Credit Discrimination - Why do WE allow this?

So let me get this straight. An automobile insurance company can use your credit score to determine your premium. A homeowners insurance company can pull up your credit history and determine that you may in fact pay more than your neighbor because of some credit issues you've had in the past. Before I go on, I'd like to point out that I do not have any credit problems, but after reading a few articles on it, I'm disturbed.

I would very much like to see true scientific proof that there is any relationship between consumer credit histories and their likelihood of filing more claims that would justify the higher premiums. My guess is that this doesn't exist. To me, this is yet another way for big business to ensure they can improve their bottom line by gouging the consumer in any way imaginable.

Now I have no problem with companies using credit history as a determinant for say... oh, I don't know, maybe a loan? But this is outrageous people! The government very clearly tells me that in order to drive, that I MUST carry automobile insurance. This is logical and I clearly understand why. So now, though indirectly, the government is telling me that the cost of me driving will be determined by my credit score. Nobody will ask if I've had major medical bills because if have no health insurance. They don't care. All they want is your money.

This is crazy! Congress needs to revisit this concept of using credit scores for every imaginable thing. But hey, we allow this right? We elect these people that create the laws that allow consumers to get screwed. It's up to us to change this! And those of us who do business with companies that use credit to determine premiums are supporting this! Please stop!

Genarlow Wilson -

The Background:

Genarlow Wilson - This poor guy (17 years old) got drunk at a New Year's Eve party a few years ago, had "sex" with a CONSENTING 15 year old, and was sentenced to prison for 10 years. There is more to the story, but that is really the essence. He's been in prison for 28 months while the world (or those that understand the story) has been outraged... a true embarrassment to Georgia in my opinion.

Today's News:

"Monday, acting on a petition filed by his attorneys, Monroe County Superior Court Judge Thomas Wilson ruled that Genarlow Wilson's punishment was cruel and unusual and voided it on constitutional grounds. The judge reduced the sentence to one year and said Wilson should not be put on Georgia's sex offender registry, as the old law required."

The JackAss:

Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker blocks Wilson's release by filing an appeal of the judge's ruling. (Wilson could have walked today potentially. Wilson's appeal will likely keep him behind bars pending resolution of the appeal unless they can convince bond to be granted).

Here's his reasoning... "In a statement announcing his decision, Baker said he filed the appeal to resolve "clearly erroneous legal issues," charging that the judge did not have the authority "to reduce or modify the judgment of the trial court."

Here's my thinking... the people of Georgia should be blamed for this, not because they did it per se, but only because they are allowing this craziness. For God's sake Georgia, stand up and make this right. Throw that clown Baker out and get Wilson out of prison now!

Fast Food and Gas Station Useless Bantar...

I'm sure many of you have noticed. I'm finding that at a lot of the fast food joints... McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's... they're new motto is "let's be friends".

You drive up to the drive through window. And obviously based on mandate, I'm asked "How are you doing today?" by the nice young 16 year old in the drive through window. Now I'm not against pleasantries and all, but give me a break. I am here to order food. I really could care less about adding to the process by exchanging niceties.

Here's my recommendation... just say "Welcome to Wendy's". Don't make me exchange useless dialogue. Just let me figure out what I want. How about this, you guys focus on making sure my order is correct and that I get my damn napkins, and I'll focus on making sure I order as quickly as possible so that I don't slow the line down. I'll also make sure I have enough money to pay you for my burger. The marketing or management geniuses at these fast food restaurants need to understand that me getting what I want is all that I care about. Nothing pisses me off more than driving away and discovering you're missing part of my order. I'm willing to go without the banter. Just give me what I want and make it right.

Oh yeah, and while I'm at it... the new gas station thing over the speaker god's when I'm getting ready to pump my gas. "Welcome Pump 5, we'll see you inside when you're done pumping your gas". Obviously, you want me to know that you know I'm here pumping gas. You obviously don't want me to steal the gas. But for God's sake, cut the crap and just let me pump. If I was going to steal the gas, I'd steal the gas, whether you said hello or not. We KNOW we have to pay. We KNOW we'll go to jail if we don't. Cut out the stupid "welcome to pump 5" comments. It's a waste of energy. I'd rather wait a quick second while the clerk turns on my pump. But don't say stupid shit to me. It's demeaning and pisses me off almost as much as paying $3.79 per gallon for gas.

Recruiters and Head Hunters - A Sorry Bunch

I've recently had the opportunity to be looking for a job. All fine and well, right? Well my issue isn't with that process, it's with 90% of the recruiters I've dealt with. When it's said that lawyers are considered to be slimy, we forget to mention recruiters.

If you haven't had the chance yet, getting recruiter calls at first can be encouraging while you make a career change. But after dealing with these guys, you'll soon find out that they could really care less about you, or your situation, but rather only out for their commission on landing you in a job. Looking for feedback after an interview? Good luck. Looking for the courtesy call saying "hey it looks like you didn't get that job"? Good luck.

They're playing a game of numbers, and could care less about your situation or the fact that you're waiting patiently for feedback on your job interview. Trust and recruiters (most) don't seem to be a good match.

What's the point? Be careful when dealing with recruiters and for goodness sake, don't believe everything these guys tell you. Sure, they might land you some interviews (that is the point right?) but don't expect much courtesy beyond that.

And I'm not a disgruntled job seeker blaming my recruiters. Just wanted to vent, and if you've read this far, I've succeeded. I think there should be a national website that ranks these guys and that allows for feedback, kind of like ebay. Hey, maybe I'll start that site. Good day.

Ohio speed limits are archaic indeed...

Over the last few days, we had the opportunity to travel from Michigan to the great state of Pennsylvania. Yeah, you're right, great may be a stretch. But my issue with this trip centers around Ohio.

I would love for someone to explain to me the logic of Ohio's highway speed limits. Their 65 mph speed limit is not only ridiculous, it's beyond reason. And it's not just that the posted speed limit is 65 mph, it's that the speed limit is intensely enforced. I swear we saw Ohio State Police along the side of the highway every 2 miles. Seriously. Traffic snaked along at maximum speeds of about 72 mph. For such a vast state, with very clean, smooth, and wide open spaces, I simply don't understand why Ohio can't speed it up just a little.

What I found interesting is that as we drove north from Ohio to Michigan, the minute people crossed the border, speeds jumped up by about 10 mph. It was rather nice. And to top it off, I saw no carnage, no accidents, no state police ready to pounce. Speed hummed along nicely at speeds in the range of 78-80 mph. This seems completely appropriate.

I invite anyone to offer some sort of logical explanation on why Ohio can't lighten up on the speed enforcement and allow speeds to move along at more reasonable speeds. Perhaps their highway accident rates are so much better than the rest of us? I'm betting against that though.

To Conquer A Predator...

Thanks to Chris Hansen and NBC, there have been whole bunch of stupid pedophiles taken off the streets. For those who aren't familiar... The police and NBC do their documentaries... lure the 50 year old guy into chatting online with a 14 year old and then bust their asses on national tv when they come over to "visit" their new friends. It's crazy. There is no defense. These guys need to go to jail. No question.

But here is my problem with the show... stop kicking these poor guys asses when they walk out the back door. These guys are stunned. They're generally pretty stupid. And for God's sake, you guys have them surrounded with a swat team of police officers. Quit throwing them on the ground and pulling your guns on them. It's embarrassing to watch. These guys aren't going anywhere and you damn well know it. Even if they wanted to, they couldn't. So quit with the theatrical physical take downs. Tell them they're under arrest. If they run... then take them down.