By Hook or Crook, the American Dream Remains a Desirable Goal
By Lou Ann Anderson
June 7, 2008
The American Dream is a desirable goal for many in this country. However, as attainment by “hook” or some fair, legitimate means becomes more of a challenge, “crook,” or by any means necessary, appears to be gaining ground.
Bitterness and entitlement in America are on the rise and are factors contributing to the increase of Involuntary Redistribution of Assets (IRA) cases, those actions in which unscrupulous individuals use the age and/or incapacitation of a person to gain control of their personal assets and “redistribute” them in a manner contrary to what the person intended. These incidents can happen during the person’s lifetime or posthumously. Family members, friends or even “trusted” associates like a lawyer or caregiver are potential IRA practitioners. With manipulation, IRA can be "lawfully" accomplished as these cases often occur within legal frameworks such as guardianships, trusts or wills. And through these means, the American Dreams of many are being lost to financial predators who feed off the efforts of others.
Other people increasingly want to be taken care of them. They are “entitled.” They want a nice, secure standard of living, but too often aren’t willing to follow a responsible life course in order to provide such opportunity for themselves. These days, it’s easy to paint oneself as some breed of victim. And there’s usually a government bureaucracy nearby to help solidify that tag and redistribute the hard-earned dollars of responsible taxpayers to fund imprudent behavior as well as the bad decisions of our nation’s “disadvantaged.” Don’t get us wrong — that whole safety net deal is an important concept for a civilized society, but does the net have to be sized to meet the needs of the Northern Hemisphere? Especially as decreasing numbers of us are paying for it!!
And how does this tie back into IRA cases? Very simply, people these days aren’t exclusive in wanting government money. A more realistic view indicates that many just want other people’s money - from wherever the best prospect for success arises.
Our IRA perpetrators, the financial predators hoping to claim your American Dream are fondly known as asset looters, property poachers, grave robbers and/or walker stalkers. Regardless of what they are called, they bring to mind a great quote by Dr. Walter E. Williams:
“The act of reaching into one’s own pockets to help a fellow man in need is praiseworthy and laudable. Reaching into someone else’s pocket is despicable and worthy of condemnation.”
Abridged
SOURCE: EstateofDenialDotCom
---------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
No comments:
Post a Comment