102. Payday lending

Payday lending has been termed a monster, an addiction and a black hole. Among a number of personal testaments, "Gail" from Columbus claims that it was indeed, "like a monster," and "it consumed me." Her $300 loan took her two years and $2100 to completely pay off- after she fell victim to what often becomes an endless cycle of borrowing and repaying small short term "payday" loans at outlandish interest rates.

Others have deemed it legalized loan sharking. And when it comes to making a dollar and exploiting the poor, there are few legal loopholes left unexplored. Unfortunately, payday lenders are exempt from the Ohio Small Loan Act, which caps interest rates at 28 percent. However, with annual interest rates that approach 400 percent, the endeavor appears to be more like thievery, and a lack of morality, than anything else.

378,000 Ohio borrowers have paid more than 209 million dollars in fees, and the average borrower has between eight and thirteen loans per year. Consumers fall into a destructive cycle from which it is difficult to emerge. One commentator, in response to the argument that payday lenders help people meet short term financial needs, felt the type of help they offered was equivalent to throwing a concrete brick to someone who is drowning. It is not difficult to understand that someone who cannot afford $500 this week will have difficulty affording $575 next week (the typical interest rate consists of charging $15 for every $100 borrowed). Consumers will often pay off that loan by borrowing money from a different payday lender.

The debt trap consists of both the continuous cycle of borrowing, and often ends up in a situation in which borrowers owe numerous lending stores at one time. Critics fail to recognize that when someone needs money- money to pay their rent, purchase their prescriptions or, perhaps, put food on the table- that they will inevitably do whatever it takes. Such desperation includes stealing, selling drugs and agreeing to unreasonable loans. These decisions often become disastrous leading to further financial difficulties, or worse.

Hardly anyone has not noticed the influx of check cashing and pay day loan establishments upon our towns and cities. They have invaded 86 of Ohio's 88 counties. To put the number of payday lenders in perspective, there are more pay day lending stores in Ohio than all of the McDonalds', Burger Kings and Wendys' combined.

I have friends who I bet would argue that if people are not responsible enough to make better financial decisions, then they get what they deserve. And, of course, I am not naive enough not to realize that some people are making horrible financial decisions for lifestyle or addiction- taking a pay day loan to buy a new television, go a short trip or even to purchase drugs. In these cases, there is less sympathy, although education or treatment might be a more pertinent remedy. Either way, at nearly 400 percent interest, there is an unreasonable amount of detriment inflicted on others.

There is hope, as legislators are considering putting a 36 percent interest cap on small loans. Even better, eleven states have made them illegal to operate altogether. Reformers (In a Policy Matters Report, "Trapped in Debt") have proposed the following recommendations:

• Immediate protection from abusive tactics and practices
• Reasonable and Transparent Costs
• Legal Protection for Consumers
• Time to provided and set up financial products at bank branches and credit unions, such as:
• Check Cashing service at a very low interest
• Assistance in opening checking accounts
• Free financial literacy classes
• Offering small loans that can be paid over time

The Ohio Coalition for Responsible Lending has led a campaign to end abusive lending, support reforms that provide reasonable costs, ensure fair and just lending practices for all Ohioans and, perhaps most importantly, encourage lawmakers to reconsider the exception of payday lenders in the Ohio Small Loan Act. People should contact their local and state legislatures to encourage reform. In addition, the Ohio Coalition for Responsible Lending has a hotline where people can call if they need help managing a repayment plan or if they want to share their experience with payday lenders.

There must come a time when our society stands up to those that abuse the poor for personal financial gain. And, in addition to legislation that makes it more difficult for those that take advantage of others, we need to encourage financial literacy. Predatory lending is a significant social ill, whether it is high interest credit cards, payday lending, or dangerous mortgage loans that have led to the housing crisis in Northeast Ohio. It is through both legislation and education that the protection that consumers need and deserve will be realized.

101. Who is the animal in this case?

By now, most are familiar with the allegation that professional football player Michael Vick engaged in illegal dogfighting. At this time, it appears that he is being encouraged by his lawyers to accept the plea bargain, which will likely contain one year in prison. In addition to one year of freedom, admitting to the charges will cost Vick millions of dollars in salary and endorsement deals.

In the dark, grotesque world of dogfighting, in which individuals train and fight dogs, often Pit Bulls, owners seem to enjoy both the bloody battle and wagering on the outcomes. The Human Society describes it this way:

"Dogfighting is a cruel blood-sport in which two dogs, trained to be vicious by torturous methods such as beating, confinement in trunks or closets, or feeding them gunpowder, are pitted against each other in a fight to the death or until one dog cannot continue, for the amusement of spectators and high-priced wagering. Fights can last for hours as the dogs are trained to continue even after brutal wounds are inflicted."

In the Vick case, it is alleged that the dogs that did not meet "show" quality in their test fights were killed, even more tortuously, by hanging, drowning, electrocution, or by beating them to death.

I participated in several of the letter writing campaigns- to the National Football League and Vick's sponsors, such as Nike, which led to his suspension and loss of promotional sponsors. I told them, in addition to the form letters, that I had no intention to support any company or organization that employed people of such moral repulsiveness. I am a lifelong Browns fans, and I would miss rooting for them, but I could not consciously sit there and watch, and support, such a disgrace.

While many people realized the ghastly inhumanity of dog fighting, still others were reluctant, or surprised, that the incident created such an uproar. Disturbing were the comments made by people like Clinton Portis of the Washington Redskins, who quickly ran to Vick's defense and said, "I don't know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it's his property, it's his dog. You want to hunt down Mike Vick over fighting some dogs? If that's what he wants to do, do it. I think people should mind their business." In addition, a lot of fans, who seem to care more about winning football games than the lives of "man's best friend," held steadfast that Vick was innocent until proven guilty, despite the overwhelming amount of evidence. Still others, as a matter of procedure, considered making race a factor.

Vick, who is a registered dog breeder, did not seem too concerned when he commented that he looked forward to clearing his name. Of course, at the time of that statement, he was hiring a high-profile defense team. Even as three of his co-defendants were admitting guilt and taking plea bargains, it seems that Vick is holding out for an O.J. Simpson-type legal miracle. While it could happen, all evidence suggests that a plea bargain would be in his best interest.

As much as I want to see Vick and his sordid friends spend years in jail, the greater good is the attention that this issue has gotten around the country. After paying his dues, Vick will still be wealthy enough to live a comfortable life. It is even likely that he will play football again, if not here (hopefully the NFL will give him a lifetime ban), then maybe in Canada or Europe. The combination of people forgetting and fans wanting their team to win, could lead to reconciliation- though never in my heart. But I hope that people will not forget that dogfighting is illegal, and that there are millions of people that are very passionate to the issue. In addition to the dogfighting, other types of animal fighting, such as cockfighting, have made news, and additional legislation has been passed making it illegal as well. Alas, there are even local reports- evident by the inquiries that have been made into cockfighting in Sheffield Township, and the rumors that heavily persist as to viability of dogfighting in Lorain.

There are not enough adjectives to describe how I feel about this case, but the bigger picture is our regard for animals- especially those animals that rely on us for every aspect of their lives. There are many levels of animal cruelty- far beyond the atrocities presented here. In addition to those animals that live in horrible conditions and die young to support our appetites, sadly it is often our own pets that are neglected and mistreated. The lack of compassion endured by animals includes both those that are needlessly butchered or hunted for food or pleasure, and those that silently sit desolately by themselves in tiny cages and cold barns.

100. Mom is more than his truest friend

Washington Irving wrote, "A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."

By my count, this is my 100th column, and I cannot think of a better occasion to express my appreciation and love for "my truest friend." Irving says it better than I ever could, although he neglects to note the tendency to take a mother for granted- in those times of "prosperity and sunshine."

I am fortunate that my mother has always been there, unconditionally, supporting me, even when she disagrees with me. Driven, but wandering, I have certainly been a handful. Without pause, she is always there to pick me up, and remind me that life does go on.

Growing up, she was the glue that held our family together. I have previously written about some of the challenges my father experienced; however, through it all, she was there- to help him and support us. My parents had a "traditional" relationship, in that she often catered to my father's needs. Even though we found this bothersome at times, Mom knew best, and considering the mitigating circumstances, it worked for us.

I do not think my mother has ever missed a day of work, nor has she ever, to my knowledge, dismissed a responsibility- regardless of how she felt physically or how much she is inconvenienced. My father had many ideas, and she always stuck it out with him- whether it was running a small farm or opening a small restaurant. My siblings and I took her for granted, often running her around town; somehow she managed running a household, small business and getting us to practice on time. All the accolades rendered upon mothers around the world certainly apply.

For my parent's 30th wedding anniversary, we threw them a surprise party. The event featured my father glowing in the attention, and mom out on the dance floor, cutting a rug to the 50s music we arranged. For the event, we put together a parody video, noting in particular the stereotypes within our family. We had my mom, played by my wife, waiting "hand and foot" on my dad, with the religious tune of "Hallelujah" playing in the background every time she walked on screen. She is an angel; my father knew it, and we know it. She has such a sense of kindness and calming, and their marriage of over thirty years was a testament to her commitment to our family.

After my father passed, my mom entered a new segment of her life- one that my siblings and I found refreshing. She has become rather outgoing; doing much more than she ever could in her traditional marriage. She plays cards with her girlfriends, attends Indians games, and makes the occasional trip to Amish country. More than a mom, and my truest friend, she's pretty fun. And funny.

For example, at a recent family gathering, she made "Better Than Sex" cake. Of first note, is this idea that I do not think my mom ever said the word "sex," until I was 30. On this day, my 15 year old niece had over her slightly younger boyfriend. In discussing her cake, my mom without thinking, turned to my niece's boyfriend and said, "So, is it better than sex?" Before she even realized what she said, we were all nearly on the floor in laughter. The startled boyfriend answered the question brilliantly, noting that he had not yet tried the cake.

Very much conservative-leaning, our disagreements, though rarely expressed, are often political. And when our disagreements are discussed, her frustration with me is actually somewhat endearing. I suppose if it were still in her power, she would like to "send me and my liberal ideologies to my room." And since she hardly ever gets mad or frustrated, I feel guilty in that I almost find it funny when she attempts to express it. It is though she does not even know how to do it. Perhaps I will arrange an "anger empowerment" therapy session for her.

Despite the idea that her world is more black and white, she is amazingly adaptive when she must consider shades of gray. I often think what a great world this would be if everyone could be like her. Since that is not possible, I am selfishly grateful that she is my mom, and this column is dedicated to her.

99. Smoking just as scary as terrorism

Cigarettes and terrorists share many unfortunate characteristics. Most significantly, and of considerable concern - they kill people. Their absurd relationship has led to the deaths of thousands of Americans, albeit in very distinctly different ways. The method of operation is a well-known theme for the executioners; cigarettes use addiction to slowly, through years of deteriorating health, kill their users, while terrorists typically use religious passion to tragically and abruptly end the lives of the innocent. It is not for me to say which is worse, though I have witnessed the previous on several occasions.

The impact on this country is several-fold, to the extent that entire books could be, and have been, written on the subjects. Cigarettes and terrorists affect the nation's economy, morale, health and politics. However, when juxtaposed, the two are treated very differently by our government.

Cigarettes kill, by some estimates, 440,000 persons per year, a rate which translates as the cause of 1 in every 5 deaths. By contrast, terrorists killed about 3000 Americans in 2001. This disparity is more than considerable, so much so that one would expect relative government attention. It is interesting to analyze the contrasting government action, one which seems introverted in its approach.

Both terrorists and cigarettes have a tremendous financial impact on Americans. Terrorists destroyed the "Twin Towers," brought air travel to a standstill, nearly crashed the stock market (as "patriotic" Americans rushed to pull their investments), and led America into two wars. The cost endured has been estimated at more than one trillion dollars. However, these costs were largely the result of the decisions made by Americans and our government in response to the attack.

Cigarettes have two effects on the American economy. On one hand it is draining the resources afforded to our healthcare system, specifically driving up healthcare rates. When one considers the lost income, effect on the families and other subsequent factors, the indirect costs of cigarette sales is unimaginable. On the other hand, the government collects taxes on the sales of cigarettes, employee earnings and corporate profits - as well as other grants and settlements provided by the cigarette companies.

In terms of lives, the terrorists, as previously mentioned, are directly responsible for the approximately 3000 killed on September 11, 2001. However, in the aftermath, many more have died, including both Iraqi citizens and American soldiers. The atonement of September 11, in terms of, hunting terrorists, invading the countries that harbor them, and killing just about anyone else that gets in the way (collateral damage), has significantly dwarfed the number of Americans killed by the terrorists.

Comparatively, cigarettes are directly responsible for the 440,000 persons they kill per year. Since 2001, that is over 2.6 million people. While cigarette sales do appear to be declining, as well as the social acceptance of smoking, there does not appear to be a clear government stance on the issue other than to insist that the cigarette companies make the harmful effects known.

It is interesting to note then, that even though the terrorists have not killed even 1 percent of those killed by cigarettes; the United States government has spent such considerable resources to make amends. It has, in addition, created additional state departments, strangled civil liberties, ignored international law, and displayed America in an unfavorable light throughout the world.

In contrast, except for the right to actually smoke them, cigarette companies are permitted to just keep producing a product that is blatantly harmful. This permission is extended in extreme contradiction to any other product that has been found to be harmful - which is usually immediately pulled from the market. The government seems nearly silent in addressing a harm on Americans that is easily identifiable and preventable. If the government was really looking for the "evildoers," they could head down tobacco road to find the corporations that are killing Americans by the thousands each and every day. Its only strategy appears to be increasing the price of cigarettes (or the taxes on cigarettes) until they are no longer affordable - even if the economic drain most affects the addicted poor.

The introverted perspective exists for a number of reasons- most of which are easily identifiable. However, it is the often overlooked perspective that is important. Too often situations are accepted based on tradition rather than reason. If the government really cared about Americans, it would make smoking illegal, and provide the necessary care to help the addicted. The endeavor would save many more lives that the terrorist will probably ever kill- not to mention save our health care system millions of dollars and allow Americans to live healthier lives.