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.

Obama Takes on Corporate Tax Evasion

It was last week, when watching the news it was mentioned how the corporations run our country and our politicians. Just think- we elect politicians to work for the corporations. Ah, just makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. This is so widely evident that it is hardly news. But how do we stop it?

President Obama is trying by creating a new law; corporations cannot defer taxes and hide assets in foreign banks. He estimated this country could gain $210 Billion dollars if corporations properly paid their taxes. And by 2010, corporate taxes could contribute 1.2 Trillion dollars toward the deficit. You see, we complain about our deficit, yet the corporations are not paying their share.

The American people have to pay taxes what about corporations. See here, many protested tax day with tea parties, but really who they should be protesting is the big businesses who are evading taxes and the politicians who allow them to do it.

But of course there are those who reject President Obama’s plan to hold American corporations accountable for their taxes. Who are these people defending corporate tax evasion? Well, yes you guess it-Republicans. Republicans who have claimed to be for the Average Joe defends the corporation and their tax evasions. These Republicans also support Corporations sending jobs overseas. The reason-Corporations will lose money not paying any taxes and hiring American workers.

So today, with a high percentage of unemployed American’s who pay taxes, Corporations are evading taxes and hiring foreigners and Republicans support this….Hm? But what’s the bottom line-money and corporate lobbying. Yes, these corporations pay a pretty penny to our politicians so they do not need to pay taxes.

I have an idea-instead of spending so much money on lobbying politicians so not to pay taxes. How about PAY YOUR TAXES! And since us our politicians won’t hold corporations accountable, perhaps the American people should. Next time you want to a dunk a tea back-think a corporation who doesn’t pay taxes and hires foreign labor.

Corporation Killing American Soldiers in Iraq

Electrical company KBR, who has the electrical contract for the Iraq war and less surprising a former subsidiary of Dick Chaney’s company Halliburton had been charged with electrocuting an American soldier while taking a shower and has been investigated for negligent homicide for substandard and faulty electrical systems. Unless something is done, more soldiers will be killed.

This for some this is the benefit of free market capitalism. The idea if we privatize companies it will enhance competition and provide better rates to customers. First question, what about better quality? I’m not sure of the details of the KBR military contract; all I know is much of the work is faulty and substandard. Don’t our American soldiers in Iraq deserve the highest quality electrical service? They have enough to worry about they don’t need to worry about being electrocuted in the shower.

My question is in any with any corporation, being electrical, food, credit; who regulates these companies? Many claim there should be no regulation because that will jack up prices and restrict these good American companies. KBR is killing soldiers. Food companies who regulate themselves are killing children with tainted food and the credit corporations-most know how I feel about them. Who is protecting us from unregulated companies who make a profit from killing Americans?

Most disturbing is KBR’s refusal to take responsibility. The family of the most recent victim is suing KBR, but KBR is appealing because this is not a civil manner and the case should be presided over a military court, but then being KBR is a private company they are not under military law. So KBR is shrugging off any responsibly for this death. KBR’s only care is profit and they don’t care about our soldiers.

Many fight on the side of corporations. Hooray! But as we mourn every soldier who loses his life fighting for our country, shouldn’t it be a crime for an American corporation to claim a life of one of our finest men? One person made mention to me corporations owes nothing to consumers (It is not in the definition of consumers). They make this argument with credit card companies. Hey, they can get away with gauging consumers. American consumers are asking for it and it companies right to make a profit. Is it then right for a corporation to provide substandard electricity to our soldiers and then take no responsibility for their deaths?

What is not only ironic, but laughable is Dick Cheney’s continued propaganda to protect America. Who is protecting us and the soldiers from Dick Cheney? If Dick Cheney wants to speak for American and American soldiers then we need to release KBR of their military contract.

Credit Reform - Message to Critics

Anyone who criticizes the new credit card legislation is either greedy, self-centered or needs to back to school. Anyone who has experienced the gauging and ruthless behavior of creditors knows what this bill is about. It is not about relinquishing debts, it is about fair practices. Charging 24% interest on debt is not fair. Changing billing cycles to make profit is not fair. Targeting college kids who don’t have jobs or an income to support credit cards is unjust. I don’t care how you want to twist it to suit personal agendas the bottom line is it not fair.

The point is Credit Unions have successful business charging on 9% on credit cards. Why should Capital One charge 24%? The point is, at creditor discretion they can raise your limit to $10,000 without your permission, you need it, or use it and then turn around and at their discretion without they can reduce it to $8,000 leaving people stranded. The point is, no matter if you read the fine print, the creditors at their discretion can change your terms without notification. So those who criticize people for not reading the fine print, it doesn’t matter if we do, because it can change. And if states had power over creditors, well the state’s legislation is not working.

For the first time in years, our government is doing something to actually protect the average American consumer and perhaps they are protecting us from ourselves. That is the government’s job to protect us from Terrorists, Swine Flu, corporations or even ourselves. For the first time in years the government is doing something that is not in the benefit of big business. I cannot believe people are complaining about our government helping the Average person. Perhaps our government has been asleep at the wheel for so long we don’t what it is like when it actually starts working for all Americans not just a few. Funny, Fox and its fans loved America when our government sponsored the rich and ignored average Americans. Now they hate America and fellow Americans when our government helps the average American. Hm, that is indeed very interesting.

The irony is we complained and moaned about AIG and other big corporations that turned this economy upside down and accept large bail outs and when the government steps in to do something for the consumer…we b****, moan and cry socialism when most people have no idea what socialism is. There is absolute no injustice in this bill and no accounts it will hurt the credit industry and the economy. All it will do is make both corporations and consumers more responsible. And if your credit card stops lending, check out your local credit union.