The spy speaks out

Getting ready to start his prison sentence on a reduced espionage-related conviction, Ronald Montaperto sends out an email message to his friends in the sinapologist community. Here it is, exactly as sent out:

All,

I apologize for this one size fits all message, but what I have to say is somewhat difficult and I don't think I can get ot out more than once.

To bring you up to date and to correct what seems to be a measure of confusion, on 21 June I pled guilty to one count of mishandling of governemnt documents related to the national defense. On 8 September I was sentenced to a three month period of incarceration at FCI Fort Dix, New Jersey to be followed by three months of home confinement. The incarceration begins on 26 October.

The past three years have been a terrible trial for Bette and I, but we have managed to come through it all and kept our sense of humor, hope, and optimism. We do not doubt that the Lord will help us to meet our needs and that all will be well eventually.

At this point, I don't know what place China and Asian security issues will have in my future. But I do have time to think abou it.

In the meantime, I want you all to know that I feel I have had a wonderful career. Not everyone can say he has spent a lifetime studying a subject he loves and that he has done so with with such wonderful colleagues. You constantly challenged me and made me stretch. You set the highest standards of collegiality and integrity. And, when it mattered most, you were always respectful. Thank you all and no matter what the place of China and Asia in my future life, I hope we will be able to remain in touch.

With warm wishes,

Ron