Discrimation Amongst Rich Criminals

The judge in the bail hearing of Sarasota, Fla. hedge fund manager Arthur G. Nadel, has agreed to release Nadel on $5 million bail. However, the arrangement further requires $1 million in cash and the bond must be supported by four "financially responsible people" without a financial connection to the case or to Nadel or his former company.

Nadel,who is charged with one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud in a case involving allegedly defrauding investors out of $300 million, is likely to be unable to meet the bail, according to his attorney.

Meanwhile, in Manhattan, Bernie Madoff, who faces similar charges, involving alleged defrauding of investors out of $50 billion, sits comfortably in his $7 million apartment with only the discomfort of an ankle braclet.

And of course somewhere in Florida, a man sits in jail awaiting trial on theft of a six pack of beer, from a local convenience store.

I believe Goddess Liberty, or Lady Liberty if you prefer, is wearing her blindfold in front of courthouses across this country because she can no longer bare to see what justice has become in America.

First published February 27, 2009

© 2008 Seravat Writers Group LLC