I would totally hire this guy.

[rcrush]

[Richardo]

1. Why? It says "former"

[rcrush]

2. Maybe he was too awesome at his job

[AwakeAtLast]

10. Just because it says it doesn't mean it's really true

[Kali]

3. what, no useless degree(s)?

Just real life experience, honesty, accountability, and responsibility. Um no we only care about superficial crap on paper in this culture. Sorry.

[Deja Q]

9. Useless?

A diploma shows going the high road. It is the culmination of grades, which can be looked up. It DOES matter.

I see many fellow students not giving a rip. Given a couple of these classes, it's a damn embarrassment to get a 4.0 when their content is so much childs' play that every last damn one of us should be able to get a 4.0 without even blinking... yet only 3 or 4 of us had. (there are other factors, but some were just not trying. I try. Even on my facebook page, where all I did was announce I was going back to earn a Bachelor's degree, the usual gaggle of asswipes started making snide comments. Many people really don't give a shit... oh, and I know some of the people I made 'friends' with never were. I wanted to verify something... with luck future employers won't hold it against me. They shouldn't. Other peoples' comments are hardly my responsibility or even copyright. They speak for themselves. I speak for only myself.)

The more I see, the more I start agreeing with corporations about the work ethic going down. Because I'm there as an eyewitness.

I'm sorry.

[Kali]

18. My experience with academia is variable.

I certainly admire and respect people with the fortitude to complete the task. I also know quite a few degreed individuals who can barely wipe their own asses, they are so useless in the real world. But they sure can come tell you what YOU NEED TO DO in order to succeed. Rarely see them doing it (succeeding in much) but hey they have letters after their names.

[datasuspect]

4. I'd transact business with him.

he's not low-level employee material.

with his legal and illegal business experience, he would be a definite asset in any enterprise.

i'd probably let him work outside of the office a lot.

[Deja Q]

8. But would you let him work INSIDE of your office at all?

If I were a boss, would I trust A loyal person or would I trust a felon? I might employ both, but I already know the felon has a history of doing illegal things. I'd be a fool to trust lightly.

[datasuspect]

19. someone like that could parlay the good will aspect of his approach

through giving lectures to kids and writing a book about redemption into developing lots of contacts and business opportunities.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

5. gutsy and honest

I like him already.

[NJmaverick]

6. References from the US District Attorney????

[madinmaryland]

7. I heard the guy on the Kojo Nnamdi show a couple of months ago.

I think he has already found profitable (and legal) employment. As I recall, he was originally a college graduate and may have had his own business (legal) before falling into the drug trade which was much more profitable.

He was actually quite an inspirational guy.

Edited to add:

Marijuana Smuggling: A First-Person View

Back in the 1980s, a young Canadian named Brian O'Dea was running a drug smuggling ring responsible for importing TONS of marijuana into the United States. He left the business and 'went straight' long before he was sent to prison for 10 years. Now, Brian O'Dea is a passion advocate for "The Consequences of Choice" -- he joins Kojo to explore the highs and lows of his experiences, and current attitudes toward illegal drug use.

Guests
Brian O'Dea, author, "High: Confessions of an International Drug Smuggler" (Other Press, New York)

http://wamu.org/programs/kn/09/06/25.php#26427

I'm pretty sure it is the same guy.

[theNotoriousP.I.G.]

11. He's a real go-getter

he's honest, he's a proven profit maker, what's not to like about this guy? I'd hire him.

[gmoney]

12. Wonder why law enforcement doesn't hire him as a consultant

He could probably collaborate with someone on a screenplay along the lines of Goodfellas or Blow.

[Juche]

13. I probably would hire the guy

Intelligent, honest, a good manager.

[mix]

14. mad skillz

[Juche]

15. I just requested his biography through the interlibrary loan program

http://www.amazon.com/High-Confessions-Smuggler-Brian-O...

[Hippo_Tron]

16. Definitely want somebody on my team with street smarts

[bluedigger]

17. Can't use him.

Sounds like a quitter.

And if he's such a hot shit, how could he not have stashed enough cash to be set for life?