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