Thank-you, Jorj, for an important question. As many of you who have followed my statements here at SI and elsewhere will know, I have been fighting this battle for more than a year. It has been a very difficult one. The cost is enormous, for both myself and my family. Still, I considered that in May, 2000, when I made this decision, and I remain committed.
Yes, I was defrauded by these sites and brokers, and massively. They lied to me in their contracts and they lied to me in their recommendations. I understand what that means, and how it affected my career. I am not too proud to admit that I was deceived by a great many people I trusted. It is a hard fact to face, but to find the truth in both yourself and those and that around you, honesty to yourself is paramount. Without that, you are simply in denial, and not in any position to change things.
When I stated that I would lead this case, that is exactly what I meant, though there are stories that are heart-breaking, and much worse than my own. I have tried always to remain level-headed in these things, matters that can easily lead to great emotion. But there are tales that will have you crying yourself to sleep when you hear them. This was never only about charts and quotes and droll little clever lies, harmless games; no, this is about real people with real lives and dreams - real families that have been hurt in a catastrophic, tragic manner by people who not only could not care one whit the destruction they have left behind, but also actually find it very funny, these whom they have ruined. I am not one to seek remedy for myself alone, and that is why I have made these matters public. I wish all of you to know that if you were a victim, then I intend to help you. It is something very dear to me, and whatever the cost to myself and my family, I intend to see it through to a successful and honorable conclusion.
Olivier |
