I don’t know if there is such a thing as “Ponzi science.” My aspen trees remind me every day that getting something to multiply geometrically, from all directions and angles, 24/7, is a powerful thing. It is more than just “compounding.” Another example would be “networking,” but even better is setting up such a custom network, not just attaching to an existing one, to improve and impose control. Going “viral” on the internet is a way it can happen or is helped today; certainly any good marketer these days would have to incorporate a web presence in some form, be it self-made or through outsiders, Youtube channels, or product influencers. At the same time, you have to stop negative information from going viral and killing you. Secrecy, funding (including lawyers, connections, and even intimidation when necessary), and outward signs of success are necessary these days. The whole thing is getting harder to define and control. It is an opportunity for just about anything.
In marketing it used to be called packaged goods or even mass marketing. “Distribution” is one of the 4 P’s. A successful business or enterprise has to have a way to grow and build access. Almost nothing is more effective than one on one sales—personal networking sales—as a way to do this. The distinction between legal and illegal in pyramid marketing is you cannot charge people just to join the pyramid—there has to be something of value attached to the expenditure. In other words, it cannot just grow for nothing, you have to give the buyer something in return.
Epstein was extremely secretive. It is not that hard to make money once you have it simply through investments. Ten or even 5% of $100 million is plenty to call yourself very wealthy, especially if you already have assets. For some unknown reason, Epstein had it, the money and the income.
He is in a heap of legal trouble because of that same concept of network marketing. The venue, time period, or even specifics of the crimes do not matter much because of the sheer number of victims. They are all people, each with a phone, friends, parents, pictures, diaries (blogs), and bank accounts. Every victim has a network of their own. They were vulnerable children but that is not the case anymore. It is network prosecution, a Ponzi scheme in reverse. He is doomed.
It is stunning what has happened beginning with #MeToo. It started with Weinstein. Hardly a hero, Harvey started it. It is astounding how different the world looks when you look at it in terms of victims.
It is a cliche’ that never gets old: The courage to come forward. In this case there was even an incentive to do so. The ill-advised NPA (non-prosecution agreement) specified Epstein would make restitution to the victims. Don’t ask, don’t get. For them it means money; now, for Epstein, justice means years.
MSNBC is really on top of it in terms of vids. Julie is on (delayed) now. There is no such thing as child prostitution. Where did I read that… On my phone, a victim’s rights site or news perspective. It is an oxymoron. Underage alone is a crime. The adult is responsible. It is not a victimless crime.
For now, I think Acosta is safe. He testified they thought it was the best deal they could make. Teen witnesses… That was their professional, poorly-considered perhaps in retrospect, opinion at the time. Giuffre was notified in a letter. It was approved by DC HQ. Pending something more coming out, that side of it and the accusations there so far, to me, are not a rational reason for his removal, politics and public opinion (or harm) aside.
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