somewhat. But ah, whatever. I might throw a few in here.
I miss the Orble news room, but then the Wordpress silence is kind of fun too. Posting into the ether, never knowing if I'm going to be contacted by fellow cyberspace travellers.
Anyway, I've now added your email subscription so I can keep more up to date.
And poor guy, I hope he has a nice dog or something. It might inspire him to write a poem or story about man's best friend, or even another bitter tale of woe.