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.