American Civility - There is no I in Team

Recently, my stepmother forwarded me a video portraying the bonding of a baby deer and a cat. Yes, it was sugary sweet, but the one thought that crossed my mind was, if two animals from different species can get along so well, why can’t American? Bambi and Mr. Peepers the cat putting Americans to shame.

Our issues today are so ridiculously simple, that it truly makes my head spin with the all the “political spin”. The issue is civility and our ability to be civil to fellow American citizens. That’s it! Instead, many are warped by money, greed and selfishness. Our egos are twisted with pride, supremacy and superficiality. And most importantly, our hearts are filled with fear and insecurity. This is our problem, American. Our government is only a small portion of our society’s culture and our corporations are taking advantage of it. We are the problem.

It is the health care debate that has bought this issue to the forefront. No matter what retorhic you wish to spin, the bottom line is hundred thousands of Americans are doing to debt paying for health care and hundred thousands are dying because they can’t afford medical treatment. That’s it, that’s the crux our problem. So tell me, why so many American’s are against helping fellow Americans who are in need?

The irony of this is, when Hurricane Katrina hit, many gave to the victims. We donated money, time and goods to aid in the recovery. Yet, we cannot give of ourselves to a dying person who is struggling to pay their medical bills and cannot get adequate coverage. Many have proclaimed we should support our troops. So then we should neglect our citizens? That doesn’t make sense. Soldiers are overseas protecting Americans, while corporations are taking advantage of citizens at home?

I was watching the Youtube of Congressman Grayson and someone made a smirk about Grayson’s use of the word “Holocaust”. “How dare he compare our current health care system to the actual Holocaust.” Here’s the point – people are dying in our country unnecessarily and it doesn’t matter how. If we have the means to help, we should.

But our issue with civility goes beyond the health care problem. The most obvious show if lack of civility is when driving. We are absorbed in cell phone calls while driving on the freeways, not just being a nuisance, but a danger. We disobey traffic signals and signs just so we get in front of another. We are all self-contained in an aluminum bubble, that we forget there are other people on the road. Why are we, so much more important and why do we disregard other’s rights? Who the heck are we, anyway?

Until this country learns the basic sports lesson, we will continue to suffer the same problems. “There is no “I” in team. The country does not belong to “me’, it does not belong to ‘You”. It belongs to all. Therefore we will be losers until we work together.

American Civility - There is no I in Team

Recently, my stepmother forwarded me a video portraying the bonding of a baby deer and a cat. Yes, it was sugary sweet, but the one thought that crossed my mind was, if two animals from different species can get along so well, why can’t American? Bambi and Mr. Peepers the cat putting Americans to shame.

Our issues today are so ridiculously simple, that it truly makes my head spin with the all the “political spin”. The issue is civility and our ability to be civil to fellow American citizens. That’s it! Instead, many are warped by money, greed and selfishness. Our egos are twisted with pride, supremacy and superficiality. And most importantly, our hearts are filled with fear and insecurity. This is our problem, American. Our government is only a small portion of our society’s culture and our corporations are taking advantage of it. We are the problem.

It is the health care debate that has bought this issue to the forefront. No matter what retorhic you wish to spin, the bottom line is hundred thousands of Americans are doing to debt paying for health care and hundred thousands are dying because they can’t afford medical treatment. That’s it, that’s the crux our problem. So tell me, why so many American’s are against helping fellow Americans who are in need?

The irony of this is, when Hurricane Katrina hit, many gave to the victims. We donated money, time and goods to aid in the recovery. Yet, we cannot give of ourselves to a dying person who is struggling to pay their medical bills and cannot get adequate coverage. Many have proclaimed we should support our troops. So then we should neglect our citizens? That doesn’t make sense. Soldiers are overseas protecting Americans, while corporations are taking advantage of citizens at home?

I was watching the Youtube of Congressman Grayson and someone made a smirk about Grayson’s use of the word “Holocaust”. “How dare he compare our current health care system to the actual Holocaust.” Here’s the point – people are dying in our country unnecessarily and it doesn’t matter how. If we have the means to help, we should.

But our issue with civility goes beyond the health care problem. The most obvious show if lack of civility is when driving. We are absorbed in cell phone calls while driving on the freeways, not just being a nuisance, but a danger. We disobey traffic signals and signs just so we get in front of another. We are all self-contained in an aluminum bubble, that we forget there are other people on the road. Why are we, so much more important and why do we disregard other’s rights? Who the heck are we, anyway?

Until this country learns the basic sports lesson, we will continue to suffer the same problems. “There is no “I” in team. The country does not belong to “me’, it does not belong to ‘You”. It belongs to all. Therefore we will be losers until we work together.

Corporate Conspiracy against the American Consumer

For many years, Lewis Black has been one of my favorite comedians. I have watched his HBO special many times, to the point I can repeat verbatim. This Sunday morning I awoke and granted it wasn’t my first thought of the day, but after being awake for an hour and sipping on my second cup of coffee, I thought of our economy.

Our economy is based on credit and the success of economy is based on the success of the credit markets. That to me is very unnerving. How can you build an economy on credit? We virtually have an economy based on money that we borrow and don’t actually have. Scary. No wonder we have economic issues.

In Lewis Black’s HBO special he talked about water-the essence of life. As a child water was clean and we could drink from the spigot. Now our water that comes from the spigot is not very clean and many buy they water bottled. This example has nothing to do with water, but big business. Make the water dirty that comes from our spigots so we will be encouraged to BUY water from the grocery store. Water, like other natural things (love) should be free. But we will spend a hefty price for both.

Consumers spend what you earn. Well, the average salaries have not kept up with inflation so many people cannot get by on just what they earn. They need credit. We need credit. Let me reiterate, by keeping salaries below inflation rates, encourages people to buy on credit. Making water undrinkable that comes from you tap, encourages you to buy bottled water. In my crazy, rebellious mind, this is a corporate conspiracy against the American people. And thank you Lewis Black, I am not the only one to see this.

The question goes out for the American consumer. Are we satisfied being patsies in a corporate conspiracy? I like many would love to spend only what I earn. I do not want to depend on the disingenuous hand of the credit lender. But what are we going to do? If we don’t use this credit, this will reflect poorly on our credit score which would make it difficult for us to get more credit when we truly need it.

Pay in Full

“Whoever has the most stuff at the end, wins.”

And I bet the credit card companies are hoping to be winners come the end of time. Do they expect St. Peter will be handing out blue ribbons at the pearly gates? They drink from gold chalices filled with champagne as we debtors live in eternity in the pits of hell. I doubt the white fluffy clouds of heaven can hold the weight of the fat cats of the credit industry.

As many debtors anxiously await legislation to take effect in 2010, I wonder what will happen December 21, 2012 when some prophesies predict doomsday. Will creditors collect our debt in full with long spiny fingers? The Grim Reaper goes by many names-Chase, Citi and B of A. Heck they still try to collect from folks who pass away. I can’t imagine what they will do to collect their money during Doomsday.

But what happens if 2012 is not the end of days, but a change in the paradigm as some philosophers predict. What the heck does that mean? Well, hopefully we will learn lessons of humanity, which have nothing to do with greed and materialism. What a Utopian ideal-humanity would not have to depend on the soiled hands of credit lenders. What if we learn the value lesson of spending what we earn?

Perhaps in the end, we can hope it means the end of corruption and greed. If we’re lucky, it would be the end of a system that rewards those who prey on the misfortune of others. What if the mass majority of debtors shout, “No way, we won’t pay!” What if we protest our identity being assigned by a three digit number by the credit bureau? What if we say, take your FICO system and shove it? What if big brother isn’t the government, but corporate CEO’s brandishing our human identity in a numbered system in which they can make greater profit?

Some may say this blog promotes a dangerous agenda of defying credit lenders and even our own debts. It is not the debts I deny, it is humanity I question. What does the current credit and FICO system speak for humanity and individuality? When we are all dust in the wind, what will history speak of us; a free people driven by materialism and greed, or an imprisoned society twisted in a web of corporate corruption? It is for our generation to decide our fate. The outcome rests solely on our combined shoulders.

"Chase" me to the End of Time

I saw it coming. I just didn’t expect it to take so long. Chase bank finally decreased my credit limit. The irony is it was Chase bank (formally known as WAMU) who recklessly increased my credit limit without my authorization. This I say contributed to my debt. Thanks for nothing WAMU-I mean Chase.

In the apologetic letter they stated after “careful consideration” they are decreasing my limit for one or several of the following reasons.

1. One or more accounts have high balances compared to credit limits.
2. Total available credit is too low
3. Your hair is too brown.
4. I’m a quarter inch shy of 5’8”.

Personally I think the reason they are decreasing my credit limit is because I am not spending on the card. I haven’t used it in almost six months. When I used the credit card, they loved to increase, increase and increase. But you see here is the REAL reason Chase decreased my limit. After decreasing my credit limit will lower my credit score and thus Chase can turn around and raise my interest rates. So since I’m not spending on my card, they are losing money. But they can make it back by lowering my credit score and charging me higher interest. I’m onto their games.

Credit card legislation kicks into action in 2010, so the banks can have their way with us until then. But here’s my plan, pay the minimum due until the end of days on December 21st 2012 (or as the prophesies indicate). End of the world will do away with credit card debt-WOO HOO!! I guess in that case I will be forever in their debt. I just hope St. Peter isn’t checking credit scores at the gate.

In Need of an Upgrade?

It has become commericial capitalist theory to create products that often need to be upgraded. Many products are produced to last for a certain period of time to encourage consumers to buy the latest and greatest, whether it is a computer, cell phone or even a car. We build products to break down to get people to buy more. It has been the American economic way for many years.

But what about our nation, are we in need of an upgrade? While other industrialized nations are surging forward in medicine, environmental programs and education, many in our country do not want to surge forward, they want to go backward. How will our country fair in the future if we fail to upgrade?

With our infrastructure dangerously out of date, with bridges, highways, buildings and energy grids in need of upkeep, what would happen if a crisis were to incur in our country that will cause our infrastructure to crumble? But we have to get past big business in order to make improvements. They see upgrades if it brings profit to their company not if it puts the American people at risk. To many in this country, the old mighty dollar is a lot more important than the people and the country.

History has told us, the Romans caught up in a world of self-indulgence and decadence left the Roman infrastructure to decay. This ultimately left them in a weakened state when the barbarians came to attack. You know Capital One isn’t too far off when they elicited barbarians as a mascot, because who better to encourage decadent consumer spending then a bunch of barbarians.

Health Reform-Why give money to insurance companies

One of the biggest arguments against health reform is paying higher taxes to the government for health reform-Mo’ Government, bad. Well heck, I ask why do I want to give more money to insurance companies who only want to get rich off people’s illness. Personally, I’d rather give my money to the government then give one more cent to an insurance company. It breaks down like this…

About six months ago I went on a job interview at an insurance company. I wasn’t sure what they were calling me to do, but I went anyway. When I got there I found out they were recruiting insurance salesmen. I passed onto the next round of candidates in which I had to sit through an hour and half propaganda film. The beginning outlined the benefits to be sold, and the rest was demonstrating a pyramid scheme on how to make a lot of money. That is the insurance company’s goal to get rich on the illness and misery of others, which got me to thinking about “insurance”.

Quite a concept, insurance and I must say the person who thought up the idea of charging people for insurance was a genius. Think about getting rich on “what might happen.” You pay money to companies because you may get into an accident, a tornado may wipe out your house, or you may get sick and need a doctor. People are getting very rich in this country on possibilities, yet the irony in all this is when something does happen, you have a very difficult time getting money from insurance company. Just ask the victims of Katrina, whom many have yet to see a dime from their insurance companies. Somewhere, they will devise a clause on how you are a not covered. So then you think; why the heck did I spend all that money and not truly be covered. Huh? This is where reform comes in handy.

The thing with our country’s health system is we rank 35th in the world in health coverage behind the great industrialized nation of Morocco. America, that great nation, our health care ranks behind Morocco. Gee whiz, that’s something to be proud of, huh? But even in our insurance system, we have to apply for health coverage. We are not guaranteed coverage and many who are ill and have pre-existing conditions are turned out into the streets by insurance companies who only see American’s as dollar signs not as patients who need care. So we want to continue giving money to these people, why?

Back to the argument of paying higher taxes, perhaps. But here’s the catch, if we have to pay higher taxes for guaranteed health covered instead of paying a premium to an insurance company who many deny us coverage. It’s a flip, who do you trust with your money, the government whom you have the power to vote out of office, or an corporate CEO who wants to profit from your sickness? Imagine having the likes of Bernie Madoff in charge of your health coverage. Corporate CEO’s have a great reputation these days for caring for the Average Joe. That question cannot be easier to answer; give me a Politician over an Insurance Salesmen any day. The other argument is free market competition and choice, which is still a bunch of baloney because it is still corporate CEO’s getting rich off your health and well-being.

Then we move onto quality of health care. Of course, many claim the government health care would not be as good as what an insurance agent can offer. Really? And that “Socialized medicine” in Europe is low quality. Okay, so then why are so many Americans going to Canada and Europe for surgeries and get prescriptions filled? If the quality of health care is so great here, why do many feel the need to seek better health care overseas?

Lastly, and I’m not sure where I heard this, but someone said the difference between Europe and American health care costs comes down to doctors’ salaries. Doctors get paid fair less in Europe. You see because being a doctor in Europe is career choice that cares for the health of the people. Here in the United States people become doctors to get rich. And once again, the issue comes down to money and greed.

So the lesson in this-health reform for all Americans, or making profit for a few people to get richer; health and the quality of life versus, money and greed. Which do you choose America?

Corporate Deregulation - Smell that Char-grilled Aroma

...But that char grilled taste of deregulated beef just may make you sick; just another value of free market deregulation many are so fond.

Today it is the beef industry with notable outbreaks of E.coli. When will we realize that allowing corporations to regulate themselves is not a good idea? Corporations are creating more sick people for the insurance agents to make more money off illness. It's all about corporate greed-take short cuts in food safety to make more corporate profit and let the sick people give greater profit to insurance companies. It's a vicious cycle at the average Americans' expense.

Here’s the thing America-so many are promoting the reduction of government to put power in the hands of the free market and corporations, but look at what’s happening. Food companies are taking short cuts in food safety at consumer expense for profit, which is in turn is making people sick and making more money for insurance companies. We, the American public are a tool for big business to make a profit. And we wonder why we have a health care crisis in this country.

What is most interesting is; suddenly when stuff like this happens who do many blame-The current administration. Why hasn’t President Obama done anything? Well it was President Bush who ruined the FDA, because big government is bad and big business is oh so good. Now many are crying for President Obama and the government to do something. Which is it? Do you want to be rough-ridden by corporations or do you want ht helping hand of our government? You simply cannot have it both ways; you can’t complain about government intervention one moment and then blame them for something that is not their fault another time. The excuses and rationalizations are not becoming of a nation.

First we have to understand the problem-Greed. It is incessant and is ruining many lives. We Americans have to ask ourselves do we want to be at the mercy of corporations and their profits. I don’t .

The Constitution - For the People, Of the People

You know what’s funny? Nowhere in the constitution does it say, “For the Corporations of the Corporations,” but somehow the corporations seem to have a louder voice and more rights than average Americans. Wow, we don’t get to have off shore bank accounts to avoid paying taxes. That is a crime for the average American citizen. If our actions kill another, we are arrested, but corporations can kill American soldiers in Iraq and avoid citation. We can’t police ourselves like corporations can regulate themselves. Crazy huh?

The latest battle is health care and the biggest argument is too much government, regardless that 70% of the population wants health care reform. Who cares about the people? We don’t matter. It is what is good for the corporations that matter. Yes, we have to worry about the profit of insurance companies and pad the pockets of overpaid doctors. Yes, I am positive that is what our forefathers anticipated when writing our constitution.

Yesterday’s blog I dabbled with the idea of hypocrisy, but there are no greater hypocrites than politician’s who campaign for less government. Politicians are paid by the government through American taxes. They are taking money for doing something they say they despise. If they felt government intervention is bad, then get out of politics. If you are a politician who promotes downsizing government, you do not belong in government. Crazy, why get a government job if you hate government? Save that career path for those who care about American citizens.

Where did the inspiration for many politicians to promote anti-government. Check out this quote from Grover Norquist, the think tank of Ronald Regan. "My goal is to cut government in half in twenty-five years, to get it down to the size where we can drown it in the bathtub". Now if our government is drowned in the bath tub, what is left? That would be anarchy and lawlessness. And what has anarchy and lawlessness got us to date-well self-regulated corporations nearly toppled our economy in their greed. They have exploited citizens with credit and bad loans. They have turned dying people to the streets. That’s a good idea, put our health care in the hands of people who want to only to get rich. It is sick to make a profit on illness.

Perhaps instead of listening to the likes of Grover Norquist we should heed the words of great Presidents like Republican Teddy Roosevelt. "Let the watchwords of all our people be the old familiar watchwords of honesty, decency, fair-dealing, and commonsense."... "We must treat each man on his worth and merits as a man. We must see that each is given a square deal, because he is entitled to no more and should receive no less.""The welfare of each of us is dependent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of us."

Mark Sanford - A Lesson of Hypocrisy

On a basic human level, I have sympathy and even empathy for Mark Sanford. It is fully understandable for human beings to fall in love and to act upon their feelings. That is human nature. And my respects go out to his wife and children. However, Mark Sanford has made a career promoting the sanctity of marriage and family values. He has highly criticized and called for the impeachment of other politicians for similar indiscretions-President Clinton. Now he has found himself guilty of the same indiscretion and thus has become a hypocrite.

Hypocrisy, I feel is too often dismissed, when in fact we should feel shame for our hypocrisy. If “Thou shalt not judge” is one of the ten commandments, and hypocrisy is judgment and then committing the same indiscretion-well then you could imagine the “sin” for lack of better word. But I see hypocrisy is running amuck these days with lying, excuses, blaming and denials. If we cannot be in control of our own behavior how is it possible to judge another?

But hypocrisy is not just in family values, we judge others in every facet of our lives. Over the weekend, I read comments about the economy criticizing the “President Obama and the intellectual elites” for standing up for “stupid people.” Figure that one out. Yes, folks were snubbing legislation to make financial fine print easier to understand. I believe that to be elitism and hypocrisy.

What does it say for a nation of hypocrites? What does it say about us when all we can do is judge and criticize one another and even more detrimental anonymously through the internet? Yes, it is easier to be judgment and criticize when people do not know your true identity. It’s not only easy, it’s cowardly. The danger in judgment and criticism is you never know when one day you may be faced with adversity, the same adversity you once judged another. I see so many judging the unemployed (during a recession no less), but what happens when these same people lose their jobs? Be careful.

As Mark Sanford said, “He is a bottom line kinda guy,” and I guess I’m a bottom line kinda gal. Here is my bottom line-acceptance and tolerance. I could accept and tolerate Mark Sanford’s infidelity, but the real issue here is that he failed in his oath of governor of the state of South Carolina, when he left without telling anyone where he was going. It is a question of irresponsibility, not infidelity. He is the governor of a state for crying out loud! And when you place yourself in the public eye, whether it be a celebrity, professional athlete, rockstar or politician-different rules apply.

Look, we are all human. We all at times in our live faced adversity. It’s not our indiscretions we should be judged upon it is how we deal with our indiscretions. It is more irreprehensible if we lie, blame, point fingers, rant and rave than if we are honest and accept our shortcomings. We all have them. We should learn the lesson of not only accepting the shortcomings of others, but ourselves.

Money-Is America Splitsville

Money, it is the number one cause of divorce in marriage and in reading comments to yesterday’s article about President Obama taking on the financial crisis it was evident that emotions are highly agitated and the nation is divided. Is American heading for a divorce with itself? Calling Doctor Phil, America needs you.

Like in a marriage when couples squabble over money usual problems occur; one over spends, while the other in the marriage wants to skimp and save. This is evident today in the country with credit cards. Some have found their way into credit card debt others pay in full. Others like to live life to the fullest careless of money and finances, others live life by their check books. Other money problems result due financial crisis ironically like car troubles, health care emergencies and unemployment. All this leads to financial strife in a marriage and a nation. How do many cope? Split?

One of the first things Doctor Phil might ask, “Do you still love your spouse?” So I ask this question, do we still love America? If we have answered yes that question we are off to a good start. Are you willing to make the relationship work? Yes, okay then follow me to the next paragraph.

The next question I believe Doctor Phil might ask America is what do you value most; money or people? Some no doubt value money above all things. Some like to roll around in money and rub it all over their naked bodies before going to sleep. Money is the best mistress and it really is hard to break that affair, but if you value your family, marriage and country you may just need to end it. Others like me value life and people; in fact I sometimes value it too much a bill may be paid late. For some, honestly life is about a stock portfolio, zero credit card balance or a perfectly balanced check book. For some, life is about living, but then for us folks sometimes a dose of reality does us good. What we need to do is appreciate and understand ourselves and each other. Can we do this? If so, let’s move along.

If someone in your family has money problems, or trouble handling money what is your reaction; kick them to the streets, offer handouts, or do you give them support and counseling? This was the main argument yesterday against President Obama calling for financial reform-throw all Americans who don’t read the fine print to the streets. One person even mocked my comment saying, “Should we help all those who walk with a cane-financially speaking?” Why uhm yes. We do make ramps for the handicap that cannot use the stairs right; so we should make it easier for all people to understand financial contracts. Honestly, I’d like to split with that particular person. That’s not very neighborly American-Mister Idaho. But I digress-onward.

How do we handle a financial crisis in our own home? Many get caught up in bickering, arguing tossing out false prides and accusations. But does that solve the problem? Is getting angry and crying foul to another the solution? I don’t think so, do you?

The answer is analyzing the problems, regulating bad behaviors and finding new saving solutions. This change may be uncomfortable and even scary, but if we value America and the relationship with have with one another, perhaps we should be open-minded to help find solutions that work for all and realize that sometimes in our past relationships our methods of managing finances have been destructive and caused chaos and crises.

President Obama Puts up Dukes against Financial Critics

I was reading an article on Yahoo. What is most interesting to me is not the article itself but reading all the obvious "right wing" comments. Their main argument about President Obama cracking down on big business is, “Buyer Beware-Why should our government support stupid people.” My comment was, “Whatever happened to “the customer is always right, and good old-fashioned customer service.” What is being served are consumer asses on the silver platters of rich CEO’s.

Even in the article President Obama said he would be willing to listen to arguments if they are intellectual and of good faith. Article commenter #1 proved Obama’s example if your argument against overhauling our finance industry because the average person is stupid. What kind of person argues not to have legislation for consumers because they are not smart enough to understand the double talk of the fine print? We need to do away with that kind of talk. Thank you Westmass50, you just proved Obama’s point. And hey Westmass50, stupid people deserve the same rights as the rest. Don’t you find it ironic, as many claim “elitism” when it comes to the Democrats and Obama, but then these same people do not want to help the average consumer because they are “stupid?” Interesting huh? Smell the hypocrisy folks.

But what many are failing to recognize is Reagan’s deregulation of big business got us into this trouble (You know-Voo-Doo economics). How wonderful all of you to come out and support an economic strategy described as "Voo-Doo". That's smart. To all those criticizing Obama and the government - Let me ask you. Would you rather "corporations" run our country who regulate themselves (Food industry-why Nestle just yesterday had to recall food), KBR is killing soldiers in Iraq, many corporations are evading taxes making the citizens flip the bill. Do you seriously want to put the nation in the hands of greedy CEO's? Do you seriously want this country to be run by CEO's who are only intent to make a profit on American citizens? Seriously, people that is stupid and naive? Corporate CEO's care so much less for the American public then our elected officials, yet so many of you are treating them like gods. I’m actually embarrassed for you.

We (in a democracy) elect a government to "serve and protect". That is what our government is doing-finally. Finally, they are sticking up for the Average Joe. Ironic, since that was the main talking point of McCain and Palin-yet in reality they are standing up for rich CEO.

It is not however the government, it’s the people of this country and our lack of support for one another’s rights. Sadly, I don’t think we can be called “United” States anymore because we are certainly so divided. Why, why would an American citizen deny benefits to be granted to another American citizen? Why can’t we see the leveling the playing field for the entire nation is good? Are we truly that selfish and that self-centered that sticking up for someone else will destroy our livelihood? I hardly find that a true American quality. Our forefathers would be so disappointed in us.

Is Politics Worth Dying For?

It is the first question I asked myself after reading Iran’s Ayatollah announcement, professing violence to all those who continue to protest in the streets of Tehran. What would I do in such a case if I felt my vote was counted and my rights rejected? Would I confront violence and possibly death for the sake of democracy, or would I just follow along with current government policies?

I was one who protested the initial election of George Bush in 2000, when it appeared Al Gore, who had won the popular vote should be president. After the announcement came that George Bush was president, I accepted the Supreme court’s decision and thought to myself, “It is only four, or even eight years-what harm could he do?” I became a passive objector and went about my business.

Ironically, after doing research for another book on World War II, I saw similar quotes from Germans in the early 1930’s after Adolf Hitler “won” an election by a 99% margin. Many said, “What harm could Hitler do?” Well, hindsight is always twenty, twenty. Hm, many said about Adolf Hitler, what I thought about George Bush-interesting. Fortunately, for America we remained a democracy and not a tyrannical dictatorship such as Nazi Germany. But then the Bush administration broke the Geneva Convention in torturing prisoners of war.

Seriously, Americans have no idea what a tyrannical dictatorship is like. We are not arrested from our homes in the middle of the nights because of our religion, lifestyle or political ideologies. We are so fortunate to be able to speak our minds and speak so negatively of our nation and fellow citizens without fear of severe government retaliation. In fact, I believe we take our freedom to a frightening extreme. I believe we should have much more respect for our freedom and treat others in our country with respect.

Why this is so interesting today, is that some in this country are rebelling and protesting against President Obama and that he threatens to take away American’s freedoms. Personally, I feel that ideology is seriously flawed, but many feel strongly and have no doubt violent thoughts of rebellion. When do we draw arms against the government when we sense injustice? What is the line to which we lay down our own lives for freedom? What causes to we promote and propagate revolution? I believe the answers to these questions should be made with the utmost care and certainty before action. The results could prove disastrous.

Today my heart goes out for the Iranian people. I am greatly impressed by their courage and conviction in the quest for freedom. I wish them peace and freedom and I sincerely wish no bloodshed upon them. Despite the outcome, the Iranian people have been an inspiration of faith and hope to everyone throughout the world. Good luck to them.

"How to Profit from Credit Cards"

Wow! That was my immediate response after breezing through creditrating.com forum. Now, I’m happy people have found ways to milk the credit system, but in today’s economic climate, maybe it’s just me-maybe I am the only person in American who truly thinks it takes some rather large and heavy brass cahoneys to promote profiting from credit cards.

I think by now many of us have heard about the credit card legislation that has passed through congress and the regulations that are eventually going to be placed on credit issuers. This has come through years of over-charging interest rates, changing billing cycles and fees at their whims on people who are already burdened in debt. And especially now, when unemployment is still going to surge, our economy is still in a precarious situation and people are penny-pinching to feed their families. And some promote how to work the system in order to get rich of credit cards. Wow! It’s really all I can say.

I’m not sure what strikes the biggest nerve; the selfishness and greed or the fact we’re still not getting it. It is this kind of get-rich quick schemes and earning a buck by pushing paper and turning credits that got our country into this economic quagmire. Even after the economy has stabled after the near collapse last October, we simply cannot go back to the same practices and financial ideology that has gotten us into this situation. We simply can’t make profit from nothing any more. We are not only de-valuing money, we are devaluing our society.

Many in the credit industry criticize consumers for over-spending and irresponsibility with credit card use. To me, using credit cards as a means of profit is highly irresponsible and downright dangerous. And it is these people, who make money off credit issuers who make it bad for the people struggling in debt.

We need to understand that when we talk financial responsibility that goes for all; consumers, creditors, corporations and our government. We simply cannot profit off other’s debts and call it good and responsible. We need to call it what is-greed….and it’s not good.

American Politics - The Bickering Bickersons

Gosh, honestly I don’t know where to start…but I guess Newt Gingrich is the appropriate person. So there are just a couple points I need to make in regards to the most recent Republican conference. You can’t charge the president of failing after only five months in office, especially when President Obama has done more than most presidents have in their full term, not to mention how badly President Bush screwed up this country and Obama needs to fix it. There said!

Honestly folks; Gingrich is a politician who aspires to be president himself one day. Everything that comes out of his mouth is hogwash and propaganda to sell us his shtick. Many of these politicians and media personalities care very little for you and I. They care for their careers. Let’s not be naïve.

But the most mind boggling thing that came out of Gingrich’s mouth was the fact that he does not believe, nor want America to be a “global” nation. Oh the horrors, America learning to get along with our neighbors. Oh, the terror of Obama trying to find peace with terrorists. God forbid us interjecting understanding and “Empathy” into our foreign policy. Some are tossing around the word “Empathy” like it is “Socialism.” When did empathy become a negative human trait, but then we are still promoting greed like it is the stairway to heaven. Can our priorities be any more messed up?

As Gingrich and republicans want to not only maintain the status quo, they are leading us backwards into a time of darkness. See this video below and watch why it is impossible we cannot be a global nation. If we follow Gingrich’s advice, not only will we not be a global nation, we will join the rank of 3rd world nations.



The world is changing, technologies are rapidly expanding we can either get on board, or stay behind. But know this, if we stay behind and wallow in what “used to be” other nations will become global powers and the United States will become a washed up has been. We are great risk of falling deeper behind if we do not stop this bickering and unite for the common good. United we move forward, divided we fall. That is our choice. I vote for unity.

Message to "Conservative Capitalists"

Uhm…you screwed up our economy of the last eight years.

This message is in regards to a comment I read about the recession and unemployment rate, “Socialist Liberals are going to destroy the economy.” My comment is simple, the “socialist liberals” did not destroy the economy of the past eight years-that gold medal goes to the conservative capitalists.

Our stock market plunged during Bush’s reign of economic terror and it was Bush who famously started the “socialists” bail outs. You see the thing is the "socialist liberals" needed to step into save us from the economic quagmire the conservatives started. I mean, really…can anyone get their facts straight.

Further more, I’d like to comment to all those who toss around the word socialist without ever taking an economics class; we already are a “socialist” nation. What do we benefit in this socialist nation? Well for one, our military is funded by the government through our tax dollars making our military the benefit of socialism. Welfare, social security and education are also “socialist” programs.

The conservative capitalist approach to economics nearly brought down the world economy and we are being bailed out by a Communist country. (Talk about socialism, we are owned by a socialist country-China) Most European nations operate on a “socialist democracy” and their economies are stronger than the United States and we are responsible for their failing economies. So before you get on your soap box and declare the end of socialism and liberals-perhaps you should open your eyes and mind and realize you’re owned by a socialist country.

I am a firm believer that there is a happy medium between capitalism and socialism. That middle ground will be an economic utopia. We have seen before that pure socialism can be bad, and as we have seen over the past eight years with Bush, capitalism run amuck is dangerous. I feel anyone with any common sense and any knowledge of economics will understand.

But we’re not dealing here with common sense, we’re dealing with emotions. We are dealing with bitterness that a democrat is in the White house and has to save the economy from a past republican. Pride has been shattered for many. Personal greed is many people’s motive without care or consideration for fellow Americans. This is what we are battling today, not socialism. Socialism cannot hurt us, but greed can destroy us.

A "Credited" Nation

Funny word, “credit,” it is a word whose meaning is trust and confidence. As much as the word credit is used, how much trust and confidence do we have in our economy, government and media; credit cards not withstanding?

Everyday we lose confidence in our economy. Daily we read about businesses closing and more layoffs, yet many are still trying to make a fast buck off the unemployed and unfortunate. Frightening that our economic structure is based on consumerism, but what happens down when consumers are not spending? How detrimental could that be to our economy and when will we realize we may need a stronger foundation for an economy?

Today credit is known mostly by a little plastic card, we Americans are obliged to carry. If we do not, we cannot be scored and therefore run the risk of not being able to buy a house or get a job. Corporations have created a credit service and regulated a credit system in which we all must use, and we are judged and graded on how we apply. There is not much need for big brother in our government, when the corporations are filling that job quite well.

Yet with all the challenges with our economy, our country and our government are bitterly divided and many are promoting divisive ideologies that promote an even greater rift between peoples. For politicians who have in the past lied, should we give them credit? In such trying times, should the goal be to promote a national unity?

But then we have the media whom is no doubt guided in their broadcasts by political ideologies and corporate sponsors. Our news has become less news worthy and more so entertainment. Despite the fact that most anchors are glorified “news commentators,” should we give the media any credibility when truths are being misled and twisted?

There was a great time in America’s history when we had a lot of credit with the rest of the world. We were looked upon as the good guys that stood up for injustices, not it seems it is our government that is promoting injustice. There was a time when we were an economic leader, now we have sold our soul to countries whose political structures were once our nemesis (communism). Worst of all we are a divided nation with greater intention to tear each other apart instead of unifying? Nations divided can never be successful and can never achieve greatness.

I guess the underlying issues to people really care about credibility in our economy, nation and media, or are we content knowing our own personal issues and agendas are fulfilled no matter how they affect others?

"Traditional Moral Values"

I have put the title of this blog in quotes, because I am uncertain these days of the definition. Comments have been made on my blog, and I see many comments and television commentators promoting the same-but what are these values they are promoting?

I was asked yesterday, to pick one historical figure in which I could identify. Who was my historic hero? Without much thought I spouted out Galileo, who was just recently pardon by the Vatican for his innovated philosophy of the 1600’s. Yes it took the Catholic Church almost 400 years to catch up with Galileo. At the time, Galileo was sent into exile and shunned from Catholic society. The teachings and writings of Galileo give us insight today; a great man of genius plunged into darkness by a repressive church. What would our society be like today if Galileo were allowed to pursue his teachings? The mind could only wonder.

Many who shed such an intellectual light over our world are discarded, shunned, exiled and even murdered for the sake of morality and values. Can this be considered virtuous and moral? Can the shunning of another’s ideas be considered a value? Is killing someone because you don’t believe in their causes be considered moral? And can the denial of one’s civil liberty and the pursuit of happiness be valued? Who determines these moral values and how can they be moral if they involve fear, prejudice, bigotry and hate? Shouldn’t kindness, tolerance and acceptance be a traditional moral value?

Sadly today, to these folks of traditional moral values – Empathy is discarded. Apparently, empathy is not a value. How can a people who discard empathy consider them virtuous? But ironically, the same people criticizing empathy as a means of judging are the very same people who want to place legislation for their moral values; stem cell research and abortion. You can’t deny someone to the Supreme Court because they have empathy, and then promote your sense of “morality” as law. It is just hypocritical. If we value morality, then we defiantly need to value empathy. The two kind of go hand in hand-or at least should.

In thinking about this, this morning, I thought of America’s traditional moral values. Traditionally, the United States was founded on freedom; freedom of religion, freedom of expression and freedom in the pursuit of happiness. It is these reasons why so many fled oppression. People from around the world came to America not to be judged so harshly and condemned; yet today I see judgment and condemnations being shouted loudly by those who promote traditional values. Today in our country, I see oppression, the very oppression many have fled over 200 years ago. I find these values more archaic then I do traditional. If you’re condemning someone’s religion, liberties, etc you are being oppressive and that is not our traditional American value. Remember, America is the home of the free and that freedom belongs to everyone.

Got the Credit Card Blues

Well, just check your email, because you will find a dozen spam emails pimping credit cards. Wait, didn’t our government just pass stiffer credit card legislation? How come all of a sudden I am being spammed for numerous credit card offers? I hate spam!

I’ve asked this question before, who sends these emails. The answer as per first premier bank says, “One of our marketing partners.” It is secret spy marketing partner that spies on our emails and our surfing the internet and then sends us spam. Ironically, I am flooded with credit card email solicitations because I research credit to expose exploitations-and they keep giving me more content. So really in that regards, I can’t complain.

Also, going back to yesterday’s blog in regards to our consumer based economy and over 40% of population is in the financial services industry, I had to stop and think of all the people who were getting paid money to send these solicitations and spam. Someone was paid to write the advertisement copy. Someone was paid to design the graphics of the email and most certainly someone was paid to enter a data base of email lists to send to potential consumers. Could we not think of anything better to do with our recourses and money then create credit card email spam?

But some of these spammers were kind enough to leave a calling card-one was Netspend. Surprising this company has won awards for selling credit. Huh, didn’t know they gave awards to selling credit cards? They can’t be that great, or else they wouldn’t be spamming me.

Then there was Impulse marketing group, in which you can read hear the law suit filed against them for unlawful credit practice. This just proved my point; depraved people only out to make money of the misfortunate are soliciting credit cards. I didn’t have to do much research to learn that.

So here’s my question, anyone with any common sense has realized credit card spending needs to be done so with much more responsibility, so why are they flooding my email for offers? Back to my point in yesterday’s blog that the majority of industry is the financial services industry. Of course there are thousands of “financial entrepreneurs” wanting to make a profit off Americans looking for lower interest rates, rewards, blah, blah, blah. There is a fear now that the government placed regulation of creditors, now they are selling hard better cards…but here’s the point-they are still selling credit cards. There are still too many people trying to make a buck buy pushing credit.

You see this is the problem, consumers should learn not to be so irresponsible with spending on credit and credit lenders should learn to be more responsible with lending credit. We as a nation and an economy need to get back to the basics, spend what we earn, save for what we want and work to achieve it. They days of fast cash are over-but then I think there are some who still don’t want to accept and what to make their fortune at the expense of others.

Personally I think we need to stop making selling credit a career. I can’t imagine “credit marketer” is a collegiate degree or even curriculum. It has very little meaning in today’s society and with our nation’s problems today, can’t we do anything more productive. People know where to go to get money, the bank or their credit union. They don’t need every Dick or Harry pushing credit through cyberspace. My advice to these credit pushers –Get a real job.

American Economy - It's Magicially Delicious

In last week’s show, Bill Maher made the comment that over 40% of the American population works in the “Financial Services” business. Think about that, 40% of Americans lending credit and selling stocks. It is a great percentage of people who contribute to our economy by pushing paper. It’s magically delicious. Poof! Money!

This morning I read an article, “U.S. Consumer spending eases, while incomes surge.” The most interesting sentence in the article was, “Consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of economic activity.” In layman’s term our economy is built on consumer spending, which obviously is down now because of the unemployment rates continue to rise and issues with credit cards. People are now saving and using debit cards to shop. Consumers are being a lot more careful with spending, and for those who advocate against credit card debt-this would be a good thing right? Wrong! It is not a good thing if our economy depends on spending. And before you get too excited, income surges were from the stimulus and tax incentives and Obama’s rise of the unemployment payouts. It is a false promotion of our income surge.

Honestly, for someone who has worked in an industry my entire career, it is frightening to think that our economy is based on consumer spending. Consumer spending, unlike the production of goods and services cannot be controlled. You can control production, you can supervise service, but you simply cannot control or “force” consumers to spend, although at times we were encouraged to do so. It is a ridiculous base for a national economy and they don’t call it “Voodoo” economics for nothing. I would be more relaxed to learn that 70 percent on our economy was based on tourism, rather than our consumer spending.

Sadly, the one industry that provided the United States with products and services is now going bankrupt. GM has filed for bankruptcy and will be closing plants across the nation, thus adding to the already high unemployment rate and will ultimately reduce consumer spending-thrusting our economy even deeper.

While all is said and done, and credit card legislation passed a few weeks ago, ironically more credit card advertisement spam popped up in my email. Really? Who are these fools spamming me with credit card promotions? I would really like to know who these people are. But you see this perfect example of our nation not getting it-we are not learning the lessons. We just ride it out and wait for the dust to clear, and then continue with the same tactics and “Get Rich” schemes thinking that all our problems with magically disappear. Hooray more credit cards! Hooray more debt! Hooray more US deficit! Hooray more corporate exploitation!

When will it sink it-the bubble burst. We can’t go back. We need to rebuild the economy the sensible way based on the production of goods and services. We all (government, corporations and consumers) need to learn the lesson to spend what we earn, not what is afforded to us on credit. And the even sadder part of this blog-it’s not even our economy anymore. We belong to China.

Credit Card Reform - Standing up for the Big Guy

America, let’s all hold hands and shed a collective tear for the credit card companies. Oh, woe is me! No more charging outrageous interest rates, no more changing billing cycles without notification, and now you have to send out account statements twenty one days instead of fourteen days in advance. Boo-hoo! Can someone pah-lease pass the tissues.

Really, come on-any person with (and I’m not going to say common sense) but with any sense of human decency would realize that charging more the 15% interest is consumer exploitation. Changing billing cycles without notification is just freaking sneaky and the twisted, double talking jargon of the fine print is difficult for economists to understand. Look, it’s going to harm no one for these credit card companies to make the fine print easier to understand. My bigger question is this, why do many in this nation want to stand up and defend the big guys. When did standing up for the little guy and the misfortunate become a bad thing?

Bill Maher said it best when he compared the love of money to religion, and for me these corporations are like God in the eyes of many-they are Omni-potent and Omni-powerful. We bow down to the CEO’s and beg for mercy for our decrepit, debtor souls. Have we not learned anything from AIG? These corporate Gods are not kind gods; they are the wrathful, greedy gods-who needs them!

So why do many fret to regulate corporate exploitation of consumers? One, I believe many people aspire to the wealth and power of these CEO’s, or they have a form of Stockholm Syndrome-identifying with your abuser. You know it’s kind of like taking the side of the bully on the playground so you, yourself won’t get beat up. I think mostly people are more concerned with their own well being. “I was good with my credit, what will happen to me? Will I still be able to get my rewards? Will I have to pay a higher fees and interest rates?”

Here’s the bottom line-if these credit card companies are in the practice of stealing from Peter to pay Paul, who do you blame-Paul? Why not blame the stealer-the credit card companies? Look, if a credit card company raises the fees and reduces rewards because they cannot charge another person 24% interest rate, then shame on the credit card company. That is bad business and bad customer service. Credit card customer service-that will be another blog.

I agree with many, the consumers with debt are responsible for their debt. No one is speaking otherwise. The point is merely this; do not exploit those with debt by making it impossible to pay down with a high interest rate. I shed no tears for the credit card companies-they bought it one themselves just like the people who overspent on credit.

Evolving American

This blog has nothing really to do with credit cards, money or the economy. It’s more a concern I have for what is happening in our country and what is happening is change. Yes, folks we are changing, our society is changing our nation is changing-the world is changing. Many are clinging onto old ways with white knuckle fists and I believe are threatening the very peace of our nations. We need not fear the Taliban, or the North Koreans-we need to fear ourselves, because that is who is creating the most danger.

Whether you believe in Darwin’s theories, evolution is a natural part of life. We not only evolve physically from children, teens to adults we evolve emotional, mentally and yes even spiritually. And as individuals evolve so do nations and so does the world. History tells us that holding onto old world notion lose every time to progress. One such notion was the world was flat, yet as we are well aware of today, it is not. Rome was once thought to be undefeatable, only for them to crumble in their own decadence. We need not ask too many questions, because our ancestors have already found the answers; if only we listen.

Today, our country is experiencing change. Notably it is our economy. Simply our economic ways of the past failed, and have to be changed for the future. Regulations needed to be placed on corporations and credit issuers to protect consumers. Our climate is changing (whether some want to believe it is from cow farts, or not), this will have a huge effect on our food supply and these are just the start of the changes.

Why, if our climate is changing and our economy faltering, would people be afraid of change? Why condemn and criticize others for boldly stepping toward the future with new and innovative ideas that would benefit all? Why even challenge?

The answer is fear and self preservation. What will happen to me in this change? What will be my place in this new world? And for some, will I lose power and money in this new world? Will my ideas lose credibility with science and innovation? Will everything I believe in be shattered with new information-quite possibly? Should we provoke hostility and prevent peace simply for new ideas and other opinions we don’t understand or disagree?

As we watch our youth evolve into adults and Spring evolve into Summer, perhaps it is a time we contemplate our own evolution.

Hypocrisy of Consumerism

There is absolutely no doubt there has been rampant consumerism which has caused many to go into credit card debt. It is a problem, yes indeed! But we also have to admit that blatant hypocrisy exists in regards to corporations and consumerism. Based on our capitalistic-free market economy, it is consumerism that churns our economy. We are not only encouraged to spend; our government has given us tax credits to spend more and more. And not only are we encouraged to spend, the government had in the past told us not to save. Don’t pad your savings accounts with tax incentives-spend! We need to spend to jumpstart the economy. This has been the message to the American people for decades. But really, who does this economic theory benefit, you got it-Corporations! Hooray!

Still many want to condemn and criticize the American consumer, while corporations who spend lavish amounts of money on advertising and promotions get a free ride. Who is telling these corporations there is the need for responsibility and accountability? Perhaps corporations too should be more frugal. You see, here is the vicious cycle-corporations spend money to encourage us to spend money so they can make more money and give bonuses to their employees. Many Americans buy these products whether they can afford them or not and go into debt at the mercy of the credit corporations who in turn make more money off consumers. It is vicious and does no good for our overall economy.

So when we blame the American Public for consumerism and debt, isn’t that just a factor of a capitalistic, free market economy? If we saved and spent only what we could afford, would corporations make as much money? Would credit card companies even be in business? No, not if we spent what we earned. And what about all those entrepreneurs and future business leaders of tomorrow, can they hope to achieve their American Dream of becoming millionaires if the public didn’t buy into their consumer products? Heck no!

People have been complaining up and down about credit reform and what it will do to our economy and the credit industry, but it is the same people who blame consumers for doing what they are told to keep spending and keep these very companies rich and powerful.

If we believe in a fiscally responsible economy, then we cannot be narrow minded and blame one side or the other, because both corporations and consumers have been irresponsible. If we want a responsible, strong economy then we must have to learn that we cannot have everything we desire. We have to learn that we will have to earn and achieve our goals. Corporations simply cannot run over consumers in order to make billions, and consumers have to be responsible.

As Bill Maher has said on numerous occasions, “Can’t we just be happy with what we have? Why do we keeping wanting more?” I think that comment says tons about our society. We can’t be happy. We’re not happy when we need to keep filling ourselves with money and consumer goods to fill our hearts and minds. Remember the good old days when all we needed was love…., now we need love and all its material accessories.

The Value of Credit Reform

You’d think with all my carrying on about credit card reform, I would have thrown a party, or danced a little jig on Friday afternoon when President Obama signed Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act, but I was too busy commiserating friends who were laid off this past week. 500 people were laid off from Nike WHQ here in Portland, so with every good news, there is bad. It’s just proof that we have still a long way to go before our economy is truly recovered.

As happy as I am about this legislation, this past week I still had to bear abuse from the false claim of a debt collector; a smart a*** debt collector who recited me another woman’s social security number and accused me of being a liar in my own home. I still believe FICO is a ridiculous system that needs to be overhauled. Number one, there is no reason consumers should not have free access to their credit scores at all time, any time, while any credit merchant can look at our payment history freely. I do think the credit reporting is a little unfair and is to at creditor discretion. Honestly folks, we should have access and control over our own credit reports-heck they don’t even get out medical information to friends and part of our family, but any Dick can look at our credit report.

I recently read an article written in the Idaho Statesman, blaming consumerism for the problems with credit cards. Although the author of the article was leaning toward the side of credit issuers, and I was poised to debate his perspective, I was comforted several people already did make my point so I moved on. But after the bill is signed and reform underway, I do believe a point needs to be made of our values. There are so many connections to be made, but materialism and superficiality is a problem in which we as a culture need to address, and with this problem it doesn’t matter whether you are a Democrat, or Republican; materialism and superficiality do not discriminate with race, religion or sexual orientation. Materialism and superficiality is a problem we all face.

Many talk of American values; but few are able to define what these values are. A value we seem to have is, wanting what we want, when we want it without any consequences or care to the cost or what it does to another. We have lost value in the heart and soul and all that is true, that is of course if the value doesn’t apply to our personal values. What we value more than anything is money and we don’t care if we abuse and step on others in order to get it.

But then again, we are an economy built on consumerism, it is spending money and more money that we have been told that drives our economy-now we are being blamed for spending too much. Where do we as a nation find that economic balance; our government, corporations, or are we the American consumer responsible for finding the spending balance? Hmm, curious point that needs more thought…

Last week I had the great opportunity of being a part of a radio show with students from Cleveland High School here in Portland. The topic of conversation was bullies, from school yard bullies to now anonymous internet bullying. All of it bears great consequences to teen psyches, but does the threat of bullying ever go away?

Ironically, right before I left to do the interview, I received a call from a debt collector, verbally harassing me for a debt that wasn’t even mine. He went as far as calling me a liar. I was lying about my own identity and innocence. Look, even in the highest laws of the land, we are innocent until proven guilty, but not in regards debt collecting. They see it the other way around. What proof did this guy have of my debt, my name and my telephone number given to him by some chick’s ex-husband? Hum, let’s see; the dude probably was covering for his ex-wife giving debt collectors a phony number, or the guy assumed I was her. Other than that, the debt collector had nothing, but that did not stop him from verbally harassing me in the privacy of my own home.

In giving thought to this subject, high school, internet and adult bullying I have come to a conclusion that we are a society that preys on the victim; somehow we rationalize the victim deserves what they get. A teenage victim of bullying may be overweight, shy, awkward or even just different. Does that mean they deserved to be bullied? What about the victim of rape? Did she deserve it because she may have dressed provocatively? What about the gay man? Did he deserve to be beaten up because he was different? What about the Arab detainees? Do they deserve to be tortured because we fear their differences? And what about the debtor, do they deserve verbal abuse, harassed and threatened of house and home for a debt a collector cannot sometimes prove?

Taking in consideration our former administration’s mission to torture, they tortured prisoners hoping to give our government rationalization for a war they started without just cause. They wanted to offer proof to the American public by torturing false confessions. This is exactly the tactic used by many debt collectors. In most recent attempts with myself and friends, a debt collector used an abusive tactic to collect money, whether verbal accusations, jury summons, threats to garnish wages and in some cases jail time. They used threatening tactics in order to get us to pay. They believe, the ends justify the means, and if they have to verbally abuse and attack, then so be it.

In several of these occasions, no money was due, the debt was either settle years ago, or they just have inaccurate information. But you see debt collectors don’t really care if you owe money, all they care about is if you pay. They don’t care if the right person pays the money due, as long as they get the money, and they get paid for collecting. It is merely resorting to scare tactics, cheap threats and bullying to extort money from innocent people-this to me is criminal and should be a crime.

Although it is not a crime, these abusive tactics are illegal and many Americans may be due compensation for unlawful harassment. If you feel, you have been harassed by a debt collector, whether or not you owed money. Please refer to the following information-888 FDCPA LAW (888-332-7252) TOLL FREE, www.FairDebtForConsumers.com, www.AttorneysForConsumers.com. You may find out you have a claim and the debt collector might have to pay you! Stand up for yourself and those around you. Let’s say no to bullies.

Mr. Debt Collector - You'll be hearing from my lawyer

Although I am not official a victim of identity theft, a woman’s ex husband is giving my phone number to debt collectors. Unfortunately I share the same name as a woman with severely bad debt. Fortunately, my social security number has not been used.

Today wasn’t the first time I received a phone call from a debt collector looking for this other woman. And it wasn’t the first time a debt collector repeated another woman’s social security number to me. Think about it folks – Debt Collectors are wrongly giving out people’s social security numbers. We worry about identity theft, but we never think people in the credit and collecting industry would be GIVING away our information.

Today however is the first time when I told Mr. Debt Collector from Advanced Financial Solutions (7600 Wayzata Blvd Minneapolis, MN 55426, (763) 432-2461-since they can give out another woman’s social security so freely, I feel I can give their phone number) harassed me and tried to bully me when I told them they had the wrong person-seriously!

First off, I told the man (I am being kind calling him a man) this was not my debt, he has the wrong person. “NO I DON’T” he scolded bluntly. I asked for the debt information and partial social. Once he gave it to me, I confirmed once again. That is not me. “YES IT IS!” he demanded, “Your ex-husband, Joe Schmoe gave us this number.” I responded. “That is not my ex-husband.” “YES IT IS!” I asked to talk to his supervisor and he arrogantly told me, “He was the owner!” Congratulations.

So here it is where it gets laughable. You’d think I know my ex-husband. You’d think I know my own social security number when I heard it. Did this guy think I’d cave under his intense harassment and admit to the debt and pay? Yes, that is exactly what he thought. He continued by scolding me, “You can’t run away from you debt forever.” Well, dude, seriously it is not my debt. You are wrong. He could not admit he was wrong. He was.

I told the “man” that I will be contacting my lawyer for harassment and he arrogantly invited me to do so. I did. The nice people at the fair credit reporting act. Lesson to all-regardless of debt, people should not be subjected to harassment and be bullied into paying money you MAY not even owe. This is bullying and scare tactics.

Well this ding dong at Advanced Financial Solutions found himself in doggy doo-doo for being an arrogant SOB and not listening to an innocent person….More on this when I have the mind to write more eloquently.

Politics of Credit Card Reform

You got it! The welfare of American consumers is political, which surprises me greatly when both political parties pledge platforms to help the average American. But what is even more surprising is when one of the parties actually steps into help Americans, the other party finds great fault. Direct from the Business and Media Institute (guess what side of the credit card reform battle they’re on.) Author Jim Poor, yes-Jim Poor takes a sarcastic swing at credit card consumers and President Obama. Jim Poor; is that like calling a fat man Tiny? I can only assume that since Mr. Poor is on the side of creditors he must value wealth. The irony is just very incredibly juicy.

Mr. Poor finishes his article with this blurb, “But that begs the question – if Obama is going to save us all, why even bother thinking.” Well, heck Jim I have been THINKING for years that credit card companies were scandalously taking advantage of consumers. I honestly do not need anyone one to think for me…and besides the credit card companies are not shy about their exploitation. It says so in their fine print-“At Our Discretion.”

Let me get down the nitty gritty of the political fold here. If President Bush and the Republicans have taken the side of credit consumers they would have been brandished heroes. Wasn’t it McCain and Palin who solicited the help of Joe the Plumber to give voice to the average American, but this is the party denying average Americans rights? Isn’t this the party that gave tax breaks to the wealthiest elite while taking heavier on the poor? Isn’t this the party who loosened regulation on the food industry that has been poisoning our children? Isn’t this the party that gave government contracts to their corporate buddies (KBR) that are killing our soldiers? That doesn’t sound like they truly support average Americans. Instead they spent most their time ruining our economy, giving power to corporations that exploit consumers, oh yeah and they tortured. Perhaps it is a good thing President Bush and Republicans didn’t not take up credit card reform who knows what they may have done to debtors. The hypocrisy here smells extremely foul.

The political fray from this is President Obama and many democrats are doing their job in protecting and serving the average American. Wait, what did I just say-our government is standing up for the little guy and not the big corporations like AIG and KBR who not only exploit Americans but kill American soldiers. How can we possibly condemn and criticize our president who is standing up for the rights of all Americans? Unbelievable-it goes to prove the true selfish and greedy hearts of others. What this negativity and criticism is all about is the Republicans trying to save their political hide because they have done nothing for the American people.

Heck Jim, personally I think it is you who should get your head out of your….and do some thinking, because you see America should be run by the people, not the corporations and certainly not by like-minded folks like you.

Credit Card Reform - Getting the Message Out

Remember the good old days, one needed to earn their credit cards. I’ve been around the blogasphere and back and once such comment I read today was a credit card was offered to a horse. Hm, I wonder what interest rate they charged the horse. I guess that depends on what kind of horse, a champion thoroughbred or a plow horse. Obviously of course the plow horse would get the higher interest rate. Ding-a-ling credit card companies why are you wasting time sending a credit card to a horse. They joke of it is, the horse bought a new feeder and supplies to clean out is stall. Yeah, those credit card companies are so very wise and responsible.

In talking with a woman today she and I recalled they days of our parents, when credit wasn’t extended to anyone. It depended on whether you had a job and demonstrated the ability to pay back. Today, you are extended credit and charged a fee not based on whether you are responsible, but how much interest the credit card can charge. You are extended a credit card if you are a baby, a dog, a horse, or even if you passed on to heaven. There are really no restrictions as to who receives a credit card. That is not responsible lending….

Let me make a point here. Our economy is in shambles and it is partly to do with irresponsible creditor lending and irresponsible consumer spending. We as a nation were not really hurting economically when banks lent responsibly. There was no banking crisis or threat of a great depression when our parents did not use credit cards. Back in the good old days when our economy was on sound ground, we spent with cash based on what we earned. If credit card companies are no able to make an obscene amount of money of consumers and lending is restricted-everything will be just peachy. It is just bankers will not be able to get so rich. Oh, poor rich bankers.

But you cannot escape the naysayers of credit reform. Fears and propaganda abound. Creditors will not lend! Consumers will not be able to spend! The sky will fall to the ground! Life as we know it on earth will cease to exist if our government steps in to regulate predatory credit lending practices. The universe will crumble if our government stands up for consumers. No-say it is isn’t so! You will discover that life will offer you priceless opportunities if you pay with cash.

Now for a personal little love note I’d like to extend to my US Senator Jeff Merkley. A big hug and kisses out to you for defending consumer rights. There are more points to this bill and reform other than paying off one’s balance every month, or overspending on credit. It is about credit card companies control over our financial destiny. And for all those who think President Obama is trying to take away your freedom, he has to get your freedom back from banks and credit card companies before he can even try to take away your freedoms. Your freedom and mercy is at the hand of every major corporation in this country-not our government.

These credit card companies can change your interest rates at their discretion. If you are five days late with the electric bill credit card companies can change fees, interest rates and bill cycles. If they feel constipated, having a bad day and need to take it out on someone, then can raise your rates. Yuck! I’m feeling a little bloated. I’ll just up Joe Schmoe’s interest rate. Agh, relief-better then Pepto Bismo. Okay, maybe now I’m exaggerating-but do you get my picture?

Pandering Anti-Credit Card Reform Propaganda

Personally, I don’t like taking this position. I really don’t like criticizing another viewpoint; unless that viewpoint reflects an ill attitude and presents false facts of others. In regards to credit card reform, this is not a personal issue. This is an economic issue to regulate credit card companies. For many who have struggled at the heavy hand of creditors, the issue is intensely personal. But what I don’t understand why it strikes many so personally if you have managed credit cards well. Why get yourself all twisted about something that doesn’t concern you. If you good credit, NOTHING will change for you in the legislation. Yet, many find reasons to place blame and insult. Are people really that mean to insult others in need?

You know, when you title your blog, “Say Anything,” it doesn’t matter if you speak through your mouth or out your a**, because that is exactly what the author the blog has done. Mister Say Anything’s point is President Obama is pressuring “us” into discriminatory lending laws. So you can guess what Mister Say Anything does-he is in the credit and lending business and thus will lose money if having to curb his exploitative lending practices. He will “say anything” to make more money of the American people so he can live a rich and greedy life.

In his blog (and I apologize for assuming a man) he just doesn’t make any rational sense. How is curbing the changing billing cycles, and inflated interest rates going to make people go deeper in debt? How the heck is that possible? Mister Say Anything please explain. And yes, I can see how stopping the marketing to minors be a terrible thing. Garsh darn that Obama, standing up for our minors. Just who does he think he is? What a ridiculous argument. And one last thing, Obama is so not scared of losing power. He has a 68% approval rating. And what approval rating does the Republican’s have-right 21%. Get real, Dude!

Many who want to criticize credit card legislation offer many fine examples or most of the time place the blame on the victim, you know like the person who randomly went out and bought a top of the line stereo on a credit card for $4,000. Okay-that happens, but that is not the true picture. I hold a credit card balance and I don’t even have a stereo.

Other’s I have noticed like to boast themselves with false pride. “I pay my credit card bill of every month.” Well, goody-two shoes for you. This judgment on fellow Americans is harmful to the country. Many who place such ignorant judgment do not know why someone went into debt. Perhaps it was a medical problem, car or home repairs. If you do not know a person, it is ignorant to judge.

These people want to rely on blaming the victim; you know like Bill O’Reilly blames a rape victim because she dressed seductively, or maybe it is as simple to blame the nerd for being beat up after school because he wore a pocket protector. Yeah, he was asking for it. Look people, the argument of being a victim is not a suitable excuse for being exploited. Hey, just because you carry a balance on your credit card does not give license to corporations to exploit with “At their discretion” polices. That is the bottom line. It is called fairness and equality. It is what our nation stands for.

Good people and Good Americans want what is best for all. If someone struggles, it is for us to stand up for each other. Curbing the credit card companies and placing much needed regulation on them is good for our country and good for our economy. It will make corporations and consumers alike more responsible.

Rush Limbaugh vows to re-educate America

Wow! I’m having a hard time controlling my laughter for wasn’t it Republican congress woman Michelle Bachmann warned of President Obama’s “Re-education camps.” Well, I’m confused-Who’s re-educating who? Republicans warn President Obama is trying to “re-educate” us, but then huh Rush Limbaugh said he needs to teach the American people. Really? Can you smell the hypocrisy? I can and it smells like barbecue. Franks and Beans!

Conservative promoters seem to have a one track theory on education or re-education and as far as I know it is not based on science. Conservatives don’t believe in science. I cannot imagine conservative re-educating us with grammar since Fox News headlines are usually misspelled or demonstrate poor grammar. So then perhaps they will teach us geography. No, that can’t be. The Taliban was in Afghanistan not Iraq. Republicans got that wrong. They can’t teach us economics, because our economy crumbled under the Republican’s watch. And I would certainly don’t expect them to teach us civics. What then? What intellectual platform does the conservative party and Rush Limbaugh stand on that they seem imperative to “inform” us.

I can only imagine they need to re-educate us heathen Americans about “traditional moral values.” Oh like, do onto others as you expect done to you, or thou shalt not judge. Those are moral values. Or how about this one inspired by Rush? Thou shalt not consider yourself an idol. A moral value is humility. Perhaps Rush needs some re-educating of his own.

Or should we be honoring our nation’s doctrine-All men are created equal. This country was founded on freedom and founded by those seeking religious freedom; the Pilgrims, the Quakers. We simply cannot be a free nation when we are judged for not living the life of another. That’s not freedom and it is not the American way.

I would like to give Senator Eric Cantor credit for wanting to talk and gee, golly, whiz-listen to the American people. I believe if Senator Cantor grows a spine he can be a leader for the Republican party. But after being threatened by Limbaugh, Cantor turned tail and ran. Instead of a “Listening tour, now they are an “Information Tour.” Yes, the republicans and Rush Limbaugh are going to “teach” us.

Senator Cantor, I personally applaud you for standing up and trying to make a positive change in your party through positive and thoughtful gestures. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed.

"The Man" and Corporate Power

Over the past couple years I have heard many promoting deregulating corporations and privatizing many government industries. Don’t get involved in their business-Big Business is the answer to all America’s problems. Many making these arguments make the claim there is too much government-cut government and get them out of the way of the corporations. Let corporations run the country and our lives will be better!

Fox news rallied many people to protest the government and President Obama for “taxing and spending.” Fox goes for our emotions; challenges our fears until there is nothing left but to raise signs in protest and throw tea bags. CNN dazzled us with dizzying light shows. We watch like a cat watching a string-ooh cool flickering lights.

I’m going to break this down –

· Recently many banks have run this economy in the ground and now we, the American people are paying for it.
· Food companies; self regulated gave themselves good grades for the FDA and many people have gotten sick and died from tainted foods. All of this so food companies can make a greater profit.
· Our government gave billions of dollars of bail out money at taxpayer expense and then we were appalled by the outrageous bonuses from many of these same companies. Yesterday, I learned AIG lied about the bonus, they were 4 times then what originally reported.
· During this recession and high unemployment, Credit Card Companies started jerking with good paying customer’s accounts; raising interests and billing cycles. This was going for a long time, but now people are standing up for their consumer rights.
· Recently President Obama has taken on many of these corporations (Bank of America) have off shore accounts, offices and evade US taxes; not to mention giving away jobs to foreigners. Just imagine-KBR (A company with a US military contract accused of electrocuting soldiers pays NO taxes, yet the average American plays about %25 of their national income. Think about it-A company killing US soldiers pays NO taxes.
· We learned that many of these companies spent a lot of money on lining the pockets of our politicians. Visa spent $1.7 million dollars in lobbying last year and not surprising many of these companies pay money to political campaigns. Corporations giving money to politician spells corruption.

We, the American people are paying taxes to our government to get behind corporations who evade taxes. Instead of consumerism, these corporations should just take the money from our pockets.

So here is the question I ask fellow Americans. Are we okay allowing big business and corporations to run our government and run all over us? Do we want to drop our drawers and bend over for these corporations? It is President Obama and the Democrats standing up for consumer rights. Why protest. Shouldn’t we stand behind those standing up for us? Remember, it is the republicans standing up for the corporations.

Spankin' from Government and Corporations

“The banks — hard to believe in a time when we’re facing a banking crisis that many of the banks created — are still the most powerful lobby on Capitol Hill,” Senator Durbin quoted. “They frankly own the place.”

Reading such quote I cannot image how anyone can criticize credit card reform-a US Senator acknowledging banking and credit card companies own our government. Wow! For those who criticize, it is like criticizing a pledge that was whacked in the butt with a fraternity brother’s paddle. He was asking for it, the claim. That’s right; don’t blame the fraternity brother for taking a swing.

The facts are clear. There is no doubt about the consumer exploitation of some of these credit card companies and frankly I cannot understand people who can’t see it, or don’t want to see it. I’m not sure how others deem themselves smarter than some of the brightest leaders in this country. Some of these critics I dare say have rarely cracked open a book or read the newspaper. This is the twenty first century.

But the point is, still today the Federal Reserve rejected a request for credit card companies to immediately halt rate increases on existing balances. Really? What a surprise? Of course not. The Federal Reserve is going to protect those who scratch their backs-the credit card corporations. But who is standing up for the consumer?

Look, here is the bottom line. Our economy was fine back in days of our parents and grandparents before credit card companies took a strangle hold on the average American lives. For all those of “traditional values” they should be happy if consumers go back to save and spend, instead of incessant spending on credit cards. Correct? Let’s go back to the traditional value of spending what we earn, not based on easy given credit.

Okay, so credit card companies will no longer make an obscene amount of money on consumers. And yes, they may become stricter on extending credit. Now to all those critics is this bad thing? Gee, people who are high risk will not get credit and they will have to earn it. Is it a bad thing if our nation as a whole becomes a nation of responsible spending? Would be a bad thing to escape rapid consumerism? How can you criticize that?

Personally, I feel some people just need to complain about those who are not on their side of the political line. It doesn’t matter what is said, or if it makes sense. And I just think that’s sad. We, the American people need to stand up for each other instead of bending over for a corporation’s paddle.