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Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!prls!pyramid!fmsrl7!mibte!uisc1!root
From: root@uisc1.UUCP (Super user)
Newsgroups: news.admin,news.config,misc.legal
Subject: Re: INDISCRIMINANT POSTING BY JJ@CUP.PORTAL.COM
Summary: JJ & Mail fraud
Message-ID: <34@uisc1.UUCP>
Date: 3 Jun 88 09:38:25 GMT
References: <6081@cup.portal.com> <25292@bbn.COM>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Unicorn Information Systems Corp, Detroit, MI, USA
Lines: 35

In article <25292@bbn.COM>, mesard@bbn.com.UUCP writes:
> 
> So if JJ *really* is a college student and *really* is in financial
> straits, then he didn't break any laws.  Otherwise, it's mail fraud.
> Right?

IF JJ specifically stated that he would use the money for his college
education, and ONLY for his college education, and it's fraud ONLY if
he had the intent not to do what he specifically stated at the time
he stated it AND that you can prove it (not only the action or lack
thereof, but also the intent). I don't have the original beg-letter
handy; if you think it's important enough, go for it.

> Now ask yourself, folks:  What do you think the odds are that either of
> the those assertions is true?

Sorry, but juries do not convict based on mathematical odds, they
convict on proof and evidence.

But let me throw one small monkey wrench into your mathematical odds.
All JJ has to do to meet those requirements is to go down to his local
community college and enroll in one class. He is then a student. In fact,
he could enroll in a mail-order college to meet the requirements. As
for being in financial straights, I'd hate for you to prove that someone
is or is not in financial straights. Just what criterion to you use? In
comparison to David Rockefeller I was, am, and will always be in financial
straights.

I don't think that what JJ did was right (morally). Most probably it
was a scam, especially if the identity that I just read is really his.
But I find the viciousness and the willingness to put this guy away for
life, preferably without parole, which I see on this net rather unfortunate.
Other than post a few messages, to all of which you have a choice to "Just
say no," what has this guy ever done to you? If you just ignored his messages
and didn't send any money, he would just go away.