I was reading an interview over at CNN with a former ex-con, who was being asked about what Bernie Madoff is going to expect behind bars. This guy’s job is to be a consultant to white-collar criminals on what to expect in jail (now there’s an interesting job advertisement). Basically, he was telling CNN that Madoff is not going to enjoy himself, given the lifestyle he’s used to and that he’s going to a medium-security prison with no chance of getting out.

My favorite part is when he was talking about how there are some crimes that are “acceptable crimes,” like ripping off a bank, and others just cross the line. Apparently, Madoff crosses the line by a couple of miles:

“Now, I had Madoff’s reps get a hold of me before he went into custody and I turned them down. I wouldn’t help the guy out because I view him as an economic terrorist. If you rip off a bank and insurance company, an institution, that’s an acceptable crime. Bernie hurt people. He hurt people individually and I refuse to help people like that. Let him rot in hell.”

When asked how busy he is, he says his phone is “ringing off the hook.” At least some parts of the economy are thriving.