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Two Sons of Removed Spies, Left in U.S., Completely Broke

Juan Lazaro Jr., 17, and his half brother, Waldo Mariscal, 38,ara the sons of Journalist Vicky Pelaez and her husband, Juan Lazaro. Until two weeks ago, the family lived comfortably in Yonkers, MY, which is in Southern Westchester County, about 1/2 hour from Manhattan. Their parents are now in Russia. Vicky Pelaez is planning on leaving Russia for Peru, and ultimately Brazil.

Her son Juan, Jr. , at 17, is building a career as an accomplished pianist. He's got a shot at making it, according to his teachers.He wants to stay in NY and finish.

But, the Government has seized their home in Yonkers and they have no money. They have asked the Red Cross for help.

Lazarro fooled his wife and children. Ms. Pelaez's lawyer heard her ask her husband in court last week, "What was your real name?"

Turns out, Lazarro had the whole family fooled. [More...]

This is a classic case of children being made to pay for the misdeeds of the father. It's very unfair to them. If you hear of anyone collecting money on their behalf, let me know, and I'll put a link up asking readers to contribute.

For the skeptical among you, who tend to believe the leaf doesn't fall far from the tree, I remind you of Chesa Boudin, who went on to become a Rhodes Scholar.

Fron the Tribune in 2002:

Chesa Boudin has said of the activities of his four parents, "We have a different name for the war we're fighting now. Now we call it the war on terrorism; then they called it the war on communism. My parents were all dedicated to fighting U.S. imperialism around the world. I'm dedicated to the same thing."

He's made a good start. With a resume that includes organizing with the Institute for Policy Studies; Yale University; a year of study in Chile; work for prison reform in Bolivia, El Salvador and the United States; speaking engagements; and a book in the works, this kid should be on everyone's watch list.

In 2009, he published Gringo: Coming of Age in Latin America.

I first wrote about Chesa in 2002, in "Children of the Left."

In 2003, I wrote Chesa Boudin, Son of Kathy Boudin. I ended it with:

I have to believe that Chesa Boudin's parents are as proud of him as I am of my child--in the end, there is no greater contribution any of us can make as parents than to send our children out into the world to find their own way, and watch as they choose a career of public service, or one dedicated to improving the plight of those less fortunate, be it in medicine, law, politics, education, or any other field. I hope I get the chance to meet Chesa one day.

In 2008, I wrote about Chesa in a piece called "Children of the Incarcerated." Chesa visited his parents in prison for 17 years, since he was a toddler. Of that experience he wrote:

Inmate 83A6158 is my father. Both my biological parents have been serving life sentences since I was 14 months old. After their arrest I was adopted by their friends, my other parents, who already had two children, my brothers. This visit may be my grandmother's last. I remember when she took care of me; now I steady her while we walk.

As we enter the loud, crowded visiting room, I rush my father. Our embrace is restricted by the wide table separating us, but it's great to feel his powerful arms around me. Usually my father is delighted when he sees me but today his eyes are sad. His best friend in prison has died of AIDS. Although prison deaths are common, this untimely news casts a pall.

Juan Lazaro Jr., has just lost the only family he has ever known. He is an American. His life has gone topsy-turvey all in two weeks. He has a chance to excel as a pianist. What a shame if money prevents him from following his dream. Again, if you run across any sites collecting scholarship and living money for him, let us know.

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  • Display: Sort:
    Donations (none / 0) (#1)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 07:48:31 AM EST
    Have become very skeptical about making any further donations. Trust funds, c/o banks, seem to be merely checking accounts to be used for many things other than the original intention.  

    There doesn't seem to be any accounting or regulation as to how these funds are actually used.

    While the thought of furthering someone's career in music is admirable, past experience has shown that these same monies are actually used for what one can consider 'luxury' items instead.  

    Many of my friends, who have been donated much in the past, have similarly expressed an unwillingness to continue to do so ever again, as they feel donations have become gravy trains for unintended purposes.

    The other question I have with the two sons . . . (none / 0) (#3)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 08:35:43 AM EST
    One is 38 years old and that is not a misprint?

    Why or how could he be 'left broke' - he certainly cannot be considered a child and, unless, he has learning disabilities or mental issues, should be employed and able to help his brother -- ?

    Parent

    He is a 38 yr old architect (none / 0) (#6)
    by BarnBabe on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:18:30 AM EST
    I read some stories first because I had remembered hearing that. The 17 year old was given a chance to move to Russia with his parents and he declined. He also has lived much of his life in Peru where his parents plan to resettle. The children said that they have not been rushed by authorities and have spent days packing up. I think there might be more to this story. Both believe that their parents are not spies.

    Parent
    Yeah (5.00 / 2) (#11)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:41:37 AM EST
    The Russians are swapping our spies for people that are NOT their spies.

    heh

    Parent

    Wow (none / 0) (#32)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:53:24 AM EST
    Pretty heartless, imo.

    Parent
    oh stop (none / 0) (#63)
    by TeresaInPa on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:58:08 AM EST
    people don't like to be used.  It is as simple as that.  I am sure of course that you have sent a check right off to help this kid.

    Parent
    OK (none / 0) (#68)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:08:49 PM EST
    there are several here who are heartless..  Thanks for showing up to the party.

    Parent
    To Bad (none / 0) (#2)
    by Saul on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 08:19:52 AM EST
    Off topic but I hear that Polanski is a free man and will not be extradited to U.S.

    Still OT (none / 0) (#4)
    by CoralGables on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:11:15 AM EST
    eagerly awaiting the oculus report

    Parent
    eagerly awaiting news! n/t (none / 0) (#5)
    by JamesTX on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:15:59 AM EST
    Usually, if someone (none / 0) (#7)
    by JamesTX on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:20:46 AM EST
    has promise in the arts, someone will find a way. The well-to-do will step up. Unfortunately, what happens when one doesn't have promise in the arts? The media exposure in this case alone will bring means for funding, though.

    'funding what' (none / 0) (#12)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:42:18 AM EST
    is my question!

    Gifted 'children' are given sponsorships, scholarships, loans, etc.

    Unfortunately, in my opinion, what is eventually going to happen these 'media exposure' cases (apparently without any type of regulation as to how the money is actually spent) are becoming a racket and well might end all donations, even if the cause is genuine.

    No one wants to be left feeling used or conned, which seems to be what has happened of late with the Florida cases and the Alabama case.

    Just my opinion.

    Parent

    lol (none / 0) (#35)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:54:31 AM EST
    You have to be kidding me. How many pianists do you support, buy going to concerts regularly and buying their recordings?

    Parent
    I am not (none / 0) (#46)
    by JamesTX on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:11:46 AM EST
    ...well-to-do. As others have said, though, there are options for anyone with real "promise". In those fields, though, if you aren't unequivocally "best" at something, then you need a career in something else. They don't pay for anything much below the 99.9 percentile. Many other fields have jobs for the rest of us, even if we are just average at what we do.

    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#52)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:28:59 AM EST
    You don't have to be rich to support an artist. My point is that promising musicians are not particularly valued in our culture. And, your fantasy about rich people supporting a promising pianist, is a nice fantasy, but it does not have any basis in reality.

    Just sayin'...  

    Parent

    except (none / 0) (#69)
    by TeresaInPa on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:13:36 PM EST
    you are wrong.  Speaking as someone who has spent her whole life in the arts, that is a lot of support for young artists and yes, much of it is funded by rich people.  If the kids isn't really all that extraordinary, then he needs to go take out some loans and go to college and get a regular job like the rest of us "very" but not "extraordiarily" talented.  

    Parent
    lol (none / 0) (#73)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:19:16 PM EST
    Wrong? Please, do tell, which arts are you in.

    And who are your patrons? I know dozens of classical musicians who have promising careers, and they need the support you claim to be enjoying.

    Parent

    Good For You (none / 0) (#109)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:29:26 PM EST
    Tell me when you find some philanthropists, or whatever you are calling them, who fund promising pianists. YOU are FOS.

    There is no such thing. Get out of Curtis and get a computer job.

    And obviously you do not know you limitations, if you believe that your big phil fundraising gives you the skinny on

    gifted 'children' are given sponsorships, scholarships, loans, etc.
    for 17 year pianists who show a lot of promise.

    Oh, right you are in another league. lol

    Parent

    Of course there are wealthy patrons (none / 0) (#110)
    by Cream City on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:39:12 PM EST
    who do exactly this; I have a relative who went to Juilliard on full scholarship and even then started snaring commissions for compositions for orchestras.  And commissions have funded his career ever since.  It helps to be Leonard Bernstein's protege, of course.  (And Bernstein was a wealthy man who used his money to support aspiring pianists. . . .)

    Where do you think scholarship funding for private arts schools and orchestra funding and such comes from?  If you think it is from the NEA, from the gummint, check its budget.

    Parent

    Yeah (none / 0) (#111)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:55:48 PM EST
    And Curtis is free for everyone who gets in. After that you are on your own. There in no demand for classical pianists. Can you name 10? of course not.

    I know plenty of super talented pianists, and they are no philanthropists looking for them, guaranteed.

    In fact I have a close friend who has a record company and is looking for a measly couple of hundred thousand dollars for one of her genius pianists to record all of the bach keyboard works..

    Ain't going to happen. That is the reality, but you are entitled to dream about what opportunities lie ahead for those whose extraordinary talent is playing the piano.

    Parent

    Look: Work on logic and facts (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by Cream City on Tue Jul 13, 2010 at 12:32:38 AM EST
    to argue your point effectively.  You have a point, which is that such support is all too rare.  

    But you claim it doesn't exist, then you are proven wrong, and then you arc off to something else again . . . and again and again, in so many threads.  It does not contribute.

    And it's too bad, because you often do have contributions to make and can do so well, when you're in the mood.

    Parent

    Logic And Facts (none / 0) (#118)
    by squeaky on Tue Jul 13, 2010 at 11:04:16 AM EST
    Look, this is my world, not some abstract dreamland where people get to feel all warm and cuddly about something that they have zero experience with.

    The idea that a talented and promising 17 year old pianist has a chance of getting some rich person to fund them is nil, zero, nada.

    OK you have a point, there maybe one eccentric, and by eccentric I mean someone who is waaaaaaay out of mainstream philanthropic practice, who decides that they want to find one pianist and support them financially.

    Otherwise it does not happen here in the US.

    How many classical pianists do you know by name? When was the last time you even saw a solo piano classical concert?

    Well you are in the 99.9 percentile of all Americans.  

    Funding for a promising pianist is about as  likely to happen as funding for a person who devotes his or her life to polishing silver.

    Parent

    Sorry For The Exaggeration (none / 0) (#119)
    by squeaky on Tue Jul 13, 2010 at 11:20:45 AM EST
    there should be about five or six or more 9's after the percentage point.

    99.9999999 is more accurate.

    Parent

    Aloha My Island Friend (none / 0) (#116)
    by AlohaMade on Tue Jul 13, 2010 at 02:59:51 AM EST
    Way to go!

    Parent
    You have a point (none / 0) (#79)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:54:31 PM EST
    I've seen many bands/singers/performers playing at the Holiday Inn in BesidesTheIntersateville and I have spent many an hour sipping a brew and listening/dancing to them.

    Requests always cost a $1.00 tip.

    ;-)

    Parent

    Vicky Pelaez... (none / 0) (#8)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:29:23 AM EST
    got the rawest deal of the bunch...the Russians were practically celebrating in court when the spy swap went down and they pleaded to time served, while she was in tears.

    Uncle Sam shoulda let the kids keep the house, at the very least.  Cold.

    Come on,man... (none / 0) (#10)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:39:34 AM EST
    They were spies. Moles.

    There was a time when people were executed for that.

    Parent

    The kids ain't spies or moles... (none / 0) (#15)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:55:18 AM EST
    unless you have more info?  And being Americans aren't they just as much victims as us?  Not that I feel victimized or anything...lol.

    Parent
    The house was purchased with, at least, (none / 0) (#26)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:31:33 AM EST
    some amount of money/resources provided by the Russians.

    That's like using money from a bank robbery.

    One is 38 the other 17. Neither will be tossed on the street.

    And the parents didn't have to be spies.....They are the ones to blame.

    Are you saying having kids is a "get out of jail" card?

    Parent

    No... (none / 0) (#28)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:42:29 AM EST
    Ms. P is paying a rather heavy price for her small involvement in this clown-like "spy ring"...why overkill and punish her offspring?

    I seriously doubt the whole house was paid for by the Russians...if Uncle Sam wants a piece of the action, take the television and call it a day...I mean seriously, why all the vindictive hate?  Cold War is over man....chill:)

    Parent

    vindictive hate? (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by TeresaInPa on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:18:11 PM EST
    sounds kind of hyperbolic to me given what you are responding too.
    Cold war may be over, but Putin still fanticizes about his good old KGB days, I am sure.
    We have spies all over the world, Israel spies on us, we spie on them.  Russia and the US spie on each other.  I am sure countries in the ME and Asia do also.  There is still plenty of reason to try to prevent and also to punish such activity.  Unless you think "peace" has been permanently obtained around the world.

    Parent
    That reminds me... (none / 0) (#83)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 01:10:27 PM EST
    why are we punishing people for doing the same thing we pay people to do?  If spying is a crime, why do we commit the crime of spying ourselves?  Doesn't seem too kosher to me.

    Parent
    That's another thing... (none / 0) (#86)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 01:13:19 PM EST
    why are we punishing people for the very same thing we pay people to do...dig the dirt and pass it.  Doesn't seem righteous...if spying is a crime we shouldn't spy...no?

    Parent
    the 38 yr old isn't HER offspring! (none / 0) (#36)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:55:31 AM EST
    Fair enough... (none / 0) (#43)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:06:24 AM EST
    her sons, one biological one not.

    Why such a hard-on for this 38 year old?  It's like you wanna punish him for living with his family...thats no crime, thats frugal.  The NY Metro area ain't cheap...you'd be surprised how many households need 3 or more incomes.

    To me, asking for the government not to seize the roof over your head isn't asking for a handout, its asking not to get robbed.  Donations for the 17 year old is another matter...I too am often leery of organized charities...but I'd be happy to buy the kid a meal or two..he's an American who is getting screwed through no fault of his own.  Yes, the parents must accept some responsibility for their involvement in a two-bit spy ring, but stealing the house is all on Uncle Sam.

    Parent

    This may be off-topic (none / 0) (#92)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 02:19:33 PM EST
    but something you said registered with me, but I was hot on the trail of that idle 38 year old looking for donations at the time, so didn't get to answer!

    Often wonder about the equity in a house that has been foreclosed - why doesn't the bank have to refund that portion back to the 'foreclosed upon' homeowners?  

    Why isn't there a double jeopardy in the bank being able to keep the equity in the foreclosed home, and then recharging that equity to the next owner, and, heaven forbids, if he/she also forecloses - its a double win of equity for the bank.

    My understanding of this may be wrong, and I certainly hope it is, otherwise all Senators on the Banking Finance Committee need to be brought into a court of law themselves!

    Parent

    Banks usually make credit bids (none / 0) (#95)
    by MKS on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 03:01:14 PM EST
    at the auction.  They bid in the amount of the debt, and usually there are no other bids.....In that case, there is no equity, and the bank gets the property--the dreaded REO property.

    In those cases where someone makes a bid over the credit bid of the bank, the excess funds over the amount of the debt go to the owner....Pretty rare--if there were equity, the owner would sell the house pay off the loan and pocket the excess, rather than let it go to foreclosure.....

    Most auctions occur outside of courthouses.....a group of underdressed people with clipboards and fast moving sales.....

    Parent

    Thanks (none / 0) (#100)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 05:29:22 PM EST
    Why the what? (none / 0) (#82)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 01:02:20 PM EST
    Yeah, I plead guiltly to a very large "hate" for anyone spying against our country for any foreign government. Especially one like Russia.

    People are responsible for the support of their children. If they don't want to leave them, don't commit crimes.

    kdog, I know you got some skin in this game, but look at it like this.

    If the parents had wanted to stay near the child they could have refused the deal.

    And there is nothing preventing the children from going with the parents.

    These are people skating from a crime that, at one time, would have carried the death penalty.

    Parent

    the children (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by Jen M on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 05:19:33 PM EST
    Did. Not. Do. Anything. Wrong.

    Keeping their own home is not skating, its not getting off, its not free money from the government.

    They. Did. Nothing. Illegal.
    They. Did. Nothing. Illegal.
    They. Did. Nothing. Illegal.

    But here you are, advocating they be punished.

    If they aren't punished they are skating!
    If they aren't punished they are getting off scott free!

    You want to use the kids to punish the parents.

    Really, honestly, have you ever understood even one thing about justice?

    Parent

    It Was Not The Children's House (none / 0) (#101)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 06:01:00 PM EST
    It Was The Parents House.
    It Was The Parents House.
    It Was The Parents House.
    It Was The Parents House.
    It Was The Parents House.
    It Was The Parents House.

    But don't let facts get in the way of a good rant.

    Parent

    yes, (5.00 / 1) (#103)
    by Jen M on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 06:22:56 PM EST
    no one should be allowed to have their parents things.

    No one should be allowed to leave anything in a will either.

    Keep on trying to justify that absolute absence of compassion.

    Parent

    Don't misquote me. (none / 0) (#107)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 08:42:00 PM EST
    No one should be allowed to have the things their parents got illegally.

    Parent
    the children (none / 0) (#97)
    by Jen M on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 05:21:17 PM EST
    Did. Not. Do. Anything. Wrong.

    Keeping their own home is not skating, its not getting off, its not free money from the government.

    They. Did. Nothing. Illegal.
    They. Did. Nothing. Illegal.
    They. Did. Nothing. Illegal.

    But here you are, advocating they be punished.

    If they aren't punished they are skating!
    If they aren't punished they are getting off scott free!

    You want to use the kids to punish the parents.
    Or do you simply want to punish them for having the wrong parents.  How about imprisoning them?

    OOH I know, lets just take away all the rights of all Americans, just so we can more easily round up all those horrible nasty vile children of bad people.


    Parent

    The People Being Referred To As Skating (none / 0) (#102)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 06:03:35 PM EST
    Are The Parents.
    Are The Parents.
    Are The Parents.
    Are The Parents.

    Please learn to read the comment in completely and in context.

    Parent

    the childen are the ones (none / 0) (#104)
    by Jen M on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 06:24:01 PM EST
    being left to suffer

    But please do, keep on demonstrating what how a machine feels.

    Parent

    Children at 38 years of age! (5.00 / 1) (#112)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:12:58 PM EST
    Oh please..... (none / 0) (#106)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 08:40:12 PM EST
    38 and 17....

    Children?

    hahahahaha

    Besides. They can go with the parents. No one is making them stay here.

    Thanks for demonstrating not thinking.

    Parent

    A 38 year old isn't a child - please! (none / 0) (#113)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:15:06 PM EST
    WTF? (none / 0) (#31)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:49:08 AM EST
    Wow, you are really going off the rails here. How is it that Russian money = stolen money?

    Oh, because you say it is?  GOt it... lol

    Parent

    Help me out here squeak... (none / 0) (#34)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:53:48 AM EST
    I think some of the crew on this board is gonna demand jail time for the kids any minute...maybe even a kidney.

    You'd think they were working for BP or something:)

    Parent

    You are too funny! (none / 0) (#40)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:59:48 AM EST
    Me thinks you love to argue - and, today, I am taking the bait only because I recognize that I do have a bias against Russia!

    Actually, probably Russia was so upset at them being so stupid to get caught that it asked the US to take the house, sell it, and send them the money received so as to pay for their tickets!

    Somehow I don't think the reception in Russia is going to be red carpet!  But who should know better than they -

    Parent

    And I will admit my bias... (none / 0) (#44)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:08:38 AM EST
    against the travesty that is asset forfeiture in this country...I stopped having a beef with the Russians when I stopped playing "Red Dawn" in the schoolyard in 6th grade.

    Parent
    Truly Amazing (none / 0) (#50)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:24:42 AM EST
    I do not get it, the compassion runs dry here, for no apparent reason. The russians are no longer our enemy, although many here have not gotten the memo.  

    Parent
    Maybe some of us (none / 0) (#54)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:34:15 AM EST
    have lived within the memo!

    Parent
    That makes two of us... (none / 0) (#55)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:34:52 AM EST
    there's just no reason for it...not that lack of sound reasoning ever stopped our system from runnin' roughshod over people.

    Parent
    ah, Mother Russia, eh? (none / 0) (#84)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 01:10:52 PM EST
    You are assuming (none / 0) (#98)
    by Jen M on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 05:23:29 PM EST
    there was ever any at all, even so much as a sub atomic particle of compassion there in the first place.

    Silly Squeaky.

    Parent

    Wow (none / 0) (#29)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:45:03 AM EST
    I thought you staunchly believed that children should not have to pay for the sins of their parents? Or is that only when nazis and Republican offspring are involved...

    Parent
    They're not (none / 0) (#87)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 01:14:38 PM EST
    They are not being forced to do anything.

    Maybe you missed that part?????

    I invoke Goodwin's Law.

    lol

    Parent

    Kids? (none / 0) (#13)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:45:03 AM EST
    Do you consider a 38 year old a kid?

    Why wouldn't he have had his own 'shelter' at that age???

    Parent

    I don't know... (none / 0) (#14)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:52:13 AM EST
    definitely more sympathy for the teenage pianist, to be sure...but the 38 year old didn't do anything to be tossed on the street, regardless of the reasons he was still living with mom.  What's the harm in letting them keep the house?

    Parent
    kdog (none / 0) (#16)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:01:54 AM EST
    Where is his own house at the ripe old age of 38?

    And, what about all those parents children, under the age of 38 (and who don't consider themselves 'kids') trying to make an honest living for their children, but get layed off, and lose their home --
    perhaps they should get media exposure as well, and, who knows, perhaps, had their parents extra money in the first place they may well have been able to develop their childrens' talents!

    As gullible as I am, cannot swallow this 38 year old pity story, sorry.

    Parent

    Some extended families... (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:15:14 AM EST
    choose to live together for various reasons..I wouldn't assume he's a deadbeat.

    And other people losing their homes aren't having their homes seized by the government, aka "the people"...they're getting seized by the banks that own them, with an assist by the govermment.  Not the same thing.

    Parent

    Okay (none / 0) (#23)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:25:17 AM EST
    a.  You are assuming he isn't a deadbeat.  Headlines says he is broke and needs a handout.  He looks healthy, apparently is an architect, so educated.

    Does he have a job?  At 38 how can he be broke?  The government didn't take his money did they?

    If he isn't a deadbeat, or lazy, or feeling entitled, then, living at home should have him saving more money - don't you think?

    b.  Homes seized by the government, or by a bank with the assistance of the government - are exactly the same thing.

        Perhaps all these people who have lost homes and jobs should seek employment as spies as an insurance not to lose their homes and to have their children get free advance education.

    Parent

    I know! (5.00 / 1) (#99)
    by Jen M on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 05:25:07 PM EST
    Unemployment is practically zero right now!  Jobs are so easy to come by!

    Parent
    He is an architect (none / 0) (#114)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:46:31 PM EST
    and spent most of his life in Peru - so why can't he suppost his little brother, not a child either imo, instead of looking for donations?

    Donations are needed by real charity cases and they are starting to dry up.  One of the reasons is that many feel conned by the lack of regulations or accountability, such as the Alabama and the Florida cases, where it would appear kind hearted donations are being used for luxury items it seems, but with no checks and balances, it just leaves a donor not so apt to give again!

    My opinions

    Parent

    architects (none / 0) (#120)
    by CST on Tue Jul 13, 2010 at 11:34:57 AM EST
    were actually hit really hard by this downturn.  A lot of the firms around here are down to 1/2 or even 1/3 of the size they were previously.  And it doesn't pay nearly as well as you would think for a lot of people.

    You can give your money or not give however you choose.  Frankly, I would also choose to not give in this situation - they are struggling, but not as bad as many others.  But sympathy is not a bad thing.  Two lives have been drastically altered - due to the actions of a third party.

    Meanwhile, apparently the FBI decided to act now because one of the spies was planning on leaving the country, forever.  They've had them under surveilance for over 10 years.

    Parent

    Are you serious? (none / 0) (#121)
    by Untold Story on Tue Jul 13, 2010 at 01:21:30 PM EST
    Ten years?  Were they again trying to establish a better case (again) - so in the meantime . . .

    Can you imagine a private company waiting ten years to act upon something, like a fellow competitor with a mole within the company passing on information?

    Parent

    Oh, and since the 38 year old's story (none / 0) (#17)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:13:46 AM EST
    seems like a con, then it erases all my sympathy for the 18 year old.  

    At 18, usually progidy children are fully accomplished -- so, have doubts as to what the world might be missing if this young adult doesn't continue his ambitions in America.  Perhaps Peru or Russia might be easier pickings for him, since he has lived, apparently in Peru most of his life and his mother (or parents) intend to settle there, or Russia might step up to the plate to continue to provide for his training as they seemed to have been doing for most of his life.

    Parent

    There's a con here allright... (none / 0) (#22)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:21:38 AM EST
    but not the one you're seeing...the government just stole a house through the legal system con.

    Parent
    But actually, (none / 0) (#25)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:30:08 AM EST
    shouldn't the house legally belong to Russia since they were financing the mortgage?

    Parent
    Wow (none / 0) (#39)
    by sj on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:59:10 AM EST
    you're really bitter about this.  

    If you don't want to donate (assuming the option exists) then don't donate.

    Parent

    right kdog (none / 0) (#18)
    by me only on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:13:51 AM EST
    If your parents work hard and follow the law you should have to pay the estate tax when you inherit.

    If your parents are paid spies on the other hand, who illegally made money, you should inherit everything.

    Parent

    Fair enough... (none / 0) (#20)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:20:03 AM EST
    tax 'em for "inheriting" the house, we shouldn't steal the damn house...I thought stealing was wrong, and against the law.

    That's right...the government has a license to steal...never mind.

    Parent

    Maybe..... (none / 0) (#24)
    by jbindc on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:26:35 AM EST
    The parents should bear the blame in this case instead of the government being the bad guys here...?

    Parent
    Maybe.... (none / 0) (#41)
    by sj on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:02:30 AM EST
    there is not always a hero and a villain.  Maybe there are shades of grey and levels of bad guys.  

    Do I read you right, here?  It sounds like you're fine with visting upon the children the sins of the parents.

    The parents should bear the blame in this case


    Parent
    Well (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by jbindc on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:10:00 AM EST
    Maybe the patents should have thought about what could happen to their kids (like they could be expelled and lose the house) before) they had kids and b) before they decided on a career in espionage (that had the potential to carry treason charges and the death penalty).

    Do I feel sorry for the kids?  Yes I do.  But to paint the government as the bad guys here is ridiculous.  

    Parent

    But the government is taking the house... (none / 0) (#58)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:40:08 AM EST
    to punish the two sons...its not like the parents can ever live in it, they've been shipped out, never to return.

    I'll ask again, why take the house?  What purpose does it serve?  Don't tell me you think it will deter others from being the son/daughter of spies, you can't choose your parents.  Or is blindly following the letter of the law regarding asset forfeiture a good enough reason for ya?

    Parent

    Weird incentive (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by waldenpond on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:54:41 AM EST
    structure you have going there.   People should be able to leave their assets to their heirs when they have been acquired through illegal means?  That is just not going to happen.  Ever.

    Parent
    Illegal Means? (none / 0) (#66)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:07:41 PM EST
    Didn't the couple have regular jobs? It is hardly clear that the house was paid for with dirty money.

    Parent
    MIxed funds (5.00 / 1) (#80)
    by waldenpond on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:54:53 PM EST
    If a person has a legal job and then acquires additional funds through illegal means, the funds are not separated out.

    It isn't a legal defense to say legal funds were used to purchase a home and illegal funds were used to purchase clothing and a boat.

    Parent

    Have you seen the unemployment rate (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:14:03 AM EST
    lately, or the number of foreclosed homes - families homeless, small little innocent children out on the street -

    and, this 38 year old, educated, healthy (from all appearances), is to get media exposure to sustain his idle lifestyle, one could assume by receiving millions of donated non-taxable, non-accountable, funds!

    Please, the eighteen year old can do what many of us did, work, take a subway to school at night, and be challenged to conquer and overcome all adversaries!

    Let's give to those that are truly in need - small children who cannot provide for themselves, and who do need education!  (And, some even need food to eat!)

    Parent

    just as an fyi (5.00 / 1) (#61)
    by CST on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:54:51 AM EST
    17 not 18.

    Makes a difference in the legal sense - not all avenues are open to a 17 year old that an 18 year old would have.

    And actually the high forclosure rate is one more reason for the gov't NOT to take the home.

    That being said, yes, there are many who are much worse off than this kid at 17, at least he had the benefit of a stable upbringing and education.  Do I feel bad for him?  Yes.  Will I lose sleep at night if he doesn't get his piano lessons?  Probably not.

    I'm kind of surprised the Russians aren't taking care of this though.  The least they could do is provide for the offspring.

    Parent

    Thank You (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by AlohaMade on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 02:06:31 PM EST
    I am a single mom, got laid off in Febuary, I do have a part time job (12hrs a week). And living in Hawaii is'nt cheep. I have to make my weekly rounds of food banks, just to feed the family. My 19 year old, has to work to help me rather than doing what he would want to do in life, for the sake of his family, and two cats. It is hard but we understand the value of family. I don't take handouts from the government, just the foodbanks. And we are american citizens, do you know how hard it is, and how many stipulations there are just to recieve welfare. I was on it once, and they had me working 3 jobs, my children were younger, and needed me, but I only saw them in passing, so I gave it up, and looked to other means. His brother is 38? He has been living in the US how long? get a clue. there are many ways for them to survive, he just has to get his hands dirty, like the rest of us. I am sure there are more organizations in NY, that Hawaii that can help them get on their feet in the mean time.  At 17 you can work legally wether with a work permit or not. My 28 year old daughter got a scholarship at 17, and worked. She now has two degrees, and is married, and did it all abroad in Germany, where she resides today!

    Parent
    oh and p.s. (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by AlohaMade on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 02:16:52 PM EST
    I have done all of this while battleing cancer, which I am now not in remission once again!

    Parent
    So it's okay with you (none / 0) (#48)
    by sj on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:21:22 AM EST
    to just add another statistic?  

    Those are different issues.  Nevertheless what I hear you saying is "hey, I'm pi$$ed off because we're having economic problems here so I'm gonna kick you, too".

    Cause, you know, $hit rolls downhill and it appears that you think you are up-hill.

    Parent

    I don't understand your post? (none / 0) (#57)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:35:57 AM EST
    Your comment ... (none / 0) (#65)
    by sj on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:03:15 PM EST
    ... used the unemployment rate and the number of foreclosed homes as a sort of justification for this situation.  Which it is not.

    Parent
    Thanks, okay (none / 0) (#71)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:14:37 PM EST
    No, I wasn't justifying this situation as my opinion on this is the complete opposite.

    This is not a charity case in my opinion.  There are people truly in need and perhaps a better media exposure might be to help the masses and not an educated, idle, 38 yr old architect and his brother, who can also work and accomplish his goals.  Nothing wrong with his big brother helping him.

    Like to see some of this media focus on the real charity cases all around us and heartbreaking!

    Now, I am done!

    Parent

    I somewhat see your point... (none / 0) (#53)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:31:59 AM EST
    and if you don't wanna donate to a guy you don't find deserving, thats cool.  I too think there are more needy among us than a highly educated 38 year old who should be able to support himself.  The younger son is the one getting the real raw deal, monetary problems being the least of it, his mom just got shipped off to Russia.

    But the government backing off on seizing the house isn't charity, no siree, it is simply declining to be overly vindictive.  AKA the state declining to be arseholes...and since they're on our payroll they're behavior concerns me the most.

    Parent

    Come on, kdog (none / 0) (#27)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:35:23 AM EST
    The house was "stolen" using Russian money.

    Do you think people should get to keep stolen property?

    What happens when someone is caught cheating at poker? (In my part of the world losing the money would be the mildest part of the deal.)

    Parent

    It's not stolen property... (none / 0) (#30)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:48:35 AM EST
    a better analogy would be keeping a player out of a game because you don't like their backer.

    The only thing stolen here was money from the Russians...for the little info they got, their "spies" were practically stealing from them.  

    Parent

    Stolen? (none / 0) (#33)
    by CoralGables on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:53:46 AM EST
    It was purchased. The exaggeration weakens your argument.

    Parent
    It was actually turned over to the government (5.00 / 2) (#51)
    by BarnBabe on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:26:13 AM EST
    Part of the plea deal. Relinquish assets. The children have said that they are not being threatened or being pushed out of the house. The government is giving them some space. I believe also the 17 year old falls under the child protection service. So we might all be over reacting on both sides of the issue.  

    Parent
    Common sense - thank you! (none / 0) (#59)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:47:20 AM EST
    Really, and for all we know Fox may have already bought them the house and is now setting them up, as we write, to be contributors.  Wasn't it the New York Post that broke this story?

    Fox is much like the McCain camp - have no idea of the need in America.  Believe McCain, when asked how much did the average American make or is worth, estimated around $1.5M.

    So, this might well be considered a hardship story to Fox; some idle 38 year old architect, and a 17 year old, possibly talented, but not wanting to put himself though advancing his own talent!

    Sorry doesn't cut the mustard with me.

    Over and out!

    Parent

    If it was part of the plea deal (none / 0) (#64)
    by sj on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:01:08 PM EST
    Which I didn't infer from the article, then that's a horse of a different color.

    Thank you.

    Parent

    Was on CNN news site. (none / 0) (#78)
    by BarnBabe on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:41:21 PM EST
    Under the plea agreements, the defendants disclosed their true identities in court and forfeited assets attributable to the criminal offenses, the Justice Department said in a news release.


    Parent
    It also appears (none / 0) (#77)
    by jbindc on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:34:08 PM EST
    From the story that they have family to turn to.

    Parent
    Yes, saw that. Such silly debates here (none / 0) (#89)
    by Cream City on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 02:04:02 PM EST
    as if spies are okay -- ignoring that they may be handing over info that could get a lot of people killed, civilians as well as military.

    And as if people should not be cautious with their donations!  These days, very solid organizations that do great work are seeing a serious decline in donations.  There is only so much such money around and less all of the time.  So encouraging people to toss money at any and every cause is costing other causes and the deserving people they serve.

    And did the parental agreement to all of this include that the talented young son cannot apply for scholarships -- set up from donations -- and other forms of financial aid?  Now, if the feds came up with an agreement that bars the kid, a U.S. citizen, from applying for government-funded financial aid (to which we all are donors already, after all), that would seem wrong.  But I don't see that in the story.

    Parent

    Hehehe (none / 0) (#38)
    by gyrfalcon on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:56:49 AM EST
    I love this.  If your parents work hard, you shouldn't have to pay any tax on a massive windfall you did nothing to earn.

    Besides, the fed tax doesn't kick in until $1.5 mill or something like that, and you only pay the tax on the amount above that.

    Not what I'd call a hardship.

    Parent

    In 2009 (5.00 / 1) (#56)
    by CoralGables on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:35:07 AM EST
    the estate tax didn't kick in until it topped $3.5 million. This year there is no estate tax. Next year it is likely to be taxed again but the amount over which the tax kicks in is in limbo, but is likely to be in the area of $5 million tax free.

    Parent
    Will 2010 be a record death year for the rich ;) (none / 0) (#62)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:57:01 AM EST
    I've kind of wondered (none / 0) (#70)
    by Zorba on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:13:53 PM EST
    about that , myself.  All the Medical Examiners in the country should be carefully examining all the deaths this year of the very wealthy.   ;-)

    Parent
    Really, and the estate attorneys (none / 0) (#74)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:22:55 PM EST
    who commit suicide:)

    Parent
    Law & Order (none / 0) (#76)
    by jbindc on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:32:55 PM EST
    Did an episode of this, where rich old people mysteriously died while being treated by the same doctor!

    Parent
    If i remember correctly (none / 0) (#81)
    by nyjets on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 01:01:33 PM EST
    They were dying because the treatment give simply did not work.
    It was an interesting episode actually.

    Parent
    Wasn't this a real story out of England? (none / 0) (#85)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 01:13:11 PM EST
    Yes (none / 0) (#88)
    by jbindc on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 01:21:07 PM EST
    But the doc and heirs knew that and took the old people off other medical treatments and gave them this quack science and the patients died.  Hence it ended up as a murder investigation.

    Scary to think what people do for money.

    Parent

    Yes (none / 0) (#37)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:55:47 AM EST
    It is unnecessarily vindictive to take the house away. What is the point?

    Parent
    did they (none / 0) (#93)
    by AlohaMade on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 02:23:05 PM EST
    purchase the house with regular US money, for regular jobs, or was this house purchased fro them through Russian government fro spy work?

    Parent
    Hey Aloha (none / 0) (#94)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 02:36:15 PM EST
    Apparently, the funds were commingled.

    Parent
    Mahalo Untold Story (none / 0) (#117)
    by AlohaMade on Tue Jul 13, 2010 at 03:13:17 AM EST
    Well that makes more sence, unfortunate, but reasonable.

    Parent
    Jeralyn, you have the wrong last (none / 0) (#9)
    by Anne on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 09:33:21 AM EST
    name for Vicky Palaez in the "Tags" section - it shows the last name as "Petraeus."

    Petraeus... Betrayus... (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by BTAL on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 10:21:20 AM EST
    An apropo freudian slip in a spy thread.  

    Parent
    For Jeralyn: (none / 0) (#42)
    by Makarov on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:04:47 AM EST
    Reports today are that the Swiss justice ministry/court have denied the US request to extradite Roman Polanski, and he is supposedly off house arrest and free to move or leave the country.

    Nice looking kid (none / 0) (#49)
    by sj on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 11:23:34 AM EST
    I can totally see him as a Vulcan in a Star Trek movie.

    Thread up on Polanski (none / 0) (#75)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Jul 12, 2010 at 12:24:46 PM EST
    here. Please comment on Polanski on that thread and keep this to Pelaez. Thanks.