I’ll cut right to it – I had a conversation with Conrad Black tonight. Just to preface, he didn't talk about anything from the news or his case. It was just casual conversation at a private networking event. I’m not siding whether he is guilty or not. I just listened and spoke to him like anyone else in the room.
Speaking of rooms... This crazy life of mine has put me into the same room with the affluent, mysterious, and famous at a super early age. It took some failures but now I generally know how to engage with most of them, but I have never met someone who was tagged with all three labels. Some of the attendees at the event were not shy at throwing the media spotlight at Mr. Black, and impressively without missing a beat, he responded with the most composed posture and eloquent words. Truly a master of words. I’m sure everyone in the room being intelligent knew it was rehearsed, but I didn’t care, I was impressed.
When I stepped outside for some air, I met two individuals who were ‘fangirling’ hard on Mr. Black. They showed me the selfies they took with him (even tho mobile phones weren’t allowed in). They could tell I didn’t share their enthusiasm but they made it their mission to convince me of their admiration for him and his business acumen. From their perspective, I could see where they were coming from but I still wasn’t drinking the Koolaid.
I realized now writing this, my perception of thieves hasn’t changed – they’re the most honorable men (haven’t met any female thieves) I know. Even the ones who have stolen from me. I may not be best friends with them but I understood them. Better than some people I have known for years. I realized at a young age thieves could come in so many forms. I bet when I said “criminals” not one of you thought a teacher, police officer, priest, or America’s sweetheart homemaker. Bad guys aren't always obvious and in plain sight.
I have crossed paths with the nefarious in some of the most unexpected forms growing up. Been conned and cheated by them first hand. Thieves however follow a weird code with lines they won’t cross. Each unique to their history. That makes them predictable. Kind of like seeing an alligator, you know not to fuck with it and should go around it because you know their intent. Comparatively to other criminals, the morals aren't so black and white, it’s like this big void that is never addressed. It’s the media and our stereotypes are the ones who draw subjective lines.
The best quote I’ve heard is from Better Call Saul:
I’m a strong believer you can learn from the good and bad. But don’t go accusing cops of being thieves. And again. I'm not saying Mr. Black is guilty or a criminal. Just to be clear.