PDA

View Full Version : A word of caution


Andy62
11-20-2008, 09:31 PM
I was in the commerical real estate finance business for over 40 years and financed major contstruction projects in most states in the union. Some of the loans were participations in projects of over $100 million. During that time I never saw a negative feasibilty study.

At one point I bid on the financing of an airport for a major city where 6 sites were under consideration. Each of the groups hoping to get the airport located in their area employed a highly qualified research firm that had very qualitified people working for them who were in many cases PHDs and had numerous certifications. Would you believe that each expert research firm found in favor of the site being promoted by the group that employed them and said that the site that they were promoting was the most favorable?

As the world is going through all of these changes don't be snowed by seemingly authoritative reports from experts. You have to use your own judgement. I am very skeptical of projections used to justify anything no matter who the expert is. That holds true for finanicial institutions and nations as well as individuals. Try to verify everything that you can from outside data obtained from sources without a vested interest in the outcome of the proposed venture.

MikeNY
11-21-2008, 08:36 AM
Gordon funny how that happens; same deal with Professional witnesses in Court Cases. Usually the DA is just trying to prove thier case and uses a local expert; the Defence flies in a high powered professional witness that agrees thier client is innocent; they screen several professionals and shop around.

Andy62
11-21-2008, 12:32 PM
Information control is the order of the day in every aspect of our society. It would be naive not assume that all interests with and axe to grind wouldn't try to slant the odds in their favor. I have known attorneys who have said that they know just what experts to call depending on what they want to achieve. I heard an interesting interview with a profiler who is used by attorneys to check out prospects for jury selection. She said it is amazing how much you can predict about a person's attitudes and mind set if you just know what they do for a living, where they live, and what kind of car that they drive.

MikeNY
11-21-2008, 01:55 PM
Gordon yeah the days of fair and speedy justice are long gone.

I've known attorneys to say that the victim needs an attorney present at a defendants trial; since the DA long ago stopped representing the victim's interests and the DA has an agenda. Most Criminal Attornies are paid for by Public funds, not just the Public Defender's Office who are very able Lawyers.

gruntbrain
11-21-2008, 03:43 PM
Andy's cautionary advice also applies to health & fitness topics; watch your wallets