View Full Version : Madoff
Jesuslove
03-13-2009, 02:02 AM
Over the last few days, I've been glued to the tv watching the Bernie Madoff story. I'm surprised no one on this forum has talked about the issue. One thing I've found particularly interesting is the media's bias and portrayal of old stereotypes. CNN posted a picture yesterday that showed a side profile of Madoff with his big nose being at the center of the picture. Articles I've read seem to mention the fact that Madoff is Jewish, as if that has anything to do with his being greedy. If it were a Christian that perpetuated this fraud, would it even be mentioned? I just find it offensive the way the media feeds stereotypes.
Valpo
03-13-2009, 02:10 AM
I think the Jewish connection is such a big deal bc the vast majority of people he swindled were Jewish. I wont deny hearing anti semitic thoughts by people on the streets over this but this whole scheme was very much good ol boys club. Jews can be very communal and rally around, have an identity there. very trusting, the whole nine, so I would argue the media play of madoff being jewish is quite relevant.
Jesuslove
03-13-2009, 03:14 AM
I think the Jewish connection is such a big deal bc the vast majority of people he swindled were Jewish. I wont deny hearing anti semitic thoughts by people on the streets over this but this whole scheme was very much good ol boys club. Jews can be very communal and rally around, have an identity there. very trusting, the whole nine, so I would argue the media play of madoff being jewish is quite relevant.
While I agree that Jews tend to be very communal, he scammed both Jews and non-Jews. Many trusted this man with their life savings. Countless lives, and future generations have been ruined by this man's actions. I hope every last penny his family has is taken away and given to the victims of this senseless scam artist.
On a personal note, I don't know how someone could do this and go to sleep at night. I'd be a mess. He's obviously sociopathic.
I would argue countless generations of people may be saved by what he has done.
Jesuslove
03-13-2009, 06:23 AM
I would argue countless generations of people may be saved by what he has done.
huh?
Valpo
03-13-2009, 06:47 AM
people wisin up and investing in MULTIPLE places not just one.
Jesuslove
03-13-2009, 06:49 AM
people wisin up and investing in MULTIPLE places not just one.
With that, I totally agree. For as rich and smart as some of these ivestors were, they put an awful lot of trust in one individual.
huh?
Maybe they'll learn that money isn't everything, can't save them, and isn't worthy of their love. Maybe when their wealth has been reduced, they can learn to appreciate what the hundreds of millions of truly poor worldwide go through. Maybe when they feel truly wronged, they can begin to learn what true forgiveness means.
Jesuslove
03-13-2009, 08:16 AM
Maybe they'll learn that money isn't everything, can't save them, and isn't worthy of their love. Maybe when their wealth has been reduced, they can learn to appreciate what the hundreds of millions of truly poor worldwide go through. Maybe when they feel truly wronged, they can begin to learn what true forgiveness means.
Maybe also they will grow old and bitter and full of hate and rage, which will cause them to inflict pain upon others for the pain that was inflicted upon them. While I hope you are right (they will be humbled), I think some, if not many, will be forever changed for the worse.
Pouye
03-16-2009, 08:20 AM
Maybe also they will grow old and bitter and full of hate and rage, which will cause them to inflict pain upon others for the pain that was inflicted upon them. While I hope you are right (they will be humbled), I think some, if not many, will be forever changed for the worse.
It all depends on if they trust in God or not. Jesus said this:
"“But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now,
for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep.
Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets."
Luke 6:24-
If people are forever changed for the worse, it is their own choice. When someone is a Christian, they have the life of Christ in them. Paul said this:
"Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9-
Most wealthy, comfortable people see themselves as just fine:
"You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."
Revelation 3:17-
The best thing for the rich in this world bar none is to lose or give up everything -- because they cannot serve both God and money:
"Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth... ...[Then Jesus said] it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Matthew 19:21-
Rock
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