The Don of consumer protection Bob Corker has decided that Loan Sharking, doesn't need to be regulated. Did I say Loan Sharking? I meant Pay Day Loan Companies. You know those pillars of the community located next door to the local liquor store. W. Allan Jones, who started Check Into Cash, in Cleveland, Tenn., in 1993, has been a longtime friend and supporter of Mr. Corker’s. The company says it is now the country’s third-largest payday-lending chain, with 1,100 stores in 30 states. Payday loans are short-term, high-interest loans — typically 400 percent on an annualized basis — to help borrowers cover expenses until their next paycheck. Many take out more loans, digging themselves deeper into debt.
Mr. Jones, his relatives and his employees have given money to Mr. Dodd, Mr. Shelby and other members of the Banking Committee, but have been particularly active donors to Mr. Corker, records show. They have contributed at least $31,000 to his campaigns since 2001, when he was running for mayor of Chattanooga.
But payday industry leaders such as Cleveland, Tenn., businessman W. Allan Jones said the proposed cap on interest rates would destroy an industry that helps millions of Americans get short-term loans during financial emergencies and "hasn't taken a penny in any government bailout money.
"Our critics are attempting to capitalize of fears and misinformation generated from the recent credit crisis to further their agendas of total federal control," Mr. Jones said. "Small microloans of $200 didn't cause the nation's financial crisis, yet the industry is criticized by those who did the damage."
Dear Mr. Armstrong:
ReplyDeleteI read this article with great interest, and I have a few questions for you, especially since you have a degree that emphasized economics.
1) Have you ever had a need for short-term credit? What did you do about it?
2) Have you ever set foot inside a payday loan store?
3) What is the sum total of your education regarding payday loans?
4) Have you ever spoken to more than 3 payday loan customers?
5) Have you ever spoken to a payday loan store owner?
6) Why do you call payday loan companies "loan sharks"?
7) What percentage of payday loans are paid off on time, and where does one find that information?
8) Let's say I am in dire need of $300 to fix my car, so I can drive to work. I do not have a credit card. I do not want to ask a friend or relative or employer for a loan because I'm embarrassed to do so. I don't have anything I want to risk losing via a pawn loan. What do you suggest I do to get that $300 (The answer to "budget better" is not an answer. I budget very well. This car repair was unexpected).
I often find that people like you take an elitist stance on the issue of payday loans...because your wife is a dentist and you do just fine, thank you. You've likely never set foot in a store, talked to an owner, talked to more than 3 customers....if you've even talked to one, I'd be shocked.
And by the way, I don't need YOU to tell ME what MY choices of credit should be. There's a reason 9 million people use payday loans each year. Use that economics degree, Chuckles. See if you can guess the reason.
Thank you for your response and I will address your questions in a post later today.
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