Pubdate: Tue, 18 Oct 2005 Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL) Copyright: 2005 Orlando Sentinel Contact: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325 Author: Steve Rayle SHAMELESS ROMANTICIZING Sunday's article about Clarence Lane, "Ex-bootlegger brews moonshine saga of past," shamelessly romanticizes yet another criminal. It's absurd that people create folklore out of and admire the worst that humanity has to offer. What is the catalyst for the idealized creation of legends like Billy the Kid, John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde, and even the less-dangerous common criminal such as the admittedly irreverent Clarence Lane? The Sentinel displays a picture of a proud Mr. Lane attending a reception for a biographical novel inspired by his family's criminal enterprise, though the Sentinel euphemistically uses the term "family business." Lane goes on to boast of his criminal deeds and his audience apparently shows great deference and esteem for the aged felon. His listeners seem to enjoy this three-time convicted criminal who brags of his illegal exploits. Lane and his family express pride in his former illicit activities and that he had about 100 employees (co-conspirators) in his underworld organization. How can one be so openly proud of one's criminal existence? Even worse, how can one endear himself to so many simply because he is a former criminal? He states of his crimes, "It's a good living if you don't go to jail." Good advice? You decide. Steve Rayle Orlando - --- MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman