Mastro/Allen

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by Runscott

That's something worth contemplating. Not commenting on their crimes, but I spent a great evening at the National, along with several other collector friends, talking with Doug and Mark over drinks. Yes, Doug was extremely likable. I have to admit - that time was assuredly more enjoyable than it would have been spending it talking with a very honest asshole.

If you frame the options as a likeable con man or an honest asshole, you've truly set yourself up for a tough outcome and left out the possibility of a likeable honest person and of course the worst - a dishonest asshole!

That all said - many people who commit illegal acts are not (imo) bad people, just make some ridiculously poor decisions from a selfish, fearful or angry place. Unfortunately on the other side of those decisions are the people who have been victimized.

[William Farrell]

Originally Posted by hcv123

That all said - many people who commit illegal acts are not (imo) bad people, just make some ridiculously poor decisions from a selfish, fearful or angry place.

How about a decades long litany of illegal, unethical, and overtly fraudulent acts to an alarmingly incalculable degree? Would that be classified as simply "poor decisions".

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by hcv123

If you frame the options as a likeable con man or an honest asshole, you've truly set yourself up for a tough outcome and left out the possibility of a likeable honest person and of course the worst - a dishonest asshole!

You did that, not me.

[HRBAKER]

If I'm dealing with an ahole, I'd just as soon know it.