The Traders Series

Ivan Schmidt, a disbarred attorney, has his real estate license revoked – still, he convinces a group of fellow real estate exchangers to open their meetings to non-licensed owners. Each member of the group has his own agenda for agreeing with Ivan, though some are motivated by a fear of what Ivan might do if they don’t go along. Soon, Ivan convinces a drug lord that he can solve his problems of getting drugs across the border while getting cash out of the country. Ivan points out the process requires two steps – first, buying out-of-state real estate owned by senior citizens, newly settled in the Southwest; second, trading that real estate for property out of the country. To help with his scheme, Ivan hires Elmira Dunbar to set up and run the real estate marketing sessions that will attract senior citizens, along with regular real estate exchangers. The latter being a rogue’s gallery of “characters,” with ethical standards ranging from noble to none – many of whom have a unique way of operating. Sprinkled throughout the story is a realistic portrayal of the way people think and operate the way they do. Occasionally, a bit of humor falls in place; but in the end it’s the reality that each person is responsible for deeds he has done, either vindicating or condemning himself. Also addressed are the United States’ policies toward drugs, medical care and the plight of illegal migrants. Overall, the purpose of the book is to entertain, while at the same time provoke readers to think about what might happen if we allow greed to grow and fester unfettered... “The Traders” – will touch your funny bone, tug at your heart and make you vow you’ll teach your kids and grandkids right from wrong.

Released of all charges Ivan returns to the traders club which doesn’t sit well with members though none are about to call for his ouster. Most thought he was headed to prison and they’d be rid of him. Rumor had it his defense attorney threatened to put Peety (his Macaw) on the stand until the feds, realizing they’d look ridiculous if they did, decided to drop all charges against him and his two cohorts, Elmira and Tina. Ivan sensed the uneasiness when he walked through the door but sloughed it off as their problem, he was back to put his money to work and what better place than the traders club. Opportunity soon falls in his lap. He’s offered the chance to lend money to a church. Soon he takes over the books. Only a naïve minister would allow such a thing and that described Helmut Bernard. Overwhelmed by duties he welcomed help of any kind. The fact that Ivan would be making payments to himself meant nothing as he didn’t know a thing about money, for that matter he never had a checking account. In short order Ivan not only handles the books but advises on ministerial matters which is a sure recipe for disaster. Helmut grows as minister. Abandoned as a child he struggles through life but finds relief in the Lord. Aided by a couple who take him under their wing you can’t help but like him, feel sorry for him too as some of his parishioners are real characters. You’ll be amused watching him handle their needs. When the dust settles you’ll feel convinced he made the right choice going into the ministry, a belief shared by those under his care. Many of the traders believe their group is the last bastion of the free enterprise system so they religiously guard against change. Ethical standards, though a nice concept for the residential crowd, are eschewed by some in favor of profits. Peety once again plays a role in Ivan’s life as do Tina and Elmira, two participants in the drug scheme he once headed. They find religion in their own right and come back to teach Ivan the power of the populace. You’ll laugh, shake your head, and wonder – could something like this happen? Enjoy it. I enjoyed writing it.

Freud reasoned that the mind is composed of an Id, Ego and Superego. The Traders, those lovable profiteers, couldn’t care less about the Superego because that is our conscience. The Superego carries a sledgehammer called “guilt,” and the Traders can’t let guilt get in their way. How would they ever make any money? Nothing can get in their way, so the Traders are happy to push the Superego aside and let the Id reign. The Id is their ego. Many Traders have a huge ego and believe that ethics are optional. Why would they need ethics when they can simply hire an attorney when they are caught being naughty? Furthermore, ethics usually just get in the way of the Traders’ goals. Plus, ethics just make people appear soft. A person definitely does not want to be soft around the Traders, because that will make them an easy target for some of the vultures. Psychotics think two and two is five. Neurotics know that the correct answer is four, but they are so involved with themselves that they are too afraid to answer out loud. People with character disorders don’t really worry about either the question or the answer because not much worries these types anyway. These people often believe that behaving responsibly applies to everyone else but not to themselves. That being said, let me introduce you to a group of really colorful characters. Julius, Windy, Gilbert, Hadley, the Critter, Gomer, Buttercup, Ivan, Peety...and the list goes on. I hope you enjoy reading about them and their adventures.