The Insider admires Mr. F. Scott Fitzgerald for many reasons, his love of beautiful words and gorgeously descriptive paragraphs, his understanding of class struggles, his vivid appreciation of the afternoon cocktail -- or two, or six.

But the Insider has always bristled at the great author's claim that "there are no second acts in American life."

Why, proof of his error can be found in a humble moment witnessed just last week in a Mount Clemens courtroom.

A 28-year-old man appeared after violating probation on forgery and no-account check charges.

The gentleman explained to the judge his 1-year-old and 2-year-old children “are more important to me than anything in the world” along with a new job helping to manage a business. 

He vowed he had changed his life. As evidence? He had overpaid court costs, restitution and court-attorney fees.

Judge Diane Druzinski discharged him from probation “with improvement.”

“I have a $15 credit,” he proudly told the judge.

“Good luck getting that back,” Druzinski quipped.

The Insider hopes he never has to use that credit. But he already has credit, as an American with a second act.