An attorney acquaintance of mine had regular contact with John McCormick, the one-time counselor to Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools who, this week, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for embezzling at least $800,000 from clients. My friend, like many others, was stunned when, in the summer of 2006, McCormick ran away rather than face the music for the scam he perpetrated on friends, family and clients. According to this story, McCormick blames a tough childhood. Problem is, lots of folks face adversity as kids and adults, and they don’t lie, steal and cheat to cope. It’s a mystery as to why some people persevere and overcome their obstacles, and others make matters worse.