2002 - September Issue

Once again, using your mind's eye, I want to "fast-forward" to five years in the future and take another look at these two men. Where's the dishwasher? The one with the stolen $500,000? I bet he's broke. Or in jail. Or dead.

Let's face it, dishwashers are not at the top of the human food chain. Plus, when he got here, I bet he was so hungry for "the good life" he started buying luxury cars, seeing high-priced hookers and, in general, tearing through his money like a bunch of starving wolves who come across a freshly killed deer.

What happens when his money runs out? What does he do then? Go back to washing dishes? I bet not. I bet he wants to keep on living "the high life." But how? He's got no money and no really valuable skills.

My guess? He'll turn to crime, get caught and go to jail.

Now let's talk about the second guy who came from Cuba, the brain surgeon. I bet when we meet him five years later... he's living a really good life. Great house in a luxury section of Miami. Probably a wonderful wife. Probably has exactly the car (or cars) he likes best... and... every other good thing money can buy here in America.

Listen. And listen good: Money is not security. Neither is longevity on the job. Neither are business contacts or "connections." The only thing which represents any type of security in today's world is...