Page 6 - 3-31-15 Tuesday's Edition

Editorials
Success, The Wolf Gang Way
Fraternities Under A Microscope
Surrounded by a sea of stern faces, an obviously chas- tened former University of Oklahoma member of the expelled fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon apologized for his part of its racist song that was heard around the world. In a strained voice, young Levi Pettit said, “Some have won- dered why I hadn’t spoken out publicly. The truth is I have had a mix of pain, shame, sorrow, and fear over the conse- quences of my actions.”
He concluded, “The truth is what was said in that chant is disgusting, and . . . I’ve learned these words should never be repeated.” What he said was true. But was it enough? Furthermore, as far as the image of fraternities and sororities was concerned, had the damage already been done?
Take, for instance, comedian-activist-talk show host Bill Maher who, at the end of his show, referred to fraternities (and no doubt, sororities, too) as America’s last bastions of societal-approved racism.” Said Maher, “Since 1970, there’s been at least one hazing related death every year as pledgees endured alcohol poison, depravity, being force- fed cat food, etc.,” and ended his comments with the ques- tion, “Why not pledge ISIS?” His studio audience laughed, but no doubt, millions of television viewers who were fra- ternity and sorority members groaned.
True enough, Pan Hellenic organizations have done much for America. But the light of fraternities and sorori- ties has not always shown through. As Bill Maher and oth- ers question, have fraternities outlived their secret-society usefulness? Is it time for the new page to be turned?
C all her Monica. She works for a doctor who, for his own reasons, refuses to provide health insurance coverage. This is the third employer in the health care field for whom Monica has worked during the past 10 years who has pro- vided no health care insurance for their employees. To make matters worse, Monica’s salary will only allow her to afford a private health insurance policy for no more than $200 a month. Imagine her shock when she recently needed surgery and was told her deductible would be a
whopping ten thousand dollars out of her own pocket. While you shake your head in disbelief, meet Martha who is 70 years of age. She has selected a health care advantage plan to administer her Medicare health insurance. Imagine her anger and dismay when she discovers one of her medi- cines costs more than $1,000 a month and that her insur- ance carrier refuses to foot the bill. What’s worse, because of Martha’s allergies, other cost-effective substitute medi-
cines would create even more unforeseen problems.
So, Martha is still wrangling with her insurer in an at- tempt to have the insurer pay for her medicine and save her
life.
Thus far, nothing doing.
These scenarios are only two true examples of a growing list of modern medical insurance horror stories. Indeed, the indignities endured by Americans on fixed incomes or modest salaries who have to choose between needed sur- gery or a wholesome meal is a tradition that has become all- too-American.
Furthermore, medical care is one of the needs that few people can substitute or ignore. Consequently, Monica and Martha are two examples of the reasons our nation must have an affordable Health Care Plan that includes every- one. To do less is to play Russian roulette with a society whose national health depends on its citizens’ personal health.
Wolf Credo By Del Goetz
Respect the elders Teach the young Cooperate with the pack
Play when you can Hunt when you must Rest in between
Share your affections Voice your feelings Leave your mark
Empowered greetings.
Can you imagine a di- verse group that works coop- eratively together for the greater good of the group? A group that understands that communication is key and loyalty is vital to the success and survival of the group.
This is a group that strategically plans for oppor- tunities and seizes the mo- ments when they arise. A group that is prepared and ready for action. A group that views success as in- evitable and expects to
emerge victorious regardless of the obstacles or challenges they may face.
Well, guess what? There issuchagroup.Itisapackof wolves.
As a race of people, as a family unit, as a political group, as an organization, as a denomination of faith, we would be wise to embrace the attitude of the wolf. If the group is strong, thriving and successful, so shall it be with its individual members.
Let’s stay connected all the way to the top! Email: selphenia@successcoach- towomen.com.
Follow her on twitter @queenofsuccess1Facebook: Selphenia Nichols Success Coach To Women. Invite Selphenia to be a part of your next event by texting or calling 813-956-0185.
actions from $20,000 to $100,000 face second de- gree felony charges.
• Over $100,000. Transac- tions over $100,000 face first degree felony charges.
In addition to these harsh criminal penalties, those who are convicted of a money laundering crime can also face social stigma and immigrants can face depor- tation. It is also important to note that those who are fac- ing charges for money laun- dering will likely also face additional criminal charges.
As a result, anyone charged with money laun- dering or other white collar crime is wise to seek the counsel of an experienced Tampa white collar crime or money laundering lawyer. This legal professional will review the details of your case and work to better en- sure a more favorable out- come. ___________________ ___________________ ___________________
A former Miami prosecu- tor in the 1990’s, Attorney Mark J. O’Brien is now a federal and state criminal defense attorney located in Tampa. Mr. O’Brien and his firm handle criminal and federal trial cases and state and federal criminal appel- late and post-conviction matters in all state courts in Florida and in all state and federal courts throughout the United States.
He can be reached at O’Brien Hatfield, PA, Bayshore Center, 511 West Bay Street, Suite 330, Tampa, Florida 33606, via his direct line at (813) 228- 6989, via email at mjo@markjobrien.com or on the internet at www.markjobrien.com.
14-Year Prison Sentence And $1.8 Million Fine In FL Money Laundering Case
Health Care’s Dirty Little Secrets
A man from Florida is facing a harsh sentence after pleading guilty to money laundering charges. The man received a sentence of 14 years imprisonment, a mon- etary penalty of $1.8 million dollars and will face a depor- tation proceeding upon re- lease connected to an ongoing case.
A local ABC affiliate re- ports that federal agents al- lege the man was guilty of taking part in a crime to transfer money connected to illegal activities in a conspir- acy that spanned from 2008 to 2012.
The case provides an ex- ample of the harsh penalties that can come with a convic- tion for money laundering in Florida.
More On Money Laundering
Money laundering is one type of white collar crime. White collar crimes are gen- erally nonviolent and involve the use of deceit for financial gain. Examples include fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion and failure to report offshore accounts.
Those who are accused of money laundering are essen- tially accused of attempting to convert “dirty” money, al- legedly connected to comple-
tion of a felony such as em- bezzlement or drug crimes, into “clean” money — money that cannot be connected to the original, illegal source. The Internal Revenue Serv- ice (IRS) notes that money laundering is generally com- mitted by disguising the source. This can be com- pleted by depositing the money into a financial insti- tution and then carrying out a series of transactions to separate the money from its original origin.
Florida Law And Money Laundering
Those who are charged with money laundering can face federal charges for tax evasion and other crimes as well as state charges. Florida state law makes it unlawful for a person to attempt to conduct a financial transac- tion when he or she knows that the transaction is de- signed in whole or in part to conceal or disguise the na- ture, source or ownership of the proceeds.
Those who violate this law face harsh consequences, including:
• Over $300. Transac- tions that range from $300 to $20,000 face third degree felony charges.
• Over $20,000. Trans-
PAGE 6 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015