Those taken aback by Paul Manafort's not-guilty plea on the D.C. charges likely don't understand the unique psychology of aging.
Manafort is 68 years old. The life expectancy of males of all races in the U.S. is in the ballpark of a bit more than 76 years. Here are the numbers.
Yes, Manafort, on those charges alone, faces up to 20 years in prison.
Also, this Friday, he has to respond to 18 other chargers in federal court in Virginia. There, on the 5 tax fraud charges themselves, he could get up to 10 years. Here are more details from Bloomberg.
As some human beings head into the beginning of old age (as opposed to old old age around 85), there can be a profound shift in how they see the world - and, therefore, behave in it.
Instead of embracing conventional approaches, they figure: What the hell, I could be dead tomorrow or in 8 or 10 years, so why not try X or Y.
Manafort might assume by going to trial, rather than copping to a guilty plea and perhaps getting 10 years any way, he has a shot at an acquittal or mistrial. With a cunning legal team, any outcome is possible (although maybe not probable). Afterwards, there could be the preoccupation with appeals.
The outsized character he is, he also could enjoy the courtroom action. The room becomes its own little universe. Both observing and being part of that scene can appeal to him.
In addition, coverage of the trial (or trials) by the media will be non-stop. To others who are aging, he might be living out bucket-list fantasies: All that court drama and news coverage about me!
In coaching those over-65, I have observed often there is a shedding of the former play-it-safe self and a willingness to try out The Next.
Southern Arizona, for example, is full of Northeast Corridor expats who become cowboys and cowgirls.
If they really let themselves experiment, they might get jobs driving the stagecoach in Tombstone, AZ.
Coaching on all aspects of aging, from careers to managing finances. Complimentary consultation. Sliding scale fees. Please contact aging expert Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com. Read her syndicated site http://over-50.typepad.com.
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