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Carrie Prejean of California, the Miss USA runner-up, |
TWO THINGS got
First, let's talk about credit cards. I am not a fan of plastic money and use mine sparingly. Occasionally I buy gas with my card, and once in a while I use it to buy business supplies over the Internet. Whatever I buy, a pay for at the end of the month (my wife and son do occasionally create a small balance).
If I had my way, I'd cut up the one credit card that I have and never use it again. Unfortunately, in this crazy world, it is hard to survive without one, especially when you have a child away from home in college.
I was thrilled when President Obama announced that he was supporting legislation to crack down on high interest rates and unfair fees that credit card companies charge. It is action that was long overdue.
Then just when I think there is hope, last week I get a letter from my credit card company saying that my interest rate is jumping to 19 point-something percent.
I hit the ceiling! I never miss a payment and never send the check in late. And they're going to charge me almost 20 percent?
This is the same bank that pays me less than 2 percent on my savings account and practically nothing on money-market accounts.
This is also the same bank that got billions in federal bailout money--my tax dollars. Now they are going to charge me loan-shark interest rates?
After several tries, we finally got a credit card representative on the line, and my wife told the woman that if we couldn't get a better interest rate we were canceling the card.
The bank's response?
"There is information in the letter telling you how
In other words, the bank was telling me that it had me by the throat and I was powerless to do anything about it.
My experience is not unique. There are millions
And if banks are using such tactics on good customers, how are they treating marginal customers? In this environment, one might be better off dealing with a New Jersey loan shark than a credit-card company.
Well, I am exercising my options and getting my credit card through another bank --at a much lower rate. I am tired of arrogance.
This brings me to my beauty-queen beef.
How, in a land of (supposedly) free speech, does a woman almost get destroyed for her religious beliefs?
Carrie Prejean, Miss California, came under intense pressure after she said she does not believe in gay marriage while a finalist
In the first place, it was a ridiculous--and politically motivated--question to ask in a beauty contest. Second, the woman has a right to her opinion.
Suddenly, the gay-rights community is out to get Prejean and the media feeds on the story. Thank goodness Donald Trump had the courage to make a responsible decision and allow the Miss USA runner-up to keep her crown.
And about those "revealing" modeling photos of Prejean that suddenly appeared? Ever walk past a Victoria's Secret store in the mall? Some of Prejean's photos were far less revealing than many that appear--larger than life--in that store's windows.
The next thing you know someone will be criticizing the woman for taking a shower in the nude!
I am sick and tired of this "we're going to destroy you because you don't believe what I believe" attitude. It
And I am sick and tired
And while I am on the nausea kick, let me add that
I would cast my vote for
Grrrrr!!!!!!!
Donnie Johnston:
Email: djohnston@freelancestar.com
