Grampy the Bank Robber
Don't have much money but boy if I did
Granddad Bandit Nabbed
The Nationwide Manhunt has drawn to a conclusion for the Granddad Bandit. This is one of those stories you can read over and over and it becomes more and more thought provoking. As a society, One has to ask itself, is this the retirement plan touted by the Republicans and Democrats through default? What is it that goes through the mind of a elderly citizen, a weathered man promised by his country, to be looked after in his twilight years? When Congress and the White House get done diddling around will this become more prevalent?
Mike Mara is a 52 year old gentleman taking the advice of his Federal Government to reinvent himself. The fact of the matter is, its one of too few options open to a man with limited opportunities. In all likelihood his employer opted out on his contract,because he was getting a little too close to cashing in on the pewter plated wristwatch. In all seriousness though folks, this has become the rule rather than the exception. Granddad the Notorious is thinking desperate times call for desperate measures.
The FBI visited the home of Mr. Mara, whom previously resided in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The facts dictate, he could no longer afford a roof over his head, sustenanceto fuel his body, Water works nor the Electric company utilities. Doctor Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of needs and the business of survival. Apparently he deciphered jail-time was better than the alternative which seemed inevitable; Death by shame. Besides, it took care of all those bothersome needs of humanity.
As it turns out, in actuality, this guy was either on a hot-streak or was late in his life's calling. He succeeded in twenty-five heists covering thirteen states since 2008. Here's a man that took matters in his own hands. He stepped up to the plate, got on base and stole second base, third base and Home. Sooner or later you gotta ask yourself, what took the FBI so long to catch this guy. Apparently he was nimble. Better yet,what did he have to lose.
The profile on " The Grandad Bandit" was described as follows: A White male between the age of forty-five and sixty. His appearance was described as stock in build, height around six feet to six feet three inches. Distinguishing characteristics were balding with short grayish hair on the sides, whom wears rim glasses. The fashion police weighed in identifying his preference for Polo shirts and ball caps. Pretty much covers the entirety of that age demographic doesn't it?
"We want him off the street as soon as we can get him off the streets," said FBI Special Agent Stephen Emmett. "This 18 month crime spree has gone on for too long."
The FBI says he's getting cockier as he goes along demanding higher amounts of money. A reward for his arrest has been raised to $25,000. His extensive spree has made the cost of a reward well worth it according to the FBI. "He's actually costing the taxpayers a substantial amount of money because these banks are FDIC insured and that money is derived from taxpayers," Emmett said.
Well Emmett, maybe you should speak to Granddad the Bank-robber about the dilemma of those whom thought they still lived in a country that honors its commitments , that lives up to the promises made to his generation regarding such minor incidentals as survival, Social Security, and if you're feeling really aggressive ... Medicare and Medicaid.