Senate Rejects Limit on Credit-Card Interest Rates

[IndianaGreen]

Source: NY Times

May 13, 2009, 5:49 pm

Senate Rejects Limit on Credit-Card Interest Rates
By Carl Hulse

Despite complaints that banks and credit card companies are gouging customers by charging outrageous interest rates, the Senate on Wednesday easily turned back an effort to cap interest rates at 15 percent.

The effort by Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent, drew only 33 votes and needed 60, with a bipartisan group of 60 senators opposing it as the Senate pushed its credit card overhaul toward the finish line. Some Democrats and consumer groups have said that an interest cap is needed to put real teeth into an otherwise solid bill.

Other backers of the measure calculated that an interest rate ceiling would doom the popular legislation. The banking industry, which had some heavy-weight representatives monitoring the vote off of the Senate floor, warned that an interest rate limit could cause a sour reaction in the financial markets.

But Mr. Sanders said the card companies and banks were engaged in conduct that could get others hauled into court. He said one-third of all credit card holders are paying interest above 20 percent and as high as 41 percent.

“When banks are charging 30 percent interest rates, they are not making credit available,” said Mr. Sanders, who noted credit unions are limited to 15 percent. “They are engaged in loan-sharking.”



Read more: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/13/senate-rejects-limit-on-credit-card-interest-rates/?partner=rss&emc=rss

---

Meanwhile, the banking industry whores in the Senate want to impose a tax on the soda we drink:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=3874891&mesg_id=3874891

Remember these scum on election day.

[DebbieCDC]

1. Amen Bernie

Now we know for sure the banks own congress -- as if any proof was needed.

[salguine]

50. Consumers need to organize a nationwide event where no one uses a credit card for one week.

[Rwalsh]

62. Guess I won't be donating to DU this week n/t

:hide:

[Grinchie]

115. Better yet, Don't use Cards at all.. There is a technology called a "Check"

It's been around for centuries apparently, and for many years it was a good as cash.

The only major drawback was that it required operating a writing instrument and formulating the words to describe the amount of money to be paid, along with a date, the recipients and ultimately your signature.

[FiveGoodMen]

247. Lots and Lots of places won't take checks anymore

[Grinchie]

251. Thats the idea. Banks are deprecating checks on purpose.

Just think about it for a minute. As I mentioned in my previous post, personal and business checks have been around since the invention of money. Money was originally a receipt for gold on deposit at the moneychangers.

Today, we have rampant Credit Card fraud, where milllions of credit card numbers are compromised and traded for other purposes. Additionally, many companies have been caugt double billing credit cards.

The whole idea that Handwritten cheack are any less secure than credit cards is a lie. In fact, a fraudulent check in many case is easier to identify and get a conviction than credit card fraud, namely because you have physical writing that you can examine and perhaps track down to the writer of the check. People passing bad checks were subject to the law as well as the forger.

Now, here is the good part. The banks years ago passed legislation that they no longer have to prove the identity of the receiver of the check. For example, if a check is written to and individual, then they are liable for any amount if the check is cashed out for anyone other that the person writtten on the check. However, when the check is written to a corporation, they have no liability whatsoever, and will pay it regardless. The check will be paid no matter what, and it is up to the accountholder to be alert and catch the fraudulent transaction. From there it is a dance between banks, law enforcemnet and ultimate liability, but the banks are more or less insulated from any responsibility in that case.

The banking system is systematically removing our ability to write personal checks, and one has to ask yourself "Why? A personal check is private property. They cannot confiscate or deactivate a checkbook. A check require no electricty or infrastructure to process. It allows a personal interaction between the payor and the payee when those situations arise in daily life, yet all of a sudden, we see the big banks marketing that checks are bad, Credit Cards and plastic money are good.

They market checks are somehow less secure than Credits Cards, which is a lie. The only reason that Credit Cards may have any advantage, is due to the fact that you can use the bargaining power of the Crtedit Card company to resolve any Differences, never mind that in a normal world you used to be able to do it yourself, for less cost. Now, they do it for you, Guaranteed, which create a false sense of security on part of consumers, and increases costs overall. 20% interest rates? Multiple Tiers of Interests rates amalagamated into one monthly payment? Principal applied to Higher Tiers before the Lower interest rate tiers see one nickel? ( I believe thats a Capital One innovation )

Sure, there are places that won't take checks anymore. Don't shop there. Find places that honor checks and execise your right.

10 years ago I would have never dreamed of defending the Personal Check, but after I learned of Check 21, and then found that the banks are making it more and more difficult to write a personal check, I use it as my first means of paying for anything. Usually, the scenario is I get to the cashier, get the bill and pay it with a check. Nine times out of ten, there will be some initial difficulty in processing the check. The manager is called, who pushes a button on the register, and the check is ultimately accepted, and I see it on my statement.

The reality is that there is usually some "Problem" in accepting a check, from businesses that have been accepting checks for decades. Something is up, and the removal of Personal Checks is a bad trend in our economy. Don't fall for it.

I remember in 2001-2002 that California was subjected to rolling blackouts caused by manipulation of the energy market by Enron. When the blackouts hit, there were numerous stories on the news that showed supermarkets shutting down, because they had no way of processing the sales. Since I was a software engineer at the time, I was absolutley horrified that the clerks and managers of these stores could not use pen and paper to support their business. They would rather shut down than make an error that would most like be a few cents at the end of the day.

This is the world we live in today. Madison Avenue is selling you a bill of goods and is slowly, inexorably taking your rights away, and the human public believes them and skips along without a care or thought in a world.

Write Checks! Retain this most basic function of the economy. The banks hate personal checks, and they are trying their best to make them disappear.

[demwing]

254. Fuck Credit Cards. Use Debit Visa/Mastercards - just like a check

spend only what you have, even where checks are not accepted. Even better than checks, in fact. Debit cards don't bounce.

[Liberal_Christian]

124. NO! FUCK THAT! Americans need to organize a stike! a REAL boston tea party!!!!!!!

If every American exploited by the credit unions REFUSES to pay the post-contract inflated interest; that would be a true American Act against "taxation without representation"

[Butch350]

269. Please...

The banking industry has the bucks to wait you out. And then they would find a way to retaliate
against you for doing so. Get use to it gang - money and power rules this country.

Congress and the Corporate world or the pimps and the american population is their whores.

And when the whores start getting uppity - the pimps will Bitch-Slap-Em. IMHO of course.

Starting to get the picture?

[villager]

2. when the fuck does the *payment strike* start

...to bring these corporate monoliths to their knees?

[lib2DaBone]

52. Agreed! A great idea. "I'm like a mule.. you beat me.. I sit down."

[EnviroBat]

193. Count me in!

Fuck these assholes. What are they doing in our senate, dictating governmental policy. Oh, that's right I forgot. They control EVERYTHING, and WE ALLOW THEM TO DO SO!

[Bryn]

55. Agreed!

[Liberal_Christian]

126. Agreed!

I know easier said than done but how would people start this movement?

[TBF]

145. Started in 2003 and ongoing. Move to Texas first. n/t

[LaydeeBug]

190. why? nt

[WriteDown]

210. Texas does not allow your wages to be garnished. nt

[TBF]

219. The consumer laws re credit cards are much better.

They can't garnish wages, take your primary residence, or your car. It's best to turn off your phone ringer, hire a consumer lawyer & make the companies sue you (you can then decide whether to fight them - often the bottom feeder suing you does not have the paperwork to prove their case), or settle with them at a reasonable rate that takes off some of their hideous rates/late charges.

It's really a racket and one of the main reasons I'm not a big fan of Joe Biden. I can understand banks making a profit, but this credit card thing is a scam. I have kept a few small cards and car loans to rebuild credit and use Am Ex (pd monthly) for unexpected expenses. Other than that we pay cash for everything, and pay/settle/etc... on those old cards until the statute runs. With the caveat that small payments don't cut it - they keep the clock running - so talk to a lawyer to see about settling some out or how to best go forward. It ruins your credit for awhile, but if you have no other option for paying them back this is a way to go.

I'm not a lawyer so again you must talk to a consumer lawyer in Texas to get advice for your particular situation. I also don't advocate using this to get rid of old debt and take on more. The best move is to cut up most of those cards (I did in 2003), keep one maybe for emergencies, and pay cash going forward. You'll be glad you did, I know.

Just my opinion of course, but I've been through all this and have seen a lot.

[Baby Snooks]

234. True but they can take your home...

Of course at the moment who wants it? In Texas or anywhere else. Who has any equity to cover the debt with?

[Grinchie]

252. Actually, your debt load must be very high to take your home

The biggest fraud perpetrated today is "Debt Consolidation", where the banks suggest that you take adavantage of the conveinience of turn all your bills into one manageable payment.

What they are asking you to do is to Transform unsecured debt, from which they can recover nothing, to a Secured debt, where they can take you home or real property. As soon as you take that second mortgage, or refinance and increase you monthly payment, you have now basically put another foot into the bear trap.

The whole financial industry wins big, and the sucker that fell for the "Debt Consolidation" Myth loses by becoming more deeply mired in the perpetual struggle of Debt Slavery.

No offense to anyone that fell for this. I fell for it and it led to ruin and I will never fall for any "Suggestions" like that from any bank ever again.

As far as equity, I have tons, but it still doesn't matter. The Banks have clamped down and are forcing a deflationary event in order to weaken America for the next attack, which will be inflation, shortages and fewer rights.

[TBF]

264. Yes, that's why you have to talk to a lawyer.

Filing bankruptcy in Texas has it's own laws as well. It's really state by state. We chose to not do that, and don't own a house (although we will inherit eventually), so we're better off in our case letting it go. Some banks were reasonable to work with & would take payments/lower rates. Those I worked with. Others seem to have this scam where they jack up your rates, others see it on your credit and do as well, and then refuse to work with you - pretty much forcing you to declare bankruptcy. It's a really horrible racket, and one that should be stopped.

[Lorien]

170. We do need to organize and do something, no doubt about it

leave the banks and go to credit unions, cut up the credit cards and only use debit or AmEx, SOMETHING. The banks take and take and give so little in return. Enough already!

[BonnieJW]

207. I'm in. One question.

I use my debit card, but I use it as credit since it gives me points. Do I need to use it as a debit card instead?

[Veruca Salt]

267. Double check with your bank but I

believe that if you use a debit card as either debit or credit it still comes out of your checking account only. Unless of course you have an actual credit line of overdraft protection attached to your checking account but those are very rare now most banks use the savings overdraft protection where they will move money from savings into checking to cover an overdraft of your checking.

[jimlup]

178. I'm in!!! Let's do this...

We just need about 20% they would cry uncle in about 2 months - maybe less...

[Butch350]

270. Now I could G for that!

Stop paying those bastards and make them spend some money to get their money through the legal system.

[LakeSamish706]

3. It would appear that Senator Durbin's statement was right on....

The Senate is owned by the banks.

[INdemo]

192. The Senate is owned by banks....and insurance companies

so why would we expect health care reform or one-payer-system?We wouldn't need health insurance companies..So with the banks and insurance companies having very high stakes in treasury bonds we can only dream about real health care reform.Take the profits away from these companies?...Don't think so

[SOS]

233. The Senate is indeed owned by Wall Street

An idea:

Rather than a 15% national limit, the legislation should nullify the Marquette decision of 1978.
Then state usury laws could be enforced against national banks.

This approach would garner more votes.

[jody]

4. Things like this convince me corporatists have bought enough of the People's representatives both

Democratic and Republican to pass bi-partisan bills written by corporatist lackeys.

[IndianaGreen]

7. Why do you think they have kept Single Payer off the health care reform table?

You will need a Bolivarian Revolution in America if you want real change!

[jody]

25. I know, see partial quote below from a thread on DU's Labor forum

Then they bribed the people's representatives in Washington and the people ignored their loss.

And the only jobs left were in the U.S. Foreign Legion, defending the worldwide assets of those who had taken the people's jobs and stolen the people's government.

The people shouted, "We the people are dead, long live the corporation."

And the high priests of Mammon laughed about how easy it was to destroy the world's longest running, most successful experiment in democracy.

And the thirsty and hungry and sick and imprisoned and naked prayed to Mammon to have mercy on their wretched. miserable bodies because the people had lost the very soul of democracy,

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=367x19609

[Voltaire]

139. When that Bolivarian Revolution is ready to go

give me a call. Till then, I think I will tend to my garden.

[Grinchie]

253. I've been convinced since 2002-3.

The government now behaves as if it is a Corporation. They don't believe that Corporations have more power then the Government, which has the inconvenient attachment to the Constitution, so they ignore the Constitution and run it like a Big Corporation.

This is the cancer that has infected America.

[Mass]

5. More BS by the "moderate" Democrats... It is the 2nd time they reject an usury rate.

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=1&vote=00191

[debbierlus]

69. One party...under a corporate god. When's the revolution?

[Robbien]

6. Just about half of Dem Senators support the predatory credit card rates

If only 33 Senators supported Sanders bill, then the other half of Dem Senators favor the practice of credit card companies charging loan shark rates on their credit cards.

Senators for Sale.

[county worker]

8. "cause a sour reaction in the financial markets" GMAFB!

How about a sour reaction in the consumer's pocket book? We've always had caps on consumer interest rates in the past and the interest was tax deductible until the repukes got in to control!

[Optical.Catalyst]

181. The "sour reaction" would be a reduction in campaign donations from the financial institutions

The lobbyists would cut off the donations and perks to politicians.

Money talks.

[DURHAM D]

9. Good God - no point in pretending any longer.

We don't have a democratic option in the current one party system.

[villager]

11. We *do* need an alternative to the single "Corporate Party" and its two divisions

n/t

[Enthusiast]

183. How can we come to any

other conclusion?

[blueclown]

10. We need names of the 27 "Democratic" senators who opposed this.

Fuck them. They all deserve to be voted out.

[Mass]

13. Roll call vote here.

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=1&vote=00191

33 democrats voted for it. 6 did not vote (including Kennedy and Milkusky who were not there for the day), 20 voted against it.

[blueclown]

14. I see the 20 are the usual Democratic dreck

The Bayhs and the Nelsons and the rest of them. How can they sleep at night?

[lazyriver]

54. "How can they sleep at night?"...

On a big ol' pile of credit card company and lobbyist money, that's how.

May they burn in hell with the bastards that fund them.

[Grinchie]

119. It's not the money -- It's the name on the entry list to Iron Mountain Complex.

They have the assumption that they will be part of the chosen few to entire that magical realm of the Undisclosed Secure area when the people finally decided enough is enough and refuse to operate the function of Government for them.

I think it's time America took a nice long vacation, fix up the house, spend time with the family and relax. Let the beauraucrats run washington without their flunkies for a while.

[Touchdown]

165. I'm shocked. My two Bayh lackeys from Colorado voted yes!

:wow:

Never saw that coming.

[PassingFair]

188. The Bayhs and the Nelson Twins and sometimes *

* Debbie Stabenow, but only if they need her.

[IndianaGreen]

15. The useless Evan Bayh voted in lockstep with Republican Dick Lugar

What a POS!

[wisteria]

64. Thanks for the voting info Mass.

Our one great senator from Pa- Casey voted yeah along with Senator Kerry. This is good to know.

[knitter4democracy]

79. Rassafrassin' Stabenow!!

That dink needs to get tossed out and replaced with Jenny when her term's up.

[Moochy]

91. For Those Too Lazy To Follow Link :)

Alphabetical by Senator Name
Akaka (D-HI), Nay
Alexander (R-TN), Nay
Barrasso (R-WY), Nay
Baucus (D-MT), Nay
Bayh (D-IN), Nay
Begich (D-AK), Yea
Bennet (D-CO), Yea
Bennett (R-UT), Nay
Bingaman (D-NM), Nay
Bond (R-MO), Nay
Boxer (D-CA), Yea
Brown (D-OH), Yea
Brownback (R-KS), Nay
Bunning (R-KY), Nay
Burr (R-NC), Nay
Burris (D-IL), Yea
Byrd (D-WV), Nay
Cantwell (D-WA), Nay
Cardin (D-MD), Yea
Carper (D-DE), Nay
Casey (D-PA), Yea
Chambliss (R-GA), Nay
Coburn (R-OK), Nay
Cochran (R-MS), Nay
Collins (R-ME), Nay
Conrad (D-ND), Yea
Corker (R-TN), Nay
Cornyn (R-TX), Nay
Crapo (R-ID), Nay
DeMint (R-SC), Nay
Dodd (D-CT), Yea
Dorgan (D-ND), Yea
Durbin (D-IL), Yea
Ensign (R-NV), Nay
Enzi (R-WY), Nay
Feingold (D-WI), Yea
Feinstein (D-CA), Yea
Gillibrand (D-NY), Yea
Graham (R-SC), Nay
Grassley (R-IA), Yea
Gregg (R-NH), Nay
Hagan (D-NC), Nay
Harkin (D-IA), Yea
Hatch (R-UT), Nay
Hutchison (R-TX), Nay
Inhofe (R-OK), Nay
Inouye (D-HI), Yea
Isakson (R-GA), Nay
Johanns (R-NE), Nay
Johnson (D-SD), Nay
Kaufman (D-DE), Nay
Kennedy (D-MA), Not Voting
Kerry (D-MA), Yea
Klobuchar (D-MN), Yea
Kohl (D-WI), Yea
Kyl (R-AZ), Nay
Landrieu (D-LA), Nay
Lautenberg (D-NJ), Yea
Leahy (D-VT), Not Voting
Levin (D-MI), Yea
Lieberman (ID-CT), Nay
Lincoln (D-AR), Nay
Lugar (R-IN), Nay
Martinez (R-FL), Nay
McCain (R-AZ), Nay
McCaskill (D-MO), Yea
McConnell (R-KY), Nay
Menendez (D-NJ), Yea
Merkley (D-OR), Yea
Mikulski (D-MD), Not Voting
Murkowski (R-AK), Nay
Murray (D-WA), Nay
Nelson (D-FL), Nay
Nelson (D-NE), Nay
Pryor (D-AR), Nay
Reed (D-RI), Yea
Reid (D-NV), Yea
Risch (R-ID), Nay
Roberts (R-KS), Nay
Rockefeller (D-WV), Not Voting
Sanders (I-VT), Yea
Schumer (D-NY), Yea
Sessions (R-AL), Nay
Shaheen (D-NH), Nay
Shelby (R-AL), Nay
Snowe (R-ME), Nay
Specter (D-PA), Nay
Stabenow (D-MI), Nay
Tester (D-MT), Nay
Thune (R-SD), Nay
Udall (D-CO), Yea
Udall (D-NM), Yea
Vitter (R-LA), Nay
Voinovich (R-OH), Not Voting
Warner (D-VA), Nay
Webb (D-VA), Yea
Whitehouse (D-RI), Not Voting
Wicker (R-MS), Nay
Wyden (D-OR), Yea

[AllyCat]

128. Max Baucus....what a surprise....not...

[Baby Snooks]

174. And next election?

Everyone will forget they voted no on this and return them to Congress. Just because they have the little (D) next to their name. And of cousre most of them have the political machine at home in their control to block anyone else with a little (D) next to their name from challenging them. Oh, people do challenge them. And then are literally run out of town. The party supports the incumbent. And the party demands you support the candidate the party supports.

Once again, something for Wall Street. Nothing for Main Street.

[LuckyLib]

215. And the Repugs keep denying Minnesota a Senator!

[AllyCat]

125. Shame on these bought-and-paid-for "Dems". My senators voted for cap

One, (Kohl) is a surprise. I expected him to vote with the big business crowd. I'll have to call him in the morning and tell him thanks for trying to stick up for us.

[mvd]

129. Good for Casey, voting Yea

He's not all that bad on economic matters.

[vaberella]

160. There are way too many Repubs dressed as Dems in the Senate. n/t

[Robb]

216. (Side note) Bennet (CO) seems to have his head right on this

Given his voting record lately, I'm quite surprised. Thanks for the link.

[Triana]

12. ONCE again Americans are held hostage by timid lawmakers and big banks

WHEN DOES IT STOP?

[Old Coot]

16. Never.

It will never change.

[IndianaGreen]

17. We need more Socialists in Congress like Bernie Sanders

Socialists will always take the side of the working class.

[Abq_Sarah]

27. Lawmakers aren't timid

Except when it comes to losing campaign donations from the financial sector.

I suspect if we made a chart, we could show that the "no" votes are beneficiaries of campaign donations from the very industries they've been asked to police.

[ronnie624]

224. No doubt.

And of those who voted 'yeah', we would likely find that they too accept campaign donations and lobbying money from corporate interests; pharmaceutical, insurance, defense, etc (I hate using the term 'defense' in reference to war profiteers).

I don't know how we will ever escape from the cycle of quasi legal bribery of 'our' representatives.

[Butch350]

84. When your dead and buried!

[bread_and_roses]

18. His Bankster buds must have given Schumer permission to vote "yea"

and he turn gave same to his handmaid Gillibrand. They must have known it was in the bag.

[Plucketeer]

19. SENATORS FOR SALE!!!!

Get your personal congress votes here! Credit cards accepted!

[underpants]

59. $$$

Them credit card people don't spend money to lose money

You can smell the filthy money from here

[L0oniX]

20. No surprise. They ALL want money for re-election campaigns. We are fucked!

[Zodiak]

21. The DLC and its minions strike again

Gee, big surprise.

They really are trying very hard to get the people to rise up with pitchforks and torches. Economic devastation plagues this country, and BOTH parties offer nothing but a nod to the banks?

I have said this many times and will say it again...the reason power returns back to Republican hands regularly is because the Democrats are feckless and cowardly. They rarely do anything at all for anyone but the same entrenched interests the Republicans love so much. People lose heart and do not vote, and then the next Republican asshole takes office.

We've been in this repeating cycle for my entire life.

Vote the goddamned DLC assholes out and replace them with Democratic populists whom conservative districts will vote for. If that is not allowed to happen, then pitchforks and torches are all that is left. People are fucking starving these days!

[avaistheone1]

45. Yes. The only way things are going to change is with public financing for

elections. Today is just one of countless cases in point.

What a travesty of democracy this credit card vote was.

[Grinchie]

123. Voting no longer means anything when the parties are homogenous.

I tend to agree with the late Aaron Russo, that the 2 party political system is a fraud

I highly recomend the movie "Freedom to Fascism", which makes some very good points. His interview with Alex Jones is very interesting as well. These videos are freely available in their entirety on the web, Youtube and Google video for those that are interested.

[handmade34]

22. very troubling!!

[Liberal Veteran]

23. What the hell is wrong with these people?

So apparently there are only 32 democrats in Congress.

[Mithreal]

56. Some will have played games with that vote as well

knowing that it was not going to pass, so that number is pretty fuzzy.

[DaLittle Kitty]

104. Watch THIS and You Will Understand COPLETELY What The Hell Is Wrong W/ These People!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBJAkCjjz1Y

They care only about themselves and their BENEFACTORS who with their Corporate Lobbyist campaign contributions funnel corporate cash to those who are willing to "work with" their "corporate sponsors." That's HOW IT works folks and THAT is WHY WE R F*CKED! :think: then :puke:

[DaLittle Kitty]

110. John Russell Was ALL Over This In 2008!

http://www.johnrussellforcongress.com/page.asp?PageId=54

Taken from John Russell on the Economy as appears in the link from John's website during the 2008 election cycle...

A Tax Cut Targeted At Those Who Need IT Most

The decline in the U.S. as well as regional economies such as ours has resulted in great financial pain for working Americans. Consequently, many Americans have resorted to debt in order to finance everyday expenses due to declining incomes. Much of that debt has been incurred via credit cards. Credit card debt has risen tremendously over the course of the last decade as a percentage of income with no relief in sight. Credit card interest rates are at levels previously only seen wben dealing with loansharks. A remedy is required and fast!

I can remember when credit card interest was deductible from your Federal income tax. I am sure that many readers can remember this as well. I will when elected to congress advocate for and author a bill aimed not only at restoring Federal income tax deductibility for credit card interest, but one which is also focused on targeted regulatory reform of the banking industry. Thirty percent interest rates on credit cards in addition to assorted fees charged have become usurious and must be addressed. Legislation to restore Federal income tax deductibility for credit card interest expenditures will represent a tax cut that for many people will be substantial and will be targeted at those citizens most in need of tax relief.

Tax loopholes that favor corporate tax dodging, whether those corporations operating on U.S. soil are foreign or domestic, must be closed. Those corporations who place a P.O. Box in Cancun must be held accountable, and perform according to their income and ability to support this nation upon which they depend for safe harbor, as well as profits. The IRS must be funded and staffed appropriately! Those who are most able… need to pay their fair share! :)

[truedelphi]

263. Thank you for posting this. This John Russell guy tells it like it is.

Wish there was a way for it to be a mandatory viewing type of thing.

[Kali]

24. assholes

[babsbunny]

26. The Senate can be replaced?

If not, they will go to Hell with the rest of these people who have ruined this Country!

[defendandprotect]

156. Senate can be replaced -- in from 18 to 12 years . . .!!!

The Senate is the brakes on the House -- slowing down the will of the people --

and they do it well!

[Blackhatjack]

28. Time for a million man march on the Senators' Offices Who Voted This Down...

.... When agriculture subsidies were threatened farmers drove their tractors to D.C.

There are a lot more than a million credit card holders affected by this, they need to mass at the US Senate and demand that the Senators voting against this measure come out and face them to explain their votes.

We are getting close here .... 40-60 million uninsured, 15% real unemployment, predatory banks and mortgage companies, etc.

Won't be long, because the people have little left to lose...

[jimmybama]

29. Did you expect any less?

With our government of the rich for the rich nothing
beneficial for the little guy will happen..It truly is PAST
time for a 3rd party.

[IndianaGreen]

30. How about lynching the whole lot of them!

We need an American version of the storming of the Bastille, or the Winter Palace. Heads must roll!

[mbperrin]

78. Apparently that really is what it is going to take.

Good gosh, I haven't been teargassed since 1971.....

[avaistheone1]

44. We should have a DEMOCRATS DO YOUR JOB march.

These Dems are not doing anything to help the people of this country or of their respective state.

They need to be called out, shamed and thrown out of office.

[defendandprotect]

157. They're doing plenty to help themselves to fine living, constant raises . . .

and great health care benefits.'

We should make sure that whatever health care "reform" is passed, Congress gets

to enjoy it with us!!! And pay for it themselves!

[EC]

31. simple for me

just cancel all my cards and tell them why...

[NeoConsSuck]

35. Better yet

If you can, pay off your balance every month, and in the memo line of your check, write "Thanks for the free loan!"

[chill_wind]

173. I LIKE that.

[MrBlueSky]

32. This really makes me mad!!!

Both of my (supposedly) progressive Democratic senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, bot voted nay! Imma send them some nasty letters!!!

[windbreeze]

131. Right behind you....They pissed me off once again...n/t

[windbreeze]

133. Have you read the release from yesterday, from Patty Murray? link incl.

http://murray.senate.gov/news.cfm?id=312879


So what am I not understanding here...she made a speech supporting the act, told all sorts of nightmare stories about "her constituent's cc experiences"... encouraged the Senate to pass the bill this week, then voted against it??? What the hell??? I haven't read the bill, but is it one of those that if you vote NO, you actually vote Yes???....otherwise this speech, and then a No vote, are confusing as hell...wb

[Norrin Radd]

155. No surprise there, Cantvotewell and Murray, our resident DINOs.

[DU GrovelBot]

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Donate and you'll be automatically entered into our daily contest.
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[underpants]

61. Do you take credit cards?

[Wizard777]

238. So that's like what a 20.00 donation to DU and a 200.00 donation to your Credit Card company?

[jody]

34. REMEMBER -- Credit Card Companies require binding arbitration that takes away our right under

the Seventh Amendment to have civil disputes settled by a jury of our peers.

SCOTUS has approved that infringement upon our rights but congress can pass a law that prohibits credit card companies from putting binding arbitration clauses in credit card agreements.

[NorthCarolina]

36. The people this legislation would help do not have the means to line the politicians pockets

so the politicians have little incentive to help these folks through legislation. I'm quite sure that for most, if not all, their "Nay" vote proved quite lucrative.

[d_b]

37. I'm just all sorts of proud about being a Democrat today.

[d_b]

38. but at least Begich voted for it.

[AnneD]

39. I think it is time the Democrats...

do some House cleaning...and Senate cleaning. People need to start voting their pocketbooks and their self interest.

[xxqqqzme]

175. We also need a majority

leader who is not afraid to kick some ass and round up these strays. There is no majority leadership in the senate....hasn't been for quite a while.

[AnneD]

206. I firmly believe that ....

if we start looking at some of these 'DEM' and GOP voting records and cast them out accordingly, It won't matter much whose in charge because WE, not the lobbyist will be in charge. OMG what a concept-Congress responding to the will of the people.

Frankly, at this point I don't see a nickles worth of difference between the DEM and GOP so I don't see how a DEM majority would mean squat. They have reneged on so much that they ran on. Obama may be popular at the moment but he'll lose his base if he doesn't get back to his DEM POPULIST ROOTS.

People are angry, hungry, losing their homes and livelihood-IN AMERICA. A large number are slipping into poverty. A large, hungry, homeless, armed populace can develop a life of their own. Folks don't remember the riots that took place in the Depression (actually not much was written on purpose). People here laugh and make fun of the tea baggers but through their misguided way-they bring up a point-anger is just below the surface. Riots will happen again if action is not taken quickly. We need real positive concrete action-like Credit card companies being called to the carpet and bankruptcy judges being able to set terms to help people keep their houses. The DEM have a choice-they can ride the wave or get crushed by it. Right now, my money is on them getting crushed-unless Obama gets more aggressive for the people.

[OhioChick]

40. Becoming obvious "who owns who." n/t

[ihavenobias]

92. Yep. n/t

[GOTV]

201. At least our Ohio Dem voted for it!

[pinniped]

41. WTF is their excuse for the sour markets right now?

The banking industry, which had some heavy-weight representatives monitoring the vote off of the Senate floor, warned that an interest rate limit could cause a sour reaction in the financial markets.


Assholes.

This shouldn't surprise anyone. The congrass whores always take money from the banking industry and do as they're told.

The banking assholes probably found a way to funnel the BS TARP $$$$ back to these clowns.

[kaygore]

42. I am keeping a file of these votes so that I can write LTTE when the

whores are up for reelection.

[billyoc]

43. Payment strike, Rent strike, Mortgage strike.

[Hissyspit]

46. Senate to average Americans:

Ha, ha. Fuck you. Loan sharks love us.

[Wapsie B]

246. Yeah they used to work for the Mafia. Now they have MBAs and work for banks.

[Laelth]

47. "They are engaged in loan-sharking."

k&r for the truth.

:dem:

-Laelth

[blueknight]

51. the dems just keep

trying to convince me to vote for a independent or green party candidate.which i will next time. and if my one vote causes a repuke to win the presidency, FUCK IT! i just dont give a rats ass anymore

[liberal N proud]

48. Money is the only thing that rules in this country

If you have it, you can use the power of the money to take everyone else's.


The thieves will continue to rob us blind.

[howmad1]

149. Only goes to prove one thing......

....Crime sure does pay! Teaching my kids and grand kids this fact every time I see them. They must be listening, one of them went into politics.

[Bryn]

49. Ugh!

This makes me so sick that they are not for us the People, but for the Corporation. We have to do something!

Government should be afraid of us people, not us to be afraid of THEM!

[orleans]

53. assholes!

Akaka (D-HI)
Alexander (R-TN)
Barrasso (R-WY)
Baucus (D-MT)
Bayh (D-IN)
Bennett (R-UT)
Bingaman (D-NM)
Bond (R-MO)
Brownback (R-KS)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Byrd (D-WV)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Carper (D-DE)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Coburn (R-OK)
Cochran (R-MS)
Collins (R-ME)
Corker (R-TN)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC)
Ensign (R-NV)
Enzi (R-WY)
Graham (R-SC)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hagan (D-NC)
Hatch (R-UT)
Hutchison (R-TX)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Isakson (R-GA)
Johanns (R-NE)
Johnson (D-SD)
Kaufman (D-DE)
Kyl (R-AZ)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Lieberman (ID-CT)
Lincoln (D-AR)
Lugar (R-IN)
Martinez (R-FL)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Murkowski (R-AK)
Murray (D-WA)
Nelson (D-FL)
Nelson (D-NE)
Pryor (D-AR)
Risch (R-ID)
Roberts (R-KS)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shaheen (D-NH)
Shelby (R-AL)
Snowe (R-ME)
Specter (D-PA)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Tester (D-MT)
Thune (R-SD)
Vitter (R-LA)
Warner (D-VA)
Wicker (R-MS)
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=1&vote=00191#position

[unpossibles]

203. Good to know one of my Senators was doing his job

Ohio:
Brown (D-OH), Yea
Voinovich (R-OH), Not Voting

Voinovich is generally a useless ass who needs to go, and has needed to go for some time now.

[Mithreal]

57. When it comes to the hard votes, never count on either WA senator. nt

[wisteria]

58. A cap at least temporarily would have been a great gesture on part of the banks directed at their

cardholders, but they really don't care about fair business practices. They would rather continue to gouge the public with outlandish interest rates. And, I would like to know what excuses the Senator's who voted in favor of the banks offered to defend this continuation of gouging and unfair business practices towards average Americans.

[onehandle]

60. Sigh.

Glad I'm not in debt.

[Jeep789]

63. We should use the Biblical references to usury to turn

the right wing base around on this issue. They want Biblical law, I'll be happy to give it to them, in this case.

[Chisox08]

65. It goes to show that Senator Dick Durbin was right when he said

"Congress is owned by the Banks."

[depakid]

103. Also goes to who that Nader was absolutely right

on these sorts of issues, there's NOT A DIME'S WORTH OF DIFFERENCE between the pafrties.

[AlbertCat]

66. warned that an interest rate limit could cause a sour reaction in the financial markets

God forbid that should happen!!!! Wouldn't want anyone having a sour reaction....except maybe credit card holders. I wonder of which there are more...people in the financial markets or people with credit cards.

It's obvious both houses of Congress are not interested in changing anything. No one is trying to solve the Depression we're in. Remember when it was all "We need to just do something fast and we'll fix it later"? This is later and of course nothing is getting fixed. The only thing happening is that the old system is trying to be restarted.

[babsbunny]

67. Me thinks the Senate is trying to make us grow a pair

I'm ready, are you? We have to tell them what we want.

[natrat]

68. maybe the great democrat obama will intercede on our behalfs, no i didn't think so

[rasputin1952]

70. The obvious answer to this is for virtually everyone to stop using their

CC's, pay down the balance and chop them up. If no one used them the banks would really feel the pinch...and so what, the best that would happen is that rates would come down...:D

[Flatulo]

90. That is precisely the only tactic that would work. Stop using them.

Unfortunately, too many people need to put essential things like food and medicine on their CC these days, so I wouldn't hold my breath.

Personally, I pay off the balance every month. In the industry, I am what is known as a deadbeat.

[rasputin1952]

106. It is a question of priorities and the ability to restrain...

the basics are quite simple:

Food

Clothing

Shelter

A job

A viable way to get top work

Medications if necessary



Almost everything else is superfluous to varying degrees. Shelter includes energy expenditures; viable way to get to work can be anything from a car, mass transit, a bike or walking. Medications are a biggie for many, especially those w/o insurance.

Clothing...does anyone really need a $500 suit or a $125 blouse right now? Keep it basic and and as inexpensive as possible.

Food...Cheaper cuts of meat, more veggies, pastas, no lobster and cracked crab, (this also helps repopulate over fished species until the economy lifts up).

Bottom line...some producers will suffer, but the nation is suffering now. If people really want prices to come down, they will consume less...the basics, supply and demand...less demand, more supply at lower prices.

For some, it may be impossible to get by on the short w/o a credit card, they are already pretty well tapped out...but if we were a cash society...we'd control the economy, both local and national.

[Mithreal]

101. Nice thought but Greenspan planned easy credit replace wages. nt

[rasputin1952]

107. Now easy credit puts people on the brink of disaster...

we should be a cash and carry society. By using plastic, we're killing ourselves finacially.

[TankLV]

197. I did that finally over two years ago - it was painful, but it's DONE and I'm THROUGH!

I was lucky.

It took over 15 years or so, but I did it.

I don't use credit cards anymore - only have a "check card" or "debit card" that goes directly to my checking account.

EVERYTHING I pay is on a cash basis.

And the fucking credit companies try to tell us to USE CREDIT or it will be "bad" for us, credit ratings, etc.

BULLSHIT!!!

They STOP their UNILATERAL interest and other changes, then maybe I will consider it again.

But until then, NO FUCKING WAY!!!

And the whore media is in a constant full court press on trying to convice us to maintain a credit card balance!!!

I just hope MILLIONS of others can do what I did - that is the ONLY way to BREAK THE BANKS!!!

Time is fast approaching where we are reaching CRITICAL MASS for a true UPRISING - and NOW I PRAY for the day to make it HAPPEN!

[rasputin1952]

204. Heh...I couldn't get credit if I had a band of angels on my

shoulders.

That may be a good thing...:hi:

Through various things that happened in my life, my debt load increased dramatically. The thought of paying 19-25% for borrowing, is beyond the pale for me. Having just graduated from college, at the ripe old age of 57, I am going back into the FT workforce ASAP...fortuanately, I took up a growth industry, Renewable Fuels. Now, the only obstacle I have is age, but I have a great work history, and people want experience these days...:hi:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

248. what an awe inspiringly complex thought. nt

[ChiciB1]

71. Is Our Government Working FOR THE PEOPLE Or Not???? I Had My

interest raised for being a GOOD customer!!!! From 6.5% to 10.24%, not overly high, but I've ALWAYS paid ahead of time, never had a late charge and paid MORE than minimum! ALL because Chase bought WaMu!

I'm beginning to suffer re-occurring anxiety attacks and depression, will THEY help me out???

I THINK NOT!! Our Government is SUPER corrupted and I just can't stand it anymore! Wonder WHY people go off the deep end? Not very hard to figure out!! Chest pains anyone?? My husband retired and on Social Security and I'm on Disability, we worked HARD to achieve something in our lives and NOW I feel so LOST!!

I'm going to take some meds (prescribed) and go to bed... time to "cocoon" for a while, this is getting too much for me!

[slay]

75. "Our Government is SUPER corrupted"

I couldn't have said it better! A government by the corporations, for the corporations. ARGH!!! :banghead:

[slay]

72. These FUCKERS looking out for predatory lenders over protecting the people!!!

WHAT IN THE FUCK?!?!? :mad: :banghead:

[MasonJar]

73. One GOPer (Grassley) voted for the bill and 20 dems did not. I laud the

dems who voted Yay.

[Faygo Kid]

77. Got to give Grassley props for that vote.

He's a cantankerous curmudgeon, that one, and an anomaly in the GOP, party of Rush.

Not a supporter, but props for this vote. He's not bought and paid for, anyway, like most Republicans (and too many Dems).

[Iwillnevergiveup]

171. I caught that, too

and was shocked to see Grassley voting correctly.

Only a handfull of states where both senators voted YEAH. Despicable.
Credit unions are more and more the way to go.

[asjr]

74. Where can we find the names of those

that just threw all of us in the trash?

[slay]

76. Post #13 by Mass - or here:

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=1&vote=00191

[asjr]

83. Thanks. And to think, we pay their salaries!

[abq e streeter]

80. shocked, just shocked I tells ya---

you mean enough members of the corporate party allied themselves with the openly fascist party to screw us in the, ahem, you know what ? Who'd a thunk it?

[DWilliamsamh]

81. Tell me again why I should keep supporting Democrats?

If they are just going to act like Republicans and support corporate interests at the expense of the people, I don't see why I should keep voting for them. I am so angry right now I could ... well I think it would be illegal....let's just leave it at that.

[Umbral]

85. That would be the question of the day...

err, make that 'of the decade'.

[slay]

86. I am wondering the same thing right now - although Kerry, Boxer, Feingold

all voted for the bill so there are SOME good ones left, but not NEARLY enough. :banghead:

[DWilliamsamh]

108. I makes me want to advocate the idological purity

The ideological purity a la the republican party... makes me convinced that supporting my congressman, Joe Sestak, if we are lucky enough for him to run against Arlen Specter, is the absolute right thing to do.

[defendandprotect]

154. Yeah . . . but, what's Plan B . . . where are you going????

We have to get FAIR ELECTIONS NOW ACT -- HR 1826 -- LEGISLATION IN THE WORKS PASSED...

COMMON CAUSE IS TRYING TO GET SENATORS/REPS TO SIGN A 'PLEDGE' TO VOTE FOR IT --

AND GETTING SPONSORS TO SIGN ON.

Then, maybe we can get IRV voting and open up this two party game --

Don't give up!!

[Hugin]

82. This is beyond contempt.

Still more Laws for The Bankers by The Bankers.

Why bother passing it now? :grr:

[WestSeattle2]

87. Banking industry owns our government, no surprise here. n/t

[WestSeattle2]

98. Move all of your banking business to credit unions. n/t

[Flaxbee]

My newly elected Democratic Senator from NC, Kay Hagan, must worship at the feet of Bank of America,

headquartered in Charlotte. Silly me, to think she'd think of me when voting, rather than BofA. If I had known that, I think I might have preferred Libby Dole... (well, not really, but this one vote by Hagan will probably prevent me from ever voting for her again).

[Faygo Kid]

88. Dem Debbie Stabenow of Michigan (of all places) voted, "No." Remember that.

Carl Levin did the right thing, as he normally does.

Debbie is a pol's pol.

[frylock]

89. fuckin awesome

[downindixie]

93. I have one credit card

and owe about $1500 on it.If I stop paying,can they take me to court and make me pay?I'm disabled and draw a check.

[Bryn]

97. We could hold a tea-card party and throw cc cards in the water

of course I wouldn't want to ruin ocean and hurt marine animals. We could do this without hurting ocean/marine animals somehow.

:)

[Imalittleteapot]

143. They will just charge you a huge late fee and raise your interest rate to

who knows what.

[scentopine]

94. Wall Street Now Completely Controls our Government

WTF happened to tighter regulation? Does anyone understand how fked we are that even a mandate for change and after the 3 Trillion dollar of our retirement funds went into the pockets of a tiny, tiny number of people we can't even get something like this fixed? Why do the three branches keep pissing on us?

[iamthebandfanman]

95. Its understandable why kennedy wasnt there

but what are the other 5 democrats excuses?
all the no votes WERE DEMOCRATS!

[mr_smith007]

96. This is fucking heartbreaking.

If this many Democrats vote against this, to whom the hell can we turn? If we have 20+ Democrats working against progressive reform, then this country is in the toilet and can't be saved. I am guessing those same 20+ will bounce the public option in any healthcare reform right off the bill and if that happens, I give up.

Bernie Sanders is the only true humanist in Washington and possibly the only decent human being there.

[ChiciB1]

222. And, And, And... He's Basically A SOCIALIST!! Time For A SOCIALIST Party

I guess! If they're going to use the Democrat Socialist name as a party, why not???

I wrote BOTH of my Senators, Nelson & Martinez of Florida AND Vern Buchanan! I see NOW why they never returned my inquiry!

My husband says "not to pay attention" to this stuff because it has affected my health so much, but WHO will be there for us?? Might as well live in a Socialist country... seems like they have health care at least!

I don't REALLY want to "Dis" Obama, but more & more I'm becoming disillusioned! I guess I AM going to have to STOP watching our Government, it's just another disappointment almost EVERY DAY!! I hate to say it, but I don't think I have the stomach for it anymore. I thought with BFEE gone that "maybe" Democrats would stand up against the Repukes by now, but it doesn't seem it will happen. I think this country is completely messed up and selling us down the drain!

What am I missing???

[redqueen]

232. Yes, we need a socialist party siphoning votes from the Dems.

And no, I'm not being sarcastic. That's what made them adopt worker-friendly planks before.

I guess that's what it will take again.

[ChiciB1]

237. I SERIOUSLY Agree! And It's Too Bad We Have To Think This Way!

I'm fed up with all of it and sick of eating their "gruel and hog slop!"

[jemma]

99. And there is no excuse because the Democrats have the power

The white house and congress. If anyone is still loyal to Democrats they should know that it is not reciprocated.

[depakid]

100. Democrats showing their true colors yet again

What a pathetic institution the US Senate is.

[WestSeattle2]

111. You're being too kind.....it's a corrupt institution that is an

absolute embarrassment. There is not a day that goes by that they don't display to the world, how corrupt, and corruptible our government truly is. Their votes are for sale. Period.

"American-style democracy".

Who in their right mind would want it? The goal should be honest and representative government. Ours is not that.

[depakid]

112. With its arcane rules- and non-representative nature

it's no wonder that only Liberia and the Philippines (for purely historical reasons) adopted the dysfunctional US system.

[dgibby]

120. That's why we have to spread it by the barrel of a gun.

[TankLV]

198. I'm afraid you're right.

The SOONER the BETTER...

[customerserviceguy]

102. I'm not surprised

the handwriting was on the wall when the Senate rejected a revision to the Bankruptcy Act to allow judges to make the balance owed on a mortgage conform to the value of the house.

If we couldn't get economic justice then, I sure wasn't expecting it now. Those of you who have been hoping for single payer, you may as well abandon that hope now.

[LaydeeBug]

105. until we hold them to account, thing will never change. nt

[defendandprotect]

158. Where do we have leverage over the Democrats?

They take money from the public -- from Democratic voters -- but it provides no leverage

over them!

Corporations OTOH do have leverage -- they're there every day --- and they intend to have

things go their way -- or else!

[LaydeeBug]

189. I say we do the best we can with "or else"

because this is smacking of more fascism, not change we can believe in.

[defendandprotect]

244. We need FAIR ELECTIONS NOW ACT HR1826 --

public financing --

We need to bar corporations from any participation whatsoever in our elections!!

And, meanwhile, I think we should be calling campaign financing what it really is --

BRIBERY -- !!!

[iamthebandfanman]

109. Im emailing EVERY democrat that voted NAY

and wishing them luck in their re-election, because the american people and especially fellow democrats will NOT stand for these shameful acts.

i suggest you all do the same.

[defendandprotect]

245. Misplaced

[digidigido]

113. Here's the solution, it sucks but it works, max them out and stop paying.

When they start calling tell them you want all communications to be in writing and to cease calling you at home.
Don't give them a dime for at least 3 months, then negotiate and pay off the balance at 50 cents on the dollar.
It will fuck up your credit rating for a couple of years but it's hardball.

[digidigido]

141. Of course this only works if you can pay off the settlement over a 3 month period

[Baby Snooks]

176. And only works if they offer a settlement...

Some of the companies are beginning to actually file suit in some states as I understand it. Now that they can force you into bankruptcy and force you to pay the full amount you owe.

People really don't understand what the Democrats who voted for THAT "reform" did to the average American. One catastrophic illness and the hospital can take your home.

Another one of Phil Gramm's legacies. He pushed for it and even after he left Congress continued to push for it. And finally got it. The banks did a little jig that day when they got their bankruptcy reform. And probably sent nice big checks to both parties.

[Grinchie]

114. Heavyweight Representatives i.e. Knuckles and Rocco, and they Know where you live. N/T

[Dr.Phool]

116. It's time to take drastic action!

Stop paying your credit cards AND YOUR TAXES!!!!!!

Fuck them all.

[bora13]

117. Dodd is the real thing

I sent this message to Dodd. I felt it was all I could do
tonight to stimulate those on the side of the people:

Once again, Senator Dodd, I am grateful for your support of credit card reform.
Despite this, I am furious over the number of dems who voted with their wallets in mind,
wallets refreshed with cash from the bank lobbyists.
What can be done about this disgusting practice?

I know, nothing.

Thanks again for being an honest lawmaker and shunning the paper
lubricant that so many others in the Senate call a new vacation home.

[Jefferson23]

118. DISGUSTING WHORES FOR THE BANKS

[closeupready]

223. Yepper.

n/t

[DatManFromNawlins]

121. God damnit

You know, it's almost enough to want to start a party or a caucus of people who will not take donations from corporations. At all. Put the fucking thing in the charter, and kick anyone out who violates that rule. It needs to be THE priority when picking representatives and congressmen.

[mvd]

122. Very disappointing

We really need more lobby and campaign finance reform.

[Dorian Gray]

127. Of course they did

Ugh.

[nradisic]

130. Those fucking scumbags!

We have to institute term limits in the Senate. These morons have absolutely no clue how the average American lives and what truly affects us. Unfreakinbelievable!

[stlsaxman]

132. In Missouri, Bond will be replaced and we will keep our McCaskill, thank you very much!

[OwnedByFerrets]

134. Fuckers just dont care about us at all.

We are nothing but pond scum in their world.

[closeupready]

225. Nope.

Not unless you have a few thousand dollars lying around that you'd be willing to part with.

[Double T]

135. The DNC (Do Nothing Congress) continues its great tradition of doing nothing...........

to protect the American consumer from a bunch of crooked bankers. Another great job by a bunch of idiots that don't deserve to hold political office.

[The Hope Mobile]

136. OK - THAT pisses me off!

That's bullshit with no excuses!!

[livefreest]

137. who again owns the senate?

:argh: :grr: :banghead:

[lovuian]

138. everyone of the Senators who voted for this

should be put in prison

[Imalittleteapot]

140. The email I just sent to Sen. Dodd is worthless.

I've been busy all day and this is the first chance I've had to get to DU or any news. I did not know that Sanders effort had been defeated. Before coming here I was wrote to Sen. Dodd to say that Congress must put a cap on interest and get legislation passed quickly and that the legislation must be enacted within 3 months. The Senate is proposing 9 long months, enough time for the creditors to raise interest all they want. And of course most Americans were not even aware that the vote was taking place today. It wasn't headline in my newspaper.

It really is going to take people getting into the streets to protest these loan shark tactics.

[Imalittleteapot]

144. Senator Dodd voted yea.

[ChiciB1]

226. Both Of Mine Voted NAY... But Then This IS Flor-EEE-DUH!! And I Had

written to both for "help!" Even though my hike wasn't all that much... 4%, I'm being penalized for being a GOOD customer!!

When I called Chase they just told me I could pay off my account and the problem would be solved!! Nice, huh?? I'll be working on it right away. I'm NOT going to let them ruin my credit rating, but they can have their card back!!

[kath]

142. Government of the corporation, by the corporation, and for the corporation.

We have only the illusion of democracy.

[Miss_Underestimated]

150. Correct you are. Congress is just the middleman. We have to address the

corporations directly (the way organizations such as Sierra Club, or Greenpeace, or Rainforest Action Network do) if we are going to shift the corporatocracy back towards democracy.

[Clcal422]

146. SO SORRY GUYS BUT THIS IS WHY DEMOCRATS CANNOT BE IN CHARGE

At least republicans know how to run with stuff NO BETTER NOW

[Ignis]

147. Do they really think this is going to help at midterms?

People are angry, and our leaders appear tonedeaf.

:thumbsdown:

[Clcal422]

148. THEY ARE BEING THAT WAY

[Waiting For Everyman]

151. I'm one who stiffed them, without going bankrupt, and this year they'll be unreportable.

My husband and I had our assets in joint names but credit cards only in one name. Our income was VA disability which they can't attach. They refused to work with us at all when this crisis started for us 7 years ago, loaded on their penalties and extra interest instead, so I stopped paying them. Why would I spend scarce dollars during a serious hardship not to reduce my balance at all?

3 years later they became uncollectable, and this year they'll be dropping off my credit report. They get nothing from me, none of them. I wouldn't pay them even if I could. Fuck them.

Not everybody has an unattachable income, but lots of people who can't pay do fight them in civil court and WIN. My son did, for one. Also, once you're in collections for a while, they can be settled lump-sum for cents on the dollar, if that's an option - I have a friend who did that, and so did my Dad. Lots of people have been fighting back for quite a while now. One of the better sites for how-to and the law to use...

www.creditinfocenter.com

The hell with credit tyranny. I use a debit card or cash only now, even closed my bank account. I'll never go back. If anything I might open a credit union account sometime.

[Name removed]

152. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[defendandprotect]

153. Surprise . . .!!! Briberty succeeds . . .!!!

[vaberella]

159. If nothing else confirms that the Senate, in particular Repub Senators, hates Americans

nothing else will. I hate the Senate.

[earcandle]

161. This sounds like an economic issue. Penal Economies suck.

We need to rid ourselves of these blood sucking varmit
products.

They are not healthy for any human being and they wreak havok
on things you have to control.

Forget these enonomic products, they hurt you.  When you
support them, you support financial
products that hurt you.  Is that hard to get? 

[Liberty Belle]

162. Boxer and even Feinstein voted yes...CA is in the "good guy" camp on this one

What's wrong with the rest of the country?

[earcandle]

164. Great! Good to know my state has authentic reps!

[JustinL]

163. well, at least one of my senators (Casey) voted yea

God, I hope a real Democrat challenges Specter in the primary next year.

[davek789]

166. When was the last time...

our elected leaders did anything that was even the least bit liberal? Didn't we used to have usury laws before the 1980s that, in most states, capped the interest rate at 10%? So the only choice we have is a corporate fix or no fix at all. When I meet people from other countries, they say the democrats here are like the conservative party in their country and the republican party is like.....well, they don't usually finish the sentence.....

[earcandle]

167. I just learned today that the reason AIG is in trouble is because

the credit card swaps are actually insurance purchased by the
banks to pay them if the buyer defaults.  

So the banks made out like bandits in all of this.  They got
their money back for every default and the
insurance company had to do the payouts.  So we are paying AIG
for paying the banks for swindling us. 

Fuckheads. 

[earcandle]

168. Maybe we are the fuckheads for being so stupid.

[kath]

169. and complacent. What's that line about the "tree of liberty" and the "blood of patriots"?

how the hell can we end corporate rule? Can democracy be restored? We're awfully damned far gone...

:banghead:

[TankLV]

200. You can thank one of the Dakotas for that...they elilminated interest rate caps a long time ago...

and most banks or credit card companies moved their "headquarters" there - just like off shore headquarters where over 18000 corporations have headquarters in ONE ten room four story "house" there...

This made on the the cities there BOOM with all sorts of banks where it was once a just another dead end hell hole...

"Thank" one of the fucking Dakota states for the mess we're in...!!!

[w4rma]

172. Now we really get to see who the bad guys are. (nt)

[MrSlayer]

177. When a certain DU pariah said there was no difference between parties.

This was the sort of thing he was talking about. Very few of the assholes in either party give a fuck about us. Very, very few. It's disgusting. The Dems will use a little social lube and give you a small tax reach-around, the Pukes will just flat out rape you. But either way you're still getting fucked.

[Ganja Ninja]

187. And people scoff when you mention voting 3rd party.

Still bogged down in 2 wars. No prosecution for torture. No single payer health care. No meaningful bank reform. It's becoming more and more clear every day why we need to dump the 2 party system.

[jimlup]

179. Who are the 33 who voted yes?

I'll assume both of my senators voted yes (Michigan). We need to end this crap one way or another...

(grammar edit)

[ChiciB1]

227. See Post 76 Above... Link To Senators Votes... n/t

[jimlup]

262. Thanks... Stabenow voted the wrong way.

She's going to hear from me and my support is certainly not automatic. Maybe we in Michigan should get a different "non-republican" into that Senate seat.

[yy4me]

180. What excuse now? I can hear it..."the bill was attached to some

other thing that was unacceptable" to those who voted against passage. How can any of our fine(ahem) Washington folks sleep with a clear conscience?

Makes me regret that I paid my late husbands CC balance. I have been told since that it was not my responsibility and that Chase would probably not go after the estate because it is too small and would cost them too much money to collect. Shoot, I could have used the money I sent them to pay off my credit card and be done with all of them.

Someone in high places needs to do some real explaining.

I'm disgusted.

[Enthusiast]

182. Fucking makes me sick!

The Democratic Party has a huge majority yet they vote against the wishes of their constituents time and again.

[Hubert Flottz]

184. They ALL talk the talk, but few ever walk the walk!

Once the congress creatures have your vote, they don't need you anymore. We need to remind them now, that we won't forget come election time.

The credit card companies can supply the campaign money, but we screwees still supply the votes. "CHANGE" your ass...

What if you promised your employer that you would produce if he hired you and then after you got the job you sat on your pampered,(as in Dave Vitter)flabby, entitled, first class flying, ass and did nothing that you promised you could or would do, when you came begging for the job? Your pampered,(as in Dave Vitter)flabby, entitled, first class flying, ass, would be out the door and you would soon be replaced by someone who Was a producer, shaker and mover, instead of a sniveling, excuse making, sorry, faker.

My smell check and My Spell check keeps saying that Vitter is not even a real word, but Shitter is okay with them, so from now on I think I'll call that guy Dave Shitter...

Edit...BTW...I paid off my credit cards after years of enslavement and I then roasted them in a campfire while I drank a Bud and laughed my ass off. I have never regretted doing that!

[FlaGranny]

185. Possibly those

Dem senators voted against this bill because they like Dodd's bill better? I certainly hope so. My Sen. Nelson voted "nay" but when I sent him a note regarding reform, he answered that he would be fighting for reform. Dodd's bill is stronger. I'm holding my breath and hoping that's what's happening.

Edit to add Chris Dodd's e-mail:

"I'm taking on the big credit card companies, and I need your help to beat them.

For far too long, they've taken advantage of consumers -- preying on students and young people, jacking up rates when you miss a payment, and pocketing payments toward lower-interest balances while your higher-interest balances grow bigger and bigger.

Enough is enough. It's time to get tough on the credit card companies.

The House has passed a reform bill, and it's a pretty good start. But I've introduced a bill that goes further. It makes sure the credit card companies can't get away with the unfair practices that cost consumers millions of dollars every year.

Help me get tough on the credit card companies.

Become a citizen cosponsor of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act today.

Here's why my bill is better than the one the House passed. My bill includes:
Stronger protections for students and young people from aggressive and misleading marketing schemes.
Stronger protections for consumers against arbitrary interest rate, fee and finance charge increases.
Stronger enforcement and enhanced penalties for companies that break the law.
A requirement that fees are reasonable and proportional.
That's why the credit card companies are lining up against it. They've got powerful lobbyists and bottomless pockets on their side. But I've got something better: your support.

With a big show of support, I think we could pass my bill in the Senate as soon as this week. But I need you to act fast by signing on as a citizen cosponsor today.

Let's do it. Let's take on the credit card companies together and win.

Sign on today as a citizen cosponsor of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act.
http://www.chrisdodd.com/Action/CreditCardReform?utm_source=sp1611239&utm_medium=e&sc=sp1611239

Thank you for your help. I couldn't do it without you. "

[rambler_american]

186. Bernie Sanders Rocks!

My Senators not so much. I have let them know how disappointed I am.

[truth2power]

191. My senator is that worthless POS, Sherrod Brown. Yes, he's a Dem....

Wonder how he voted on this.

[EnviroBat]

199. He voted yea.

We need to wait on this one and see if Dodd's bill is better.

[Blue_Tires]

194. well, come on! it is the CC industry

they have enough $$$$ to buy every member of congress several times over just from petty cash....

[iamthebandfanman]

195. I hope someone on DU is keeping a list

of the things these so called 'democrats' are doing , and reminds us all when its midterm election time.

I dont care how long some of them have been there, hell its more reason to throw their asses onto the street.


ITS TIME to take this party back.

actually, its past time!

we control the government and now its time to for some house cleaning!

throw the bums out!

the will of the american people will be fulfilled!

[Raster]

196. I just left a message on one of my Senator's voice mail systems, and will call the other shortly.

The only way we are going to get their attention is if MASSIVE amounts of their constituents call angry enough to wake them out of their banking-induced slumber.

Again, this vote shows who these Senators consider their primary constituents: the banking industry.

Wake up, America!:kick:Had enough yet?

[Jakes Progress]

202. Use credit cards. Not credit.

Let the banks do you bookkeeping for you. Let them send out bills, calculate their interest payment, spend their money to try to keep their game going.

Just pay all the bill each month. Don't spend what you don't have. Then the banks are left with a couple of per cent from vendors which barely covers paperwork.

Get cards with no membership fees and a rebate if possible. Then use it like a debit card. Don't incur finance charges.

That is what they fear the most.

[McCamy Taylor]

205. Congress gave the banks billions...so the banks could buy them.

[atreides1]

208. Where's the White House's backing?

Just like Senator Durbin's bill to help people facing foreclosure, this bill reportedly had strong backing from the White House.

Maybe not so much.

As for remembering the "scum" on election day, let's not forget the "strong backing" of the White House.

[Joanne98]

209. Here's the names of who voted YEA and NAY!

One Republican voted YEA Grassley

NAY Warner (D-VA)Tester (D-MT)Stabenow (D-MI)Specter (D-PA)Shaheen (D-NH)Pryor (D-AR)Murray (D-WA)Nelson (D-FL)Nelson (D-NE)Lincoln (D-AR)Landrieu (D-LA)Kaufman (D-DE)Johnson (D-SD)Hagan (D-NC)Carper (D-DE)Cantwell (D-WA)Byrd (D-WV)Bingaman (D-NM)Bayh (D-IN)Baucus (D-MT)Akaka (D-HI)


Grouped By Vote Position YEAs ---33

Begich (D-AK)
Bennet (D-CO)
Boxer (D-CA)
Brown (D-OH)
Burris (D-IL)
Cardin (D-MD)
Casey (D-PA)
Conrad (D-ND)
Dodd (D-CT)
Dorgan (D-ND)
Durbin (D-IL)
Feingold (D-WI)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Gillibrand (D-NY)
Grassley (R-IA)
Harkin (D-IA)
Inouye (D-HI)
Kerry (D-MA)
Klobuchar (D-MN)
Kohl (D-WI)
Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Levin (D-MI)
McCaskill (D-MO)
Menendez (D-NJ)
Merkley (D-OR)
Reed (D-RI)
Reid (D-NV)
Sanders (I-VT)
Schumer (D-NY)
Udall (D-CO)
Udall (D-NM)
Webb (D-VA)
Wyden (D-OR)

NAYs ---60

Akaka (D-HI)
Alexander (R-TN)
Barrasso (R-WY)
Baucus (D-MT)
Bayh (D-IN)
Bennett (R-UT)
Bingaman (D-NM)
Bond (R-MO)
Brownback (R-KS)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Byrd (D-WV)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Carper (D-DE)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Coburn (R-OK)
Cochran (R-MS)
Collins (R-ME)
Corker (R-TN)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC)
Ensign (R-NV)
Enzi (R-WY)
Graham (R-SC)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hagan (D-NC)
Hatch (R-UT)
Hutchison (R-TX)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Isakson (R-GA)
Johanns (R-NE)
Johnson (D-SD)
Kaufman (D-DE)
Kyl (R-AZ)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Lieberman (ID-CT)
Lincoln (D-AR)
Lugar (R-IN)
Martinez (R-FL)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Murkowski (R-AK)
Murray (D-WA)
Nelson (D-FL)
Nelson (D-NE)
Pryor (D-AR)
Risch (R-ID)
Roberts (R-KS)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shaheen (D-NH)
Shelby (R-AL)
Snowe (R-ME)
Specter (D-PA)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Tester (D-MT)
Thune (R-SD)
Vitter (R-LA)
Warner (D-VA)
Wicker (R-MS)

Not Voting - 6

Kennedy (D-MA)
Leahy (D-VT)
Mikulski (D-MD)
Rockefeller (D-WV)
Voinovich (R-OH)
Whitehouse (D-RI)

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=1&vote=00191

[n0nesuch]

229. I expected this out of Burr (R-NC)

But not Kay Hagen... and I already emailed her. I am sure she has a real good explanation...not. If she keeps this up she may be a one term Senator.

[Mass]

211. My senator voted YES (and Kennedy would have), but Shaheen voted AYE as did Lieberman,

and Leahy did not vote.

New England 3:3.

[Mass]

218. I meant Shaheen and Lieberman voted NO, of course.

Probably too early this morning.

[snappyturtle]

212. I slept late this morning and I awaken to THIS! ANOTHER outstanding

failure by our elected representatives. This vote goes along nicely with not allowing bankruptcy judges modify loans to avoid foreclosure. We don't count period.

Tax on soda....why not? They went after the smokers big time so I expect to see more and more proposals such as a tax on soda. Aspartame ought to do well though.

Think I'll go back to bed.

[fascisthunter]

213. Once Lawmakers Fear the People, you'll See this Country Change

giving frauds the benefit of the doubt just can't fly anymore. The misery these lawmakers make ordinary people feel, should be their own punishment instead of rewarded.

[armodem08]

214. Do they even pretend to represent the people? n/t

[blackdot]

217. You do realize that it's 0% interest if you pay your bill.

They can make interest rates all they want but you don't pay any if you just pay your bill each month.

[TBF]

221. People get in trouble with unanticipated expenses - medical, school,

divorce, new baby, etc... I believe medical is probably the worst & causes the most bankruptcies.

It's no excuse for banks to be allowed to be predators on people who can least afford it. But I don't expect a republican to understand that concept.

[ChiciB1]

228. Repukes Not To Understand... It's The DEMS Who Did This To Us!!!

Say all you want by trying to vote them out... AIN'T gonna happen! Too much money floating around and too many hands being slapped with the GREEN!!!

Both my Senators voted NAY, but I've worked for years trying to make a change... have a big GOOSE EGG!

And after I saw Palin was running I worked hard for Obama, now I'm not that happy about him either! Sorry, flame away! He's done "some things" but the really BIG stuff... NOT SO MUCH!!!

Sure it's early, but at the rate it's going it may GET WORSE!!

I wish I could find a tiny island somewhere and drop out of sight, but most of us have families and we're all over THE BARREL, with NO HELP from either party. Sure some Dems still help, but I have very little trust in our so called Democratic Government! I don't see much DEMOCRATIC about it! People ARE NOT being represented, we're being SCREWED!!

[TBF]

256. Actually I completely agree with you. I just didn't expect the poster

I was responding to would get it.

[nichomachus]

235. That assumes you're working and don't need to use the card to eat etc.

A close friend of mine got very sick and was fired from his job for being sick. He had no income, no health care (couldn't afford COBRA), whatever. He was too sick to even look for work and had to use his card to buy food, buy gas, fix his car, etc. He ran up horrendous debt.

Now, if we were like one of them damn "socialist" countries, he wouldn't have gotten fired, he would have had health care, he would have been able to get food, and he wouldn't have been in debt.

Yes, when he was working, he would have had to pay a few more dollars in taxes, but, all in all, it seems like it might have been worth it.

[redqueen]

236. Unbelievable.

Or actually... no, I guess it's not.

[endarkenment]

250. you do realize we used to have usery laws?

[Captain Hilts]

260. Yes, but I ran up about $3500 in expenses when my mother died, her cremation, etc.

and, wow, the fines for late payment, etc.

It was a whole new world to me.

[snowdays]

220. He is in NM right now at a Town Hall telling folks about this wonderful bill...

[redqueen]

230. Sold-out, stinking corporatist whores.

:puke:

[saigon68]

231. Disgusting ---

[Wizard777]

239. I wonder how many Senators just had their credit limit raised for this?

[benld74]

240. Just 3 Words On this - WTF!!!

[kevsters]

241. The Mantra Of Congress: "Profite Over People"

No one should really be surprised. Here is a list of Democrats that voted against the Sanders amendment.

http://progressnotcongress.org/blog/?p=971

[kevsters]

242. If your curious as to why this amendment was voted down...

Check out this post.

http://progressnotcongress.org/blog/?p=978

[endarkenment]

243. Bailouts for billionaires. Nothing for the people.

60 Senate filibuster proof Kleptocrat Party super majority. Change I can't believe in.

[Betty]

249. well we know who their masters are

fuck the voters.

[pam4water]

255. Fuck them.

[rhett o rick]

257. Sorry not my type. nm

[EndElectoral]

258. Pretty much says who's fucking running this country

[Fire1]

259. Thank you Bernie!!! I use the same analogy!! Cash n Carry

all the way!

[Bluzmann57]

261. So Durbin was right

The banks do own the Congress and Senate. Well, I won't forget these votes. Those who help the banks and not us are dirty bastards and we can't forget this.

[No Elephants]

265. To simplify the roll call vote and action items......

With 59 Democrats in the Senate, the Democratic position (yea) got only 33 votes and the Republican position (nay) got 60.

So much for the Big Lie about Democrats having too much power in D.C. these days.



Primary targets should be most Democrats voting nay and most Democrats not voting at all]]]]]]].


Iowans need to contact Grassley to express approval.



1/ Republican voting yea--Grassley IA


2/ So called Democrats voting nay-alphabetically by surname


Akaka-HI

Baucus MT

Bayh, IN

Bingaman, NM

Byrd, WVA

Cantwell, WA

Carper-DE

Hagan, NC

Johnson, SD

Kaufman, DE

Landrieu, LA

Lincoln, AR

Murray, WA

Nelson, FL

Nelson, NE

Pryor, AR

Shaheen, NH

SPECTER, PA

Stabennow, MI

Tester, MT

Warner, VA


3/ Not voting at all (by Party):

A. Democrats not voting


Edward M. Kennedy D MA
Patrick Leahy D VT
Barbara Mikulski D MD
Jay Rockefeller D WV
Sheldon Whitehouse D RI


B/ Republicans not voting: George Voinovich R OH



We all understand why Kennedy has not been voting unless his vote might make the difference, but Jay Rockefeller seems to miss as many votes as Kennedy.

Stinks that some states have two Democratic Senators who voted for the banks.

[flpoljunkie]

266. Sanders is right--'loan sharking, it is!'

[Solly Mack]

268. I'm sure the "Thank You" note$ are going out