Statement from a friend who grew up in Baltimore

[appalachiablue]

45. +1 So true. A 'record', the ubiquitous 'credit report', practically anything can be officially

used to exclude people from jobs, housing and more. The odious credit report has expanded in the last 15 years but was never used for job applications that I recall, only for mortgages and credit cards. Five years ago a friend had to rent cars for a couple months and each time he went to the dealer he made sure to bring the stub for a recent small pension he received. Nothing was ever said, but the reps. approved an extension or new rental due to that, in spite of the fact that he had good credit, credit cards and was a home owner.

For employment the credit report should be abolished period. Someone, maybe Martin O'Malley just brought up the subject. I hope it has a chance, but with banks in control who knows. How sad that young people know this data and others are essential to their lives now, like test scores. As well, arrest and criminal records shouldn't be used unless relevant to the work. This may be addressed in some cases now, like Apple's construction force I think.