Phaedra Parks
The new season of "The Real
Housewives Of Atlanta" kicked off yesterday with attorney Phaedra Parks
and her husband, Apollo Nida, taking center stage. Apollo is in prison,
after being indicted for massive fraud and theft this year, in stealing
over $2,000,000 in pension money under a complete and utter scam. The
fraudulent scheme was intercepted and shutdown by the U.S. Secret
Service, who are also charged with protecting the President of the
United States.
Apollo vented his anger at
Phaedra for not appearing in court on his behalf and telling the judge
he is a good father, which he believes would have given him a lower
sentence. As it stands, the judge was merciful. Apollo was facing up to
30-years in federal prison for the aforementioned widespread fraud. The
judge sentenced him to 8-years in federal prison. With good behavior he
could be released in half that time. This means he would be able to see
his kids grow up, which is a blessing.
Phaedra Parks
Phaedra could have
supported Apollo by showing up in court, even if she did not say
anything. Many news sites and blogs were quick to note she was absent
from legal proceedings. Phaedra is distancing herself from Apollo's
legal issues, as she is a lawyer and it is not good for business. She
also does not want to be implicated in his crimes, as someone has to
raise their beautiful toddlers. And make no mistake, some online were
stating Phaedra knew about Apollo's crimes and was somehow involved.
Phaedra denies any involvement in his fraud scheme.
Apollo was incarcerated in
the past for 5-years in connection with an auto theft ring. Some have
stated Phaedra was wrong to marry an ex-con, but I don't think she was
wrong to take a chance on an ex-convict. There are many ex-cons who are
not repeat offenders. People deserve a second chance after a run in with
the law. The problems occur when people go to prison, come out
unreformed and end up back in a life of crime. Apollo should have
learned his lesson from his first brush with the law.
Phaedra Parks, Apollo Nida and their sons
As stated in a past
article, Apollo was blessed to have a successful, attractive wife, with
her own career and lovely home, taking a chance on him straight out of
prison, welcoming him as her man. They got married, he moved into her
home and they started having children. He lived a very good life with
her, but it is clear he took it for granted. Sadly, Apollo is a pretty
boy with entitlement issues.
Apollo also wanted to earn
more money than his wife, who is known for representing celebrities like
Bobby Brown. However, Apollo should have been accepting of the fact
Phaedra went to university for 7-years to become a lawyer and as a
result makes more money. There's nothing wrong with that. He should have
been thankful, as some men complain when their wives don't make any
money. Still, some men take issue with their significant other making
more money than they do, when it's nothing to be ashamed of or be
emasculated by. At least it's not likely she wants you for your money
(in general).
Phaedra Parks and her sons
Apollo also wanted to live
like a millionaire and turned to crime again as a means of obtaining
money. He was wasting money in the strip club ($5,000 per visit), buying
expensive designer clothes and a luxury car with ill-gotten gains. This
lifestyle was funded by robbing the pensions of elderly, retired people,
who needed the checks to pay their bills.
Not everyone in life will
be rich. People need to realize that. Furthermore, a lot of allegedly
rich people you see on TV are overextended, cash poor and living on
credit, while others in Hollywood are "robbing Peter to pay Paul" as the
phrase goes. For many it's about keeping up appearances for the cameras,
which misleads the public.
Phaedra Parks and her sons
For some a good life is having a job, buying a home,
marrying the person they love and having kids with them. And you know
what, you don't need to be a millionaire to do that and it's a great
dream to strive for. At the end of the day love and family are what is
important. Don't let money own or control you.
Some people love money too much and it becomes their
downfall. The Bible says "the love of money is the root of all evil" and
it's true. It doesn't say "money is the root of all evil" as people
often cite, but "the love of money is the root of all evil." You need
money to pay bills. There's nothing wrong with that, but keep things in
healthy perspective, because when you love money it can lead you to do
things that harms you and others.
Phaedra Parks and Apollo Nida
People need to appreciate what they have in life. Don't
be greedy. Do things the right way. Crime always catches up with people
in one way or another. Therefore, leave it alone. Think of how your
family will feel if you get into trouble (Phaedra spoke of the "shame"
Apollo's conduct has brought her good name).
For those of you who have
been in trouble with the law, stay away from crime. Make the most of
your life and freedom. Show that you are reformed by not returning to
that illegal lifestyle. It is not worth losing your freedom.
