Not all banks steal from their customers; however, there is at least one banking institution that does using various ploys to obtain money that does not rightfully belong to it. That bank is U.S. Bank and it will set up a free checking account for it customers, then add charges, not pennies and nickels, but hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

When the customer takes note of these unwarranted charges and makes an inquiry, bank officials flatly refuse to discuss the issues with the customer. Another device that U.S. Bank employs to obtain cash from it customers is to divert funds intended for one account into another account. After the dirty deed is done, U.S. Bank charges the customer a late fee, even though the payment was made on time. U.S. Bank officials wait until the due date is past then and only then contact the customer informing the customer the payment was deposited in a different account then that which the payment was intended.

When the customer receives the next payment notice, U.S. Bank insists the customer now owes two monthly payments and an additional late charge. Naturally, the customer complains, but those complaints fall upon deaf ears.

U.S. Bank uses other questionable methods to enrich its coffers, according to published accounts U.S. Bank is collecting millions in bailout funds from the U.S. Government (our tax dollars) to purchase other banks/interests. The great bailout of 2008 was not intended to be used to acquire wealth, instead it was designed to assist struggling financial institutions during the “economic crisis”.

According to published accounts U.S. Bank is also adept at stealing from its employees. One such published article states, “Minneapolis based U.S. Bank paid almost $141,000.00 in unpaid minimum wage and overtime pay to 464 workers in 21 states after a U.S. Department of Labor investigation.” A U.S. Bank representative said, “This payment was made based on an agreement with the Department of Labor with no admission of liability.”

An agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor to pay what is due is not a trivial matter and it seems that since the agreement was made liability (legal responsibility) certainly exists. Suppose U.S. Bank did not make the agreement with the Department of Labor, would that create civil and/or criminal liability for U.S. Bank? It would certainly seem that would be the case.

Not all banks steal from their customers; however, there is at least one banking institution that does using various ploys to obtain money that does not rightfully belong to it. That bank is U.S. Bank and it will set up a free checking account for it customers, then add charges, not pennies and nickels, but hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

When the customer takes note of these unwarranted charges and makes an inquiry, bank officials flatly refuse to discuss the issues with the customer. Another device that U.S. Bank employs to obtain cash from it customers is to divert funds intended for one account into another account. After the dirty deed is done, U.S. Bank charges the customer a late fee, even though the payment was made on time. U.S. Bank officials wait until the due date is past then and only then contact the customer informing the customer the payment was deposited in a different account then that which the payment was intended.

When the customer receives the next payment notice, U.S. Bank insists the customer now owes two monthly payments and an additional late charge. Naturally, the customer complains, but those complaints fall upon deaf ears.

U.S. Bank uses other questionable methods to enrich its coffers, according to published accounts U.S. Bank is collecting millions in bailout funds from the U.S. Government (our tax dollars) to purchase other banks/interests. The great bailout of 2008 was not intended to be used to acquire wealth, instead it was designed to assist struggling financial institutions during the “economic crisis”.

According to published accounts U.S. Bank is also adept at stealing from its employees. One such published article states, “Minneapolis based U.S. Bank paid almost $141,000.00 in unpaid minimum wage and overtime pay to 464 workers in 21 states after a U.S. Department of Labor investigation.” A U.S. Bank representative said, “This payment was made based on an agreement with the Department of Labor with no admission of liability.”

An agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor to pay what is due is not a trivial matter and it seems that since the agreement was made liability (legal responsibility) certainly exists. Suppose U.S. Bank did not make the agreement with the Department of Labor, would that create civil and/or criminal liability for U.S. Bank? It would certainly seem that would be the case.

Not all banks steal from their customers; however, there is at least one banking institution that does using various ploys to obtain money that does not rightfully belong to it. That bank is U.S. Bank and it will set up a free checking account for it customers, then add charges, not pennies and nickels, but hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

When the customer takes note of these unwarranted charges and makes an inquiry, bank officials flatly refuse to discuss the issues with the customer. Another device that U.S. Bank employs to obtain cash from it customers is to divert funds intended for one account into another account. After the dirty deed is done, U.S. Bank charges the customer a late fee, even though the payment was made on time. U.S. Bank officials wait until the due date is past then and only then contact the customer informing the customer the payment was deposited in a different account then that which the payment was intended.

When the customer receives the next payment notice, U.S. Bank insists the customer now owes two monthly payments and an additional late charge. Naturally, the customer complains, but those complaints fall upon deaf ears.

U.S. Bank uses other questionable methods to enrich its coffers, according to published accounts U.S. Bank is collecting millions in bailout funds from the U.S. Government (our tax dollars) to purchase other banks/interests. The great bailout of 2008 was not intended to be used to acquire wealth, instead it was designed to assist struggling financial institutions during the “economic crisis”.

According to published accounts U.S. Bank is also adept at stealing from its employees. One such published article states, “Minneapolis based U.S. Bank paid almost $141,000.00 in unpaid minimum wage and overtime pay to 464 workers in 21 states after a U.S. Department of Labor investigation.” A U.S. Bank representative said, “This payment was made based on an agreement with the Department of Labor with no admission of liability.”

An agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor to pay what is due is not a trivial matter and it seems that since the agreement was made liability (legal responsibility) certainly exists. Suppose U.S. Bank did not make the agreement with the Department of Labor, would that create civil and/or criminal liability for U.S. Bank? It would certainly seem that would be the case.

We Take What We Want

The representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers made every effort to destroy my life, but these despicable behaviors are not the bottom of their depravity. The following true scenario describes the depths to which those inside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will sink to obtain what they mistakenly believe to be their rightful inheritance. This invention of absurd excuses to rationalize every detail of their misconduct is a prime example of the lawlessness of these reprobates.  A blind vending operator replenishes a coin operated machine with candy bars and other sweets, but absent-mindedly leaves the machine unlocked.  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ representatives enter the concession area and note the unattended condition of the machine.  Observing that the door is ajar the thieves take what their whims dictate convincing themselves the purloined items are free because the vendor failed to secure the machine.  The faults with the thieves’ rationalization are that payment was not tendered for the purloined items; therefore, legal title is retained by the blind vendor and under current law, entering private property without the owner’s express consent, even when it is not locked or secured in another manner is breaking and entering and rationalizing illegal behaviors to obtain personal gain points directly to the unconscionable immorality of these disgusting individuals.  These disgusting behaviors are clear-cut criminal acts and/or walk a very thin line between moral misconduct and unlawful activities.  Although these criminals know their indiscriminate acts do not comply with societal rules they; nevertheless, refuse to recognize or acknowledge their criminality, instead these thieves prefer to invent excuses to justify what they know to be illegal and/or immoral.  It is highly likely that if the roles were reversed there would be swift and severe retribution inflicted upon those who dared steal from these evil creatures.  This is the double standard and warped sense of fair play that these criminals apply in every situation in their everyday lives.  The vending operation in the building occupied by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the blind vendor’s source of income.

In a recent letter to Lt. General Robert L. Van Antwerp, Commander, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, I reminded him of the criminal activities being committed by individuals under his command.  I closed that letter with, if you continue to remain silent to my attempts to clear my good name I will conclude you condone the commission of criminal activities by individuals under your command.  The General failed to respond to my communications; therefore, it must be true General Van Antwerp in fact accepts and approves of the crimes and other questionable behaviors committed by his subordinates. 

Also see Felons At Large – The Big Lie

CREATE ACCOUNTABILITY TELL OTHERS

The Big Lie

The following encounter occurred on September 20, 1999, and it was conceived, planned, and executed by representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers , St. Paul District to brand me as a criminal; thereby, destroying my career and my life. The transcription that follows is one episode in a series of violent, premeditated behaviors exhibited by the representatives of the Army Corps of Engineers and is taken directly from the original recording. It clearly demonstrates without question that in fact I did not express any threat implicit and/or explicit as claimed by Ralph J. Augustin and his allies, Felons At Large. The only threat, if it can be called a threat, I posed to these predatory criminals is the risk of exposure of their criminal activities. Many attempts were made to prevent such exposure and I was told in very precise terms and on more than one occasion by Mr. Ben A. Wopat and other Army Corps of Engineers representatives to shut my mouth or I would suffer dire consequences. During one of his inquisitional meetings, which I recorded Mr. Wopat said, “I don’t want you in the public eye” and “you have involved more people than need to be involved.” Despite the fact I believed my life was in danger I could not, would not turn a blind eye to the behaviors I reasonably believed were breaches of ethics and violations of Federal regulations. In many instances the violations were quite clear and I continued to file reports, which the representatives of the Army Corps of Engineers obviously viewed as threats to their particular method of “conducting business.”

Ralph Augustin: Uh. There are a couple of things I’d like to go over. Uh, after, after considerable time and thinking about it, I put together a proposal to remove you from your position. Uh, this is the memorandum; it outlines the reasons for you removal. And I’d like you to sign it acknowledging that you received it. The reason that Linda is here is because in the past you’ve refused to sign and we wana have a witness that you’ve received it. So go ahead and sign and date it here. I’ll give you a copy of this if you like.

Tom: Yeah.

Ralph Augustin: Here’s the memo, uh, for your information and this is the back-up information for it. Um, normally you need to request it, but I’m gonna provide you with a copy of the backup. Um, we decided to put you on administrative leave during the appeal procedures. And we are asking you to leave the work place now. And, um, the only time you can come back into the workplace is with my written or Ken Buck’s permission. Uh, we’ll give you an opportunity to clean out your desk if you want. Or we can make arrangements to do that in the future. Is there anything you want to say?

Tom: Will it make a difference?

Ralph Augustin: Um, I’m just wanna make sure.

Tom: Will it make a difference, yes or no?

Ralph Augustin: You asked a question?

Tom: Will it make a difference? Will it change this?

Ralph Augustin: No.

Tom That’s what I thought.

Ralph Augustin: So, I’ll give you some time to clean out your desk and take your things with you or would you rather do that at a later date?

Tom: I’ll have to come back.

Ralph Augustin: Well, whatever, well we’ll have somebody here.

Tom: I presume I’ll get a SF-50 or 52 whatever they are?

Ralph Augustin: When it’s final. We’ll have to do a 50. Do we have to do a 50 to put him on administrative leave?

Linda Kruger: Um, no.

Ralph Augustin: No, uh, you have the opportunity to appeal this. And, uh, there is a time frame for that. That’s explained in the memorandum. And we encourage you to read that and uh, follow the instructions to insure it is appropriately appealed. Um, I believe we’ve talked a little bit about how, um, how you should get home and if you, if one of us needs to, one of your friends wants to come and give you a ride home we can do that. So, we have about, we have a little time left. You’ll havta give us your entry card.

Tom: O.K. there it is, you saw it, right?

Linda Kruger: I did.

Ralph Augustin: Here, I’ll give you a copy of this.

Tom: I hope you realize what this really means.

Linda Kruger: It (undetermined).

Tom: I hope you know what it means. No, it’s going to happen, you know it and I know it. So don’t BS me because I know better. I’ve been fighting this issue for three years; don’t give me BS because I know better.

Linda Kruger: You can reply to the Corps.

Tom: There is no use replying to the Corps. I have better ideas. Replying to the Corps is a waste of time.

Linda Kruger: That’s right.

Tom: No, I am not wasting my time with the Corps any more. The Corps doesn’t care, the Corps never has cared, and that’s the way it is.

Ralph Augustin: No, I not sure that’s.

Tom: You’ve never tried to help me, this all you ever do. You call it disciplinary action, but it’s not disciplinary action.

Ralph Augustin: Do you want to clean out your desk?

Tom: I told you I’ll come back; I’ll call you.

Ralph Augustin: O.K.

Tom: Thanks for nothing Ralph, I said. See you around, I mean that literally.

Ralph Augustin: What does that mean?

Tom: It means I will see you around.

Ralph Augustin: Is that a threat, Tom?

Tom: No it’s not a threat, it’s a fact. You can take it any way you want I don’t care. It doesn’t matter at this point. If you want it to be a threat, it can be a threat. If you want it to be a promise, it can be a promise. It can be a fact, it can be whatever; I don’t care.

That was the end of my career with the Army Corps of Engineers and now that I was a foregone conclusion part two of this despicable felony was about to unfold without my knowledge, of course. I suspect prior arrangements were made with the St. Paul Police Department to take the felon’s false statements while keeping me completely in the dark, which brings the word mushroom to mind. When I discovered what happened I telephoned, corresponded with, and made a personal appearance at St. Paul Police Department Headquarters. I requested a copy of the police report, but was denied access to it (police reports are public records). I attempted to make a statement and have my evidence (the recording) entered into the official record; however, the St. Paul Police refused on the grounds that the false charge was “still under investigation.” Hello, is anyone home? Apparently it was determined the so-called investigation only needed to be one-sided, which implicated the St. Paul Police Department in a premeditated crime. I made requests of every government agency I could think of including the FBI; however, none would investigate and all refused to review the hard evidence I was more than willing to share.

I challenge you, the reader, to find a death threat in the exchange between myself and the two felons who claimed I in fact engaged in terrorism. According to current law filing a false police report is a crime as is writing and accepting a false police report. The reasoning for filing this false report rests on the fact that I reported what I reasonably believed to be breaches of ethical conduct and violations of regulations, which by Federal law I was required to report. Even under extreme pressure I refused to throw my ethics and integrity into the garbage and I would not, could not turn a blind eye to the questionable behaviors boldly taking place in front of me despite my fear I might suffer bodily harm and/or death. I did the right things for the rights reasons, for that I was falsely branded a criminal, which is truly the unkindest cut of all. This is the evil I was subjected to every working day!

Given the number of so-called witnesses (at least two) and the seriousness of the charge (terroristic threats) it is only logical to conclude I should have been detained; then arrested, then tried, and finally incarcerated in a Federal penitentiary, if in fact the charge was true. Here is more food for thought, if the felons claimed I left the building before I could be stopped, then it seems logical to conclude the police were compelled to issue a warrant for my arrest. Failing that the police should have arrested me when I appeared at St. Paul Police Headquarters. However, none of those events occurred simply because the alleged death threat is a creation of perverse criminal minds. When I conducted background checks on myself all came back clean; therefore, it is reasonable to conclude the false criminal charges are maintained in a “special” file and released to prospective employers without my knowledge.

The list of participants in this and other criminal acts perpetrated against me includes, but is not limited to: Sergeant Flaradey (St. Paul Police Department), Ivette Garrett (legal counsel, St. Paul District), Judge Stephen E. Manrose (Federal administrative law judge), David Haumersen, Ben A. Wopat (gang leader), Kenneth Buck, Ralph Augustin, Linda Kruger, Denise Blackwell-Kraft, and Yvonne Berner. Although Ms. Garrett received a copy of the tape recorded on September 20, 1999, she failed or more likely refused to report those findings as required by her oath of office and by Federal regulations. Judge Manrose was also provided with a copy of that recording; however, he flatly refused to entertain it as evidence. In other words his dishonor suppressed evidence vital to the case I presented to him. The Big Lie created by these and other Corps representatives continues to resurface and negatively impacts my life. At this point I find I must place the facts of this horrible injustice in the “Public Eye” where they will receive the scrutiny and criticism they deserve.

That; however, is not the end of the story, while surfing the Net I discovered my residential address is reported to be 725 5^th Street East, St. Paul, MN 55106. The trouble is I never resided at that address nor was I in anyway associated with that address. The truth of reality is I never had a residence in the City of St. Paul at any time. To determine whether this address was added in official documents without my knowledge I researched this issue going back twenty-five years. My investigation revealed 725 5^th Street E., St. Paul, MN 55106 was not on any public list demonstrating beyond a reasonable doubt that this address was assigned to me for other than honorable intentions. Is this also a part of the “special file” or a completely different “special file”?

I recently spoke with Ms. Barbara Harper who is on U.S Representative Michele Bachman’s staff and according to her this last Army Corps of Engineers’ felony is, “a nothing.” Not only is that an insult it also implies I am “a nothing” as well. In addition, Ms. Harper stated my comments that follow are in fact threats. “No it’s not a threat, it’s a fact. You can take it any way you want I don’t care. It doesn’t matter at this point. If you want it to be a threat, it can be a threat. If you want it to be a promise, it can be a promise. It can be a fact, it can be whatever; I don’t care.” When I informed Ms. Harper a threat must be explicit (describes action(s) to be taken) she claimed not to have knowledge about such things. Well, let’s back that truck up. First Ms. Harper states I made a threat she couldn’t clearly identify; then Ms. Harper states she doesn’t possess knowledge of what constitutes a threat/felony. Finally, Ms. Harper said there is nothing that can be done to remove the false criminal charges from the police records. I was not impressed by Ms. Harper’s attempt to sideline me and her feeble attempt to put forth a convincing argument failed quite miserably.

In a recent letter St. Paul Police Chief John M. Harrington wrote, “We have checked with investigative units within the police department regarding your concerns and reviewed information related to the two case numbers you provided. Neither of these cases names you in any type of criminal charge.” It is more than obvious that Chief Harrington is aware the two complaints are indeed false and that arresting me based upon the false reports would create civil and criminal liability and would also create quite a scandal. Chief Harrington also wrote, “We do not have any jurisdiction at the Federal level.” If that is in fact the case, then the St. Paul Police Department should have referred the two false reports to Federal authorities such as the FBI, but that did not occur. It seems extremely odd and out of place that the St. Paul Police Department would handle cases in which it does not “have any jurisdiction.”

Also see

Meet The Felons – Stealing From The Blind

CREATE ACCOUNTABILITY TELL OTHERS

LENNAR CORPORATION – DERELICTION TO DUTY

Drunk and Disorderly

On the morning of March 3, 2006 at approximately 1600 hours (4PM) my supervisor (Joe) informed me Oscar Mathison (Director of Construction) drove through Sleepy Hollow (Pinecliff) and noticed a pot heater sitting on the curb running at full throttle, which caused Oscar to reach the boiling point.  According to Joe, Mike Cahill, aka Sleepy was at a bar with his assistant Junior where he was consuming alcoholic beverages when he should have been at his duty station. 

On March 6, 2006, Sleepy made an appearance at our construction trailer and presented the following cover story:  Sleepy said he informed Oscar he secured the houses under his jurisdiction.  Joe knew for a fact Sleepy was lying through his teeth because Oscar sent Joe to Sleepy’s project to correct the infractions.   Joe informed Sleepy point blank that he was at Sleepy Hollow and ‘took care’ of the situation.  With the cat out of the bag, Sleepy was unable to provide a reasonable rebuttal and left our construction trailer probably to crow about his magnificent, macho deeds at his favorite watering hole. 

Sleepy is a Senior Construction Manager; however, his failures to perform his assigned duties are overlooked by his supervisors and his responsibilities are dumped on others who are capable and sober.  Being under the influence of alcohol while on duty is not Sleepy’s only claim to fame, as his nickname implies sleeping on duty is also another favorite activity he uses to escape the responsibilities and accountabilities of his position.  Despite his negligence Sleepy never suffered any disciplinary actions even though his blatant violations of company policy are known to his entire supervisory chain including the Division President, Jim Neilsen. 

Although others performed many of Sleepy’s duties he nevertheless collected his salary of about $90,000.00 annually as well as bonuses he didn’t earn.  For example, for the first quarter of 2006 and the third and fourth quarters of 2005, Sleepy received $6,000.00 in bonuses that he refused to share with those who cleaned up his messes while he was sleeping and/or on drinking binges. 

In its internal publication, “Home Fronts” Lennar Corporation wrote, “We are responsible to our community, we are responsible to our customers, we are responsible to our associates, we are responsible to our shareholders.  To be truly responsible to each of these constituents, one must hold themselves accountable to the highest ethical standards and one must take personal responsibility for insuring that the corporation adheres to such standards.”  There cannot be adherence to any standards, and for that matter legal issues when supervisors and managers turn blind eyes to highly placed employees who are intoxicated on duty and who refuse to perform their assigned duties and who dump their responsibilities and accountabilities on employees who are motivated, competent, awake, and clear headed! 

Address comments to: stuart.miller@lennar.com

Also see

Lennar Corporation – Death Trap

Lennar Corporation – The Beast Within

Lennar Corporation – Hell’s Fire

Lennar Corporation – Death Star

Lennar Corporation – The Dark Side

CREATE ACCOUNTABILITY TELL OTHERS

LENNAR CORPORATION – DEATH TRAP

The abuses Sam suffered at the hands of Lennar Corporation management were at the very least unconscionable.  Oscar and his kind used terrorism to excess in the form of emotional and psychological torture that put Sam on a one way trip to the morgue.  A trip that is detailed in Lennar Corporation – The Dark Side and Lennar Corporation – Death Star and other Lennar Corporation blogs. 

Sam sat in the dimly lit room in a catatonic like state waiting for the inevitable when he was jolted back to reality by a loud, booming voice coming from across the table.  Sam refocused his eyes and his attention to come face to face with Oscar’s venomous anger and sadistic hostility.  As Sam looked at him, he noticed Oscar’s face was reddish and contorted and his eyes were bulging from their sockets, and his harsh and unforgiving words piercing Sam like a thousand daggers.  Oscar’s negativity spilled forth as water from a ruptured dam as he hurled demeaning remarks at Sam, words that were meant to wound Sam’s mortal soul.  Oscar stood before Sam as though he presented an imposing and intimidating posture; however, Sam was not interested in such pretentious nonsense, his emotional and psychological suffering was so great he could only think of ending his life to escape the misery inflicted upon him.  Oscar bellowed, “You need to change your attitude and you need to do it now!  The anger and disgust in Oscar’s voice and in his body language were more than Sam could tolerate.  Sam turned his gaze away from Oscar unable to look upon the disgusting creature.  Oscar continued his rampage of hell fire and brimstone, but Sam was not listening.  From that point forward Sam only heard what sounded like a hive of bees as they busied themselves for the coming of winter.  Sam’s mind tuned into itself and all exterior stimuli were blocked the only thing on Sam’s mind was finding peace and bliss in the next life.

Sam couldn’t recall the rest of Oscar’s evil tirade, he lost track of time, and he didn’t know how or when he made it to his vehicle.  All he knew is that his entire life was crumbling down around him as he sat behind the wheel completely depressed and dehumanized.  Sam didn’t know how long he sat there not thinking not moving, but the clock on the dash told him it 4:45 PM.  The cruel, hurtful remarks that came from Oscar flashed through his mind as though they were on a continuous loop.  As the words echoed repeatedly in his mind, Sam became convinced he indeed was worthless, not only to Lennar Corporation, but to himself as well.  He even had doubts about the rightfulness of his past actions, including the letters and memos he wrote to achieve some measure of accountability.  Could Neilsen, Swanick, and Oscar be right, he wondered?  Was he creating problems for everyone, even his friends?  The strong convictions and beliefs that Sam held for so many years seemed to be eroding rapidly.  His despair reached a level he did not previously experience, the ache in his heart was unbearable; he couldn’t take anymore, there was only one course of action, Sam’s decision was made .

Sam’s preoccupation with the events of that fateful day nearly ended in catastrophe while he was driving home, as he headed down the freeway his car began to weave from one lane to another.  The horns of other vehicles were blaring warnings to stay clear as Sam nearly met with one collision after another.  The resounding echo of multiple horns finally woke Sam from his trance, with the realization he was endangering others; he slowed his wandering vehicle and tried to concentrate on driving.  Even though he was depressed and thoughts of self-destruction lingering on his mind, he didn’t want to bring harm to others.  The pain Sam was feeling was so great it overwhelmed and consumed his entire thought process and produced only one thought.

When Sam finally made it home he went straight to his favorite chair without saying a word to his wife, Beth.  He just walked past her as though she wasn’t in the house.  Sam remained in that chair in what might be described a catatonic like state for several hours, occasionally muttering something intelligible.  Sam’s thoughts were like a blur of rush hour traffic as his mind went over and over Oscar’s stinging words, which ascended upon him like a horde of killer bees.  You are worthless you need an attitude correction and now.  You are worthless you need an attitude correction and now.  You are……

At first Beth was hurt when Sam didn’t respond to her as he normally did when he entered the house.  Her comments to him while he sat in his chair went unanswered again and again.  Beth soon realized her husband was in deep trouble and her hurt turned to pain and worry.  When Sam didn’t come to the dinner table or accept the tray of food she presented to him, Beth became extremely distraught and worried.  She approached Sam and tried to talk to him in a quiet, soothing voice, but he still didn’t respond to her attempts to reach the loving husband she knew so well.  Beth’s concern for Sam weighed heavy on her mind, she busied herself with household chores while she watched and waited for Sam to awaken from his zombie like state.  Sam remained motionless and as the minutes and the hours ticked by Beth became more and more troubled over Sam’s mental condition.  Sick with worry Beth picked up the phone and made the emergency call she knew was necessary to prevent the tragedy she felt certain was looming large on the horizon. 

Sam’s mind was spinning as he thought about his lack of value and importance to Lennar Corporation and to the World in general.  Where did he fit in, or was Oscar right, was he indeed worthless?  After what seemed like many hours Sam’s brooding got the best of him, the pain and anguish reached the boiling point.  The shadow of darkness and despair enveloped Sam’s entire being, he felt all hope was lost and there wasn’t a single reason to continue living.  The abuse he suffered at the hands of Oscar and other Lennar Corporation managers made him feel like rotting garbage, a thing that doesn’t have a useful purpose and must be thrown out as quickly as possible, least it infest that which is valued.  Sam rose from the chair and went to the bedroom, where he kept his pistol and gazed upon his trusted friend, his salvation.  Sam removed the pistol from its resting place in the drawer and with cool objectivity he placed the barrel in his mouth.  As he did so, he thought about Beth, his family, and his friends, the sweet and tender emotions that filled his heart nearly overcame his desire to die.  Sam was torn between the love for his wife and family and ending the torment that was eating him up inside, Sam knew he could not tolerate the abuses at work and gathered all his courage as he pulled the trigger.

There was a loud click, but nothing else, Sam thought what is wrong with me; can’t I do this one thing right?  He pulled the trigger again, but for the second time only a loud click.  Sam removed the weapon from his mouth and opened the cylinder, it was empty.  He forgot to load the damn thing, how stupid could he be?  As tears rolled down his face, the empty, useless pistol slipped from his hand and fell to the carpet with a soft thud.  Sam was a broken, hollow shell of a person exactly what Oscar and his kind wanted.  Unknown to Sam, Beth removed the ammunition from the pistol days earlier and it was her foresight that saved Sam’s life, an unfortunate circumstance for Oscar and his henchmen of death.

While Sam sat motionless in his favorite chair Beth continued to monitor him, her concern for her beloved husband finally got the best of her and she called Brian at his emergency number.  As she was dialing the phone, Beth saw Sam get up and head in the direction of the bedroom; she thought he went to bed early as he often did when he was in these kinds of moods, but that nagging feeling continued to gnaw at her gut.  After Beth hung up the phone, she went to check on her troubled husband, as she drew close to the bedroom she could hear his outpouring of emotions.  Beth hurried to Sam’s side to provide aid and comfort; she sat on the edge of the bed with her husband as he sobbed uncontrollably.  While his tears fell like acid rain, Beth did her best to comfort him; she placed her arms around him and held him as tightly as she possibly could.  Sam, I love you she said over and over.

When Beth first entered the sleeping quarters, she thought Sam was letting his pent up emotions out and she thought Sam finally realized what was happening to him and he was now ready to begin his therapy anew.  At first Beth didn’t notice the pistol on the floor next to Sam’s feet, when she saw it Beth became frantic.  Many thought flashed through Beth’s mind including the idea that Sam’s pistol was in fact loaded.  No Sam, no you can’t do this.  All Sam was able to do was point at the offending object as though calling Beth’s attention to its useless condition.  Beth examined the pistol and determined the chambers to be empty at which point her emotions came to the surface and spilled out like an over-full cup.  As tight as she was holding Sam, Beth managed to squeeze just a little more, as though she might lose him if she did not.  Between sobs she said, “Sam, I love you very much, and you are my life and I am your life we can get through this together.  It doesn’t matter what happens as long as we have each other, Sam we can get through anything as long as we stick together.  Please Sam, go see Brian again, please, I called his emergency number just now and he said you need to go to the hospital right away.  You are a good and decent person and the best husband anyone could ever have, you deserve better than what you are getting from Lennar Corporation.

As Sam looked at his loving wife through bleary eyes, Beth thought she detected a small sparkle in his eyes, eyes that used to be so vibrant and so full of life.  Beth and Sam remained on the bed cradled in each other arms for quite a long time as their emotions poured from their hearts.  Sam talked to his beloved wife at length about his feelings for her and how he struggled with the decision to end his life.  He told Beth how much he loved her and how much she meant to him.

Although Oscar was well aware his abuses were driving Sam to the brink of self-destruction he nevertheless continued his spree of abusive behaviors.  The abuses administered by Oscar and other Lennar Corporation managers was spawned by greed, a compelling force that motivated Lennar Corporation management including Oscar to engage in attempts to manipulate, control, and dominate Sam’s life to the point life became meaningless to Sam.   

Stuart Miller, President and CEO, Lennar Corporation can be reached at stuart.miller@lennar.com

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Sam had numerous conversations with Lennar Corporation manages including Oscar T. Mathison (Director of Construction), Robert Swanick (Division Vice-President), and Jim Neilsen (Division President).  In every case those exchanges ended on a negative note with Lennar Corporation managers demanding that Sam perform duties for which he would not be properly compensated.  The following is a negative encounter as told in Sam’s words.

During the exchange between Oscar and me, which could hardly be called a conversation, I reminded Oscar that both he and Robert Swanick refused to promote me to a position commensurate with the duties I performed with the claim such a position didn’t exist.  Having said that both Swanick and Oscar dogmatically insisted I must continue to perform the duties of a position they assert is non-existent.  Nevertheless, Swanick and Oscar held a strong desire to change my job title to Customer Care Associate even though that position is nowhere to be found in the Lennar hierarchy.  To me that was nothing more than a demotion and I would still be required to perform higher graded duties while Oscar and Swanick collected the credit, honors, and bonuses.  I made it clear I was not interested in a demotion and I certainly did not want to be a Lennar Corporation slave drone.

When Oscar found himself boxed into a corner of his own making he could only say, I am sorry you feel that way Sam.  Oscar’s expressions of sorrow didn’t wash with his belligerent and combative posture.  Oscar couldn’t care less about me as a human person and I made it clear I was well aware of that fact.  In his typical I don’t give a damn attitude Oscar responded that usually when people are disgruntled they quit.  I asked Oscar whether he wanted me to resign; again he repeated that is usually what people do when they are very unhappy.  There wasn’t any mistake that Oscar recognized the situation he was instrumental in creating; nevertheless, he refused to seek a resolution, to do so would reduce his slice of the plump pie. 

Oscar was being extremely evasive and I inquired what he meant; however, I was not prepared for the off the wall response I received.  “That database you created, I realize you created it on your own I didn’t ask you to do that.”  When I began work on the warranty backlog Oscar told me, “Do whatever it takes;” therefore, he did in fact instruct me to create a database since doing whatever it takes gives broad authority.  I asked Oscar how I would manage such a large paperwork blob without a computer, again Oscar responded with an asinine answer.  “Just like everyone else did in the past from page to page.”  I very much wanted to ask Oscar if he was completely daffy since the amount of paper left by his inept leadership would slow progress down to a snail’s pace. Oscar’s refusal to recognize my initiative, dedication, and me as a human person was a clear indicator of his true self.  I saw Oscar in a new light that day, a pathetic excuse for a man and a cowardly supervisor who views the universe as revolving around him. 

Not only is Oscar arrogant he also possesses a nasty mean streak, which seems to be typical of Lennar Corporation managers.  I attempted to impress upon Oscar that I worked hard and diligently to extract Lennar Corporation management from the mess it created, but Oscar would not have it.  Oscar insisted I could not be promoted, but he held the expectation I would perform the duties of a position that was according to Swanick and him is non-existent.  I said, you expect me to do the work without proper compensation and Oscar responded, “You’re not a builder so you would never be running units.”  I realized what Oscar really meant since never is a very long time and I inquired whether he expected me to continue cleaning up others incompetence and laziness.  Oscar responded, “In warranty, yeah.”  The official demotion Swanick and Oscar attempted to impose upon me failed; however, the unofficial demotion to clean up boy was in effect, and my feelings and objections on the subject were rejected.  In a daring move I said, “It seems to me I am being rewarded for excellence with punishment.”   Oscar’s response was little more than his usual unintelligible psychobabble, “Did you express yourself in here Sam?  The summary on my side, you got a place to express yourself.  You don’t have any goals you’re totally.”

It seemed to me Oscar attempted to extract himself from the sticky situation he and other Lennar Corporation managers created, but he did so very badly.  “At the time you came on I was in a very bad way.”  Oacar’s very bad way was the end product of laziness and incompetence that yielded four years of warranty neglect, nearly insurmountable escrow issues, and new home construction debacles on a grand scale.  Despite the fact I resolved many of those issues in a very short time Oscar held fast to his refusal to acknowledge them nor would he honor them.  His comment was, “You’re an hourly person, you did all those things and you went home.”  That was the most insensitive and cruel remark to escape Oscar’s lips thus far and I knew I was viewed as a material object (robot) whose only purpose was to perform so others could reap the benefits. 

Oscar’s lack of human compassion seemed to be a bottomless pit; his final comment regarding rewarding me with a promotion commensurate with the duties I performed was his usual lackluster dribble.  “That’s how we created this position as a construction coordinator, a helper to the builder.”  In Neilsen’s words that certainly is strange, the truth of reality is I performed at the level of a Senior Construction Manager without any assistance from any builder and without oversight from any Lennar Corporation manager including the self professed infallible Oscar, yet Oscar insisted I was merely a helper.  

Near the end of his emotional and psychological beating Oscar said, “I know you don’t feel good,” meaning he recognized I was suffering emotionally and psychologically; however, Oscar continued on the road of abuse without faltering.  The bullying I received from the gutless coward I knew as Oscar was unconscionable and without cause and from my advantage point such abuses are the preferred method Lennar Corporation managers employ to achieve their goals and hidden agendas. 

When Oscar’s emotional and psychological assaults failed to strike pay dirt, he called in the big gunslingers, Jim Neilsen and Robert Swanick.  I was forced to attend a so-called meeting at the corporate office; however, as I did with Oscar I recorded the exchange.  Neilsen began his clearing of the air by telling me Lennar Corporation doesn’t have any plans for field warranty managers.  When I stated I performed the duties of a warranty manager for the past two years Neilsen insisted I only performed the duties of a construction coordinator.  However, Oscar previously admitted builders are held responsible for warranty service; therefore, Neilsen was spinning a very large web of fabrication. 

I raised the issue of the four-year backlog of warranty issues and the fact I eliminated it in one year to which Neilsen responded, “Right.”  Immediately following his statement of agreement Neilsen said, “Yeah, that’s certainly a strange situation for entry level in the company [Lennar Corporation].”  There it was, Neilsen acknowledged I performed well above my grade level, but he too would turn on me as would a rabid dog.  I wholeheartedly agreed, it was strange and a great deal more, but no matter what I said Neilsen would not back down from his position.  At the end of the exchange I asked whether Neilsen would consider creating a field warranty manager position.  His response was summed in one word, “No.”  I inquired why he wouldn’t consider such a position to which Neilsen said, “Not now.”  Again I inquired the reasoning for the denial of equality, “Because we don’t have a need for that,” Neilsen retorted.  It didn’t matter what I said, the exchange was counterproductive and very much like peeing into the wind.  Neilsen said Lennar Corporation didn’t have a need for a field warranty manager, but like his subordinates, Swanick and Oscar, insisted I must perform the duties of a position that didn’t exist and a position that was not needed.  The confrontation ended as usual on a negative note and Neilsen’s constant use of the word ‘we’ clearly spelled out an us/them relationship between Lennar Corporation management and me.  A relationship whose roots were firmly established in Lennar Corporation’s Management By Greed philosophy.

It’s sad, but true Lennar Corporation management treats human beings as though they are emotionless objects that are best used to serve the interests of those in positions of authority.  Sam is a real person with real emotions and real aspirations; however, the damage inflicted upon him will remain till death do they part.  Also see Lennar Corporation – Death Star and Lennar Corporation – Hell’s Fire and Lennar Corporation – The Dark Side and Boycott Lennar Corporation.

You can reach Lennar Corporation President and CEO Stuart Miller at stuart.miller@lennar.com

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It its visual propaganda Lennar Corporation asserts it postulates the concepts of honesty, integrity, and human compassion.  Although Lennar Corporation management talks the talk it rarely if ever walks the walk, instead it engages in treachery, deceit, and betrayal while it gives homage to the all mighty dollar (Management by Greed).  In its zeal to amass as much money as possible Lennar Corporation management intentionally and deliberately violated Federal laws and State statutes that seem to be the standard method of operation within the Lennar hierarchy when it interfaces with employees, sub-contractors, and customers.  Listed below area a few reasons that clearly demonstrate Lennar Corporation management is totally committed to the all mighty dollar and completely disconnected from humanity.

1. In September 2006, Lennar management contacted its sub-contractors and demanded they take a ten percent cut in their contracts or they would be replaced.
2. A few weeks later Lennar management contacted its sub-contractors again and demanded an additional forty percent reduction in contracts or they would be replaced.
3. In at least one case a sub-contractor submitted a bill for services rendered, Lennar Corporation paid the sub-contractor, but without informing the sub-contractor reduced the bill by twenty percent.
4. Lennar management refused to donate as little as $25.00 as a memorial to a homeowner who died several months after purchasing a new Lennar Corporation home.
5. Lennar Corporation management willfully and deliberately violated sixteen Federal/State employment laws including the American’s With Disabilities Act.
6. Lennar management is not above telling employees they must accept responsibilities for supervisor’s inability/refusal to perform their official duties.
7. Lennar management is known to engage in terrorism such as bullying employees so they can claim rewards that are rightfully earned by others.
8. Lennar management is not above blaming honest, hard working employees for its mistakes and failures.
9. Lennar management is known to intentionally create employee disabilities, continue its abusive behaviors, blame its victims; then claim no foul.
10. Lennar management is not above providing its homeowners with false information. 

During its downsizing process Lennar Corporation management issued no compete contracts to its employees that included a clause stating the employees would hold Lennar Corporation management harmless for violations of sixteen Federal and State employment laws.  If Lennar Corporation management believed it did not commit intentional violations of employment law, then it seems reasonable to conclude there would not have been a need to include such a clause.  The notion that Lennar Corporation managers are good guys in white hats is far removed from reality, the reality is Lennar Corporation management is not hesitant to use all manner of devices to take advantage of situations and of individuals.  I know these things to be true because I was employed by Lennar Corporation and when I requested proper compensation for the work I did Lennar Corporation management went into terrorist mode.  I was threatened with termination of employment several times, my supervisor was ordered to rate me low on performance appraisals, written reprimands were issued when I offered my opinions, brute force and intimidation were used extensively to obtain compliance with unreasonable demands, and I nearly died at the hands of Lennar Corporation management. 

Should you wish to express your thoughts and feelings feel free to contact Lennar Corporation President and CEO, Stuart Miller at stuart.miller@lennar.com

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Lennar Corporation management went to extreme lengths to force Sam to resign by engaging in behaviors that bear a striking resemblance to terrorism that was specifically designed to demoralize and dehumanize Sam.  The strategy developed by Lennar Corporation management was effective and affected Sam in a very profound manner.  In previous installments (Lennar Corporation – The Dark Side and Lennar Corporation – Death Star) Sam’s inner thoughts and feelings were revealed.  To gain insight into the awful state in which Sam found himself refer to Boycott Lennar Corporation, Google Blog.  Individuals who engage in behaviors that are destructive to others walk on the dark side and are predators of the worst kind.

September 27, 2004: the violent dreams seem to be an inexhaustible supply.  Evening last I found myself in an active volcanic flow where I was hauled around by my captors on a tether and pulled in every direction possible.  Many times I stumble and fall upon the solidified, but hot lava, my clothing is torn and charred, and I am bloody and severely burned from head to toe.  My captors delight in my suffering and curse me for merely existing and demand I follow their instructions or they will throw me into the fiery pit.  Go ahead I tell them, then my suffering will end and you will no longer have the pleasure of torturing me.  My comments anger my captors and tormentors, which causes them to strike me repeatedly about the head and shoulders.  The pain I am subjected is so intense I feel I must surely die as the darkness of unconsciousness descends upon me.

On December 11, 2004, Sam wrote a letter to Oscar T. Mathison, Director of Construction, that he intended to end his life to escape the torment administered by Lennar Corporation management.  Less than one month later Oscar retaliated with a written reprimand that states, “I feel Sam is being purposefully uncooperative, belligerent and insubordinate, he needs to change his attitude now.”  Oscar and other Lennar Corporation managers knew Sam was in crisis; however, that wasn’t a roadblock to their continued abusive behaviors.  In his books Scott M. Peck defines these kinds of behaviors as evil. 

Please feel free to contact Stuart Miller, President and CEO, Lennar Corporation at stuart.miller@lennar.com with your comments.

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