Comments by "Ash Roskell" (@ashroskell) on "Prospectors, Investors and Colorado Diamonds" video.

I have to say, I do like the idea that these two, “rubes,” knew they could count on the dishonesty of their mark. If he hadn’t been so unethical their con wouldn’t have worked. And there’s something to be said for that. If I were George Roberts, I would have reflected on my reputation. If people know they can count on my dishonesty to such an extent that they can use my weakness to pull off a sting, I have just learned that the world sees me as fundamentally dishonest and my reputation is worthless. Their whole con was predicated upon the bad faith of the guy so I don’t blame the rubes for taking advantage of him. Having said that, I too wouldn’t want to teach people that crime pays. But at least we can say that the conmen, in this case, were only conning others who deserved to be conned. So, perhaps they should be treated as the exception that proves the rule?
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