COMMENTARY: A TOTAL DISAPPOINTMENT

A year ago before I started this boycott blog, I wrote on my other blog, “Michelle Says So”. I covered true crime and wrote about Natalee and followed every detail meticulously. When I saw Joe Mammana on the news and in the papers with his vigilante attitude, I loved it and wrote a post about how I thought he was the ‘cat’s ass’ and that he turned his life around and was “paying it forward”.

Next thing I know, I get an email from Joe himself asking me to call him. I thought it was a joke, but I called anyway. We had a lengthy conversation about the boycott and I agreed to start a separate boycott blog dedicated to Natalee and boycotting Aruba. He sat there and promised the world to me and many other people.

I believe in second chances. I believe that it is possible for someone to come out of prison and contribute to society and turn a new page. I admired his “story”…the amazing true story of a man who went from prison to a millionaire philanthropist. His favorite “line” was, “It’s not how you start the race, it’s how you finish it.” I believed every word that came out of that man’s mouth. I felt that it was possible to create a huge stir and do something based on principle and outrage. When we talked I had ideas that fired like bullets. He encouraged me, I was psyched and excited, but he did nothing.

When I met him in person last spring for a brainstorming meeting with 3 other people the first thing I noticed was his massive ‘showy’ diamond jewelry; specifically, a huge diamond encrusted watch. All he did was talk about his “bling”, his Lamborghini, his money, who he knows, who he hangs out with, even calling Rita Cosby his ‘best friend’. At that moment in time, I saw nothing but a typical narcissist who enjoys talking about himself. At the meeting he excitedly promised to pay for all the marketing materials and get the project underway.

Although he encouraged me and others to start promoting the boycott, when I talked to him he brushed me off as if he couldn’t be bothered by it. This came from the same man who had me gung-ho for months, while he portrayed himself as this misunderstood ex-felon who is just trying to do the right thing to get into heaven.

Valuable time was being wasted and I still had no direction from Joe. I am an impatient person. I wasn’t going to sit around and wait. So with help from “dkpen” we started the boycott marketing/advertising campaign by ourselves with our bare hands, spending endless hours preparing.

I was excited about all the new members that we got, so I called him a few weeks later to brief him on the good news. Since “dkpen” and I sunk our own money into the project, I asked him if he would donate $500 to help recover our costs. I would estimate that I spent at least $700 or more and “dkpen” the same. He flat out refused giving me some run around about how I wasn’t a non-profit organization and it’s not a tax write off, blah, blah, blah. WTF? I was seeing RED…and I was PISSED. This is the same person who flaunted his wealth and could easily spend $500 at a nice restaurant.

I saw it as a slap in the face towards myself, the family, the other people working their asses off for the cause, and Natalee. He was all talk and no action. After that day I have never spoken to him again.

Now Joe is in jail. I am using this time to announce that I am completely shocked and disappointed in what he has done. He’s not the bad guy turned good. He’s just like Aruba…one big façade and full of lies.

Tax evasion? Money laundering? Lining his pockets? Mail and wire fraud?

The judge even refused his bail saying he is a violent man and a flight risk! This blew my mind. The last 12 months came crashing down. I have never met a habitual lying hypocrite. My jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe this so called “reformed” good guy could commit these crimes out of pure greed and the need for power. He is no better than the Enron guys, politicians, or my favorite Aruba thug, Michael Posner.

The thing that really disappoints me is that I stuck up for him constantly. I got a lot of shit and nasty comments on other blogs and forums for wanting to work with this guy. I have absolutely no reason to stick up for this man anymore. I am embarrassed that I was conned by a person who made me think I could make a difference.

I don’t think his reputation will ever recover. He had his “second chance” and he blew it BIG TIME. He is nothing but a big bully who acts like he is the freaking godfather. “I’m Italian…and I’m going to have you whacked…” Whatever, Joe. No one buys the act anymore. You are nothing but a coward and a liar and I am just so disappointed in you and your actions.

“We'll be fighting in the streets
With our children at our feet
And the morals that they worship will be gone
And the men who spurred us on
Sit in judgment of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again.”

-The Who, “We Won’t Get Fooled Again”

I’ve learned a lot about people over the last year. I realize I was somewhat naïve and too trusting. I’ve learned the hard way several times that not everyone is a good person. It’s disheartening because it has shattered every idealistic thought I had about people. Now I have a very hard time trusting anyone. Both on the internet and in real life.

I suppose there is only one good thing about this whole debacle. Every time there is an article about Joe, Natalee is mentioned. It’s keeping Natalee’s name out there. Like they say in Hollywood, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity”, but in Joe’s case this is impossible. He has lost all his credibility and respect from many people. Your 15 minutes are up, Joe.

All I see is this: blinking lights with the phrase, “Game over…insert 25 cents to play again.”

This time there are no second chances.

Fool me once, shame on you…fool me twice, shame on me. No one is going to fool me ever again.