Slavery is a strong word because of the history it evokes that bankruptcy could never compare to. But when you're talking about being beaten down by a system that prevents upward mobility, places corporate profits ahead of personal livelihood, can be stumbled into from plain bad luck, and is just about impossible to escape once entered... the system is the enemy of personal freedom.
The Black Commentator has an article describing the bankruptcy bill, which the House will vote on next week.
The bill that is coming up for a vote in the House would create a new means test that would forbid making any such distinctions. It would even forbid comparing what someone actually earns with what they actually have to pay for rent and basic expenses. A court would be forced to use standard government figures for expenses, regardless of what you're actually having to pay. It would base your income on your last six months of income, even if you just got laid off. If your income is below the median, it would spare you the means test but require that you purchase credit counseling, even if you have no money to pay for it and it isn't offered anywhere near your home. It would also require significant new legal expenses and paperwork.
The article is written by the creators of DebtSlavery.org, another effort to oppose the bankruptcy bill.
Posted by tunesmith at March 31, 2005 01:18 PM
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So I thought about this topic for a while and put up this site:
Plastic Revolution
Take a look and see if you like it.
I would be ok with the bill if it made govt and the rich just as responsible, but it doesn't.
The fact is the people didn't pressure senate for this, the credit card companies did. Believe me, they haven't been short of cash. Most of the people getting screwed are hard working poor in the rural states.
Let's help everybody and try and shake things up. Let them know this govt is for the people, by the people.
Posted by: TalkieToaster at April 2, 2005 02:15 PM