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Wesley Snipes tax evasion trial begins
BloggingStocks
Jan 19th 2008 11:10AM Try this on for size, being "Blade" must have dulled his senses, because Mr. Snipes ignored the advice of his former tax adviser, Kenneth Starr, when electing not to file tax returns. Somehow I thought Wesley was smarter than what I'm seeing from his trial in Ocala, Florida.
In the trial his former tax adviser, Kenneth Starr, head of Starr and Company, testified that he had a 90-minute telephone conversation with Snipes trying to convince him that he had to pay taxes.
The Orlando Sentinel reports:
"(Snipes) was adamant about the fact that he did not have that obligation," Starr said. "I said that was ridiculous; that everyone has that obligation. He said he had spoken to some people that said he didn't have to."
Starr, who regularly represents celebrities, said he and Snipes had a good relationship before the actor stopped believing in taxes. "He said, 'You always think you're right and you always think you know everything. You're not right about this,"' Starr recalled of his pivotal 2000 phone call with Snipes.
The next day, Starr sent a letter terminating his tax services with the actor.
Snipes' defense said Starr never told the actor in writing it would be illegal to stop paying taxes. Starr said he didn't have to; he told Snipes on the phone and needed nothing further to terminate their tax arrangement.
The simple challenge here for proof of guilt or innocence (at least in the mind of the jury) is - did Wesley Snipes know what he was doing when he refused to file and pay his taxes. Looks like, at least from what has been seen thus far, the answer is a resounding - YES!
I can understand the possibility of falling prey to bad advice (and Eddie Kahn gives BAD ADVICE) but when you couple that with the advice from your former tax adviser who testified that he advised you not to follow Kahn...well, Wesley - gotta say it doesn't look good for the home team here.
Some call it "Club Fed." Let me state from personal experience - it is FED - it is NO CLUB. Prison is not fun and I would wish no one that experience. But, having been there and hence speaking from experience, since every choice has a consequence - it is important to be conscious of the choices we make as each will produce results - bad choices yield negative consequences - good choices yield positive results.
I wish the best for Wesley, but would be shocked if he is not convicted of tax fraud.
More men need prostate cancer testing
The Cancer Blog
Dec 20th 2007 10:11PM As a survivor of prostate cancer I agree fully that early detection is critical. It saved my life! http://www.chuckgallagher.com
However, while Fogelberg had said that men over 50 should be checked - I will respectfully disagree. Men over 40 should be checked!
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer by accident at age 47. I had no symptoms - none what so ever. The PSA test was something that my doctor did when I had routine blood work done - something that I avoided as I have a fear of needles.
I received a call saying that all the blood work was fine - except that my PSA was a little high - 4.58. Now, frankly that meant nothing to me, but I followed orders and visited a urologist. After a routine DRE (digital rectal exam) I was told that there was probably nothing to worry about, but that a biopsy would be in order just to make sure.
The results from the biopsy proved that I had early stages of prostate cancer.
After considering several treatments: Traditional Surgery, Radiation, Proton Radiation, HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) - I elected to have robotic surgery using the DaVinci system.
Outcome: The cancer was contained in the prostate (a benefit of early detection); the prostate was removed; in four weeks I had transferred from NC to Texas for a new job; there have been no side effects - urinary function is controllable and normal as is erectile function.
While for some this might be too personal…I find that living is personal and something that can be cured with early detection is worth personal comments.
For those with prostate cancer (know that I am not a doctor), I am willing to talk in person, via e-mail or use this blog to help others. Feel free to share your comments as the more young men (and I consider 40’s to be young) know about the benefits of early detection the more lives will be saved.
Stephen Stills Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer
Spinner
Dec 19th 2007 10:34PM Having been diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 47, I know full well that early detection is key to winning the battle with prostate cancer. Some aren't so lucky. With Dan Fogelberg passing and witnessing the death of my father-in-law from advanced prostate cancer - the best I can say to all men is be tested early and often. Good luck to Stephen! Again, as a professional speaker, http://www.chuckgallagher.com - had I not found out early (quite by accident) I would now be facing the fate of the late Dan Fogelberg. Do not let a simple blood test stand in the way of your health.
Dan Fogelberg Dies at 56
Spinner
Dec 18th 2007 12:18AM The Leader of the Band has died. Prostate cancer took this young 56 year old singer/songwriter. It has been said that had it been caught earlier, Dan might have survived. As a prostate cancer survivor I was diagnosed at age 47 (quite by accident). Fogelberg's diagnosis happened when he was 52 and by then it was in advanced stages. As a professional speaker ( http://www.chuckgallagher.com ) I have the opportunity to speak to groups nation wide. While my presentations don't center around this disease, I use every opportunity available to encourage men to get checked early and often. A simple blood test done soon enough could mean the difference between life and death.
Singer Dan Fogelberg dies of prostate cancer
That's Fit
Dec 18th 2007 12:01AM As a prostate cancer survivor, I know full well the issues that Dan Fogelberg faced. He was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer around age 52. I was diagnosed at age 47 quite by accident. However, early diagnosis saved my life. Today, as a motivational speaker, I often have the opportunity to talk to men about the importance of being checked early and often. For men facing the choices of treatment associated with prostate cancer, feel free to make contact as I had the DaVinci surgery with no complications. http://www.chuckgallagher.com
Why Did Greg Anderson Spend the Last Year in Jail?
Fanhouse MLB Blog
Nov 16th 2007 10:14PM So just how important is it to tell the truth?
As a motivational speaker, I was recently speaking to a group of high school students about the importance of telling the truth and making the right choices. What qualified me to make this presentation - personal experience...perhaps one of the best teachers in life. Having spent time in Federal prison for making unethical decisions, I know first hand the impact that choices have in our life. I am not proud of those decisions, but, likewise, refuse to hide the fact that I made them and that the impact they had on my life were - well - life changing. http://www.chuckgallagher.com
As reported in the Wall Street Journal law blog, MLB's home run hitter Barry Bonds has been indicted for - well simply put - "lying!" http://blogs.wsj.com/law/
The post in the WSJ Blog states: "Bonds joins a line of individuals stretching from Alger Hiss to Martha Stewart to Scooter Libby to who were indicted not for commiting an underlying crime, but for lying to investigators. Each time this happens, critics argue that a perjury prosecution is nothing more than an excuse for overzealous prosecutors to bring a headline-grabbing case against a boldfaced name. On the other hand, in pursuing such well-known figures, the feds hope to send a message to the meek and mighty alike: Don’t lie."
I couldn't agree more. Whether Bonds is convicted like Martha Stewart or not...the fact remains that the consequences of lying can have dramatic, life-changing effects. Take it from one who knows, "Club Fed" isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's prison and no one I know wants to be there.
I routinely speak to business groups and associations on ethics, choices, consequences and their total effect. Every choice has a consequence - and the sooner we recognize that telling the truth is a choice the quicker we control the type of consequences we face. I personally prefer "positive results" from the choices I make.
A&E Suspends Production on "Dog the Bounty Hunter"
TMZ
Nov 8th 2007 10:45AM “Dog” the bounty hunter…axed from A&E for his comments. Well…it goes back to a comment I make around the country as a Motivational Speaker – Every Choice Has A Consequence. I know…I served time in Federal Prison for my choices. “Dog” used the “N” word in a manner that is likely natural for him and in an emotional way that would suit his educational background and lifestyle. The difference – he is in the media light. Every Choice Has A Consequence – and one can’t use background, education, or any other excuse to justify their choice and the resultant consequence. Genarlow Wilson, O.J. Simpson, Martha Stewart, Richard Scrushy or Mike Nifong (former Duke prosecutor) – each has made a choice that has resulted in negative consequences – no different than I. Perhaps we are becoming more aware that we must take the time to make wise choices – so we can enjoy the positive results that can follow.
Georgia Supreme Court Orders Genarlow Wilson Released From Prison
Fanhouse Backporch
Nov 3rd 2007 11:50AM No one is exempt from the law and the law does not discriminate based on age. Yet, young people are often misguided into believing that they can get by without getting caught. In fact, recent studies, concerning the ethical attitudes of youth, indicates that the majority of young people would make unethical choices if they felt they could “get ahead” as a result. Success at all costs seems to be a common theme.
As former inmate from Federal prison, today I share with business executives and young people that simple message: Every choice has a consequence.
I am pleased beyond belief that Genarlow is now getting the taste of freedom again. Genarlow's plight, has helped other young people evaluate the power of their seemingly simple choices. As the founder of the Choices Foundation, perhaps Genarlow would consider stepping up and helping others understand the power of choice.
After all...Every Choice has a Consequence.
Genarlow Wilson Interview on CNN
Black Voices Blog
Nov 3rd 2007 11:30AM No one is exempt from the law and the law does not discriminate based on age. Yet, young people are often misguided into believing that they can get by without getting caught. In fact, recent studies, concerning the ethical attitudes of youth, indicates that the majority of young people would make unethical choices if they felt they could get ahead as a result. Success at all costs seems to be a common theme.
As former inmate from Federal prison, today I share with business executives and young people that simple message: Every choice has a consequence.
I am pleased beyond belief that Genarlow is now getting the taste of freedom again. Genarlow's plight, has helped other young people evaluate the power of their seemingly simple choices. As the founder of the Choices Foundation, perhaps Genarlow would consider stepping up and helping others understand the power of choice.
After all...Every Choice has a Consequence.
O.J. Simpson Charged With Kidnapping
Fanhouse NFL Blog
Sep 22nd 2007 10:42AM The Theft is Fine, If the Stuff is Mine! Really?
Every choice has a consequence! The dynamic thing is, we can choose the consequence. It can be incredibly negative (such as what OJ is experiencing right now), or it can be extremely positive. On a personal level I know the shame and loss that prison brings and the joy of rising from the ashes of my former self to being asked to speak to audiences nationwide – helping others see the direct relationship to choices and consequences. http://www.chuckgallagher.com
As humans we can make a mistake, we are not the MISTAKE. Perhaps OJ will have, yet once again, the chance to make the right choices and use his fame and celebrity for the benefit of others. Through the Choices Foundation, a non-profit organization I established, I speak to audiences from coast to coast, with a dynamic ethics message. Especially well received by university students, I focus on making clear to them that every choice has a consequence – a message much needed in today’s environment.
http://chuckgallagher.wordpress.com/
