This is the story of a man who has been unjustly incarcerated for a term far exceeding what he should have been given for a crime that was termed a "gray" area in Arizona related to Securities and Exchange Commission activities.
Charles "Tom" Brown was a successful investor who did very well in real estate, oil, and the stock market. Friends began asking him to invest for them, too. And he did. Things went well, and more people heard about his abilities and wanted to be included in the investment strategies he had devised. All went well until there was a dramatic change in the market. All that went up turned down, and Tom wanted everyone to still have a profit - his big mistake - as he wanted to be well thought of.
Long story short - he was accused of defrauding investors, and although it was shown that he had never deverted any money for himself other than a modest commission, through unbelievable mishandling by an incompetent or dishonest attorney, what should have been a one year sentence became a 17 year sentance. At the time of judgment Charles "Tom" Brown was 62 years of age. Everything he had was confiscated by the government and all documentation that showed the falsehood of his accusers were not admissable at time of judgment. The book was thrown at Tom. The case was high profile in Scottsdale, AZ - and our friend, Tom was sent away for what in his case would become a life sentance. After having everything stripped away, what can a man do when he is finally released at age 79?
Many of his friends tried to help and find someone willing to take his case after the attorney who gave him such poor advice and bad counsel dumped him when the money ran out. However, nothing worked - and Tom began his sentence in November 1998.
The purpose of this blog is not to dwell on the injustice, although as a preface, I think it is important to have an idea of the setup. The purpose of this blog is to show the incredible unfoldment of consciousness in this very rare soul who has taken this sentence and created a workshop of Soul and Spirit out of it.
Tom has maintained a level of dignity and introspective analysis that is an inspiration to all of us. What we see is that imprisonment is not always a matter of physical incarceration - for the Spirit within an individual can soar regardless of surroundings. What many of us recognize is that we on the outside are often trapped in prisons of our own creation.
Tom's words are meant to help us see into life and do better with what we've been given. In the spirit of this, I present his letters and articles written since this seemingly unjust sentence to show that soul blossoming can happen wherever we are planted if we allow ourselves to see the possibilities rather than the obstacles. This is a true account of moving Beyond the Wall, and I hope you will find value and meaning in it for your own life.
Scribe, Kathleen
Stanley Peele....
Punsters both, you and Tom
we need a few - so bring them on!
If Tom could only access this site -
he'd surely write with pure delight.
The question you see - who would it be...the #1 Punster he, or thee??
K
Posted by: Kathleen | June 12, 2005 at 08:29 PM
Ode To Tom Brown
In a prison cell, number 2-E-5,
Lives a man who is more alive
Than millions who aren't in prison
For his path is a far-reaching mission --
To teach the meaning of serenity and love.
His spirit increases through light from above.
Hark! A powerful beam of light from the beyond most high
Penetrates the prison walls, and touches Tom, and with a sigh --
He smiles -- and with thankfulness renewed
Finds his life with richness imbued.
You go! You go, Tom Brown, live and thrive,
For you know the way of being truly alive.
We love you so much that we will even abide
Your scampish puns! Roll on Tom, be not denied.
Stanley Peele
Posted by: Stanley Peele | June 12, 2005 at 05:56 PM
Steve...
The sentence was indeed an injustice. However, what has come from it has been a man of consciousness working within a prison system to help others, and developing his inner knowing as well. He is teaching, helping people get GED's and giving them another perspective on life that is bringing meaning and hope to some who would otherwise never receive it.
We don't understand the overview of life and the why's of things. We can only speculate and respond to what appears to be.
Yes...Tom was unjustly sentenced, but he is creating a greater justice for many. And hopefully, someone who can help will come forward to assist him in filing petitions and other legal documents that will assure him of early release.
In the meantime, what an inspiration he is to all of us! I am happy to be able to post letters and articles he has sent me so we can all benefit from them.
Kathleen
Posted by: Kathleen | June 05, 2005 at 11:04 AM
I just can't believe this man got the unjust sentence of 17 years in prison for the relatively small crime he supposedly committed! There are murderers out there that have gotten off with less prison time! I bet the Enron thieves will get less hard time in prison and they screwed millions of people out of their life savings and retirement account monies!
I heard that he has been warehoused not in a regular standard issue prison cell, but in a TENT! That's justice in Arizona for you!
What can be done to right this injustice?
Posted by: Steve F | June 05, 2005 at 10:23 AM