Voicemail (April 17, 2008)

I write this letter in hopes of adding clarity and information to assist with solution(s) for low-income families and debase predatory lending practices.

I have recently become aware of the serious problems in America's lending industry. I am outraged consumers no longer enjoy basic protections against unsafe, abusive loans. Predatory lending practices drain assets from hard-working American families and communities. These predatory lending practices must be stopped.

Loans and other financial products are complex. They are potentially helpful and also potentially destructive. Accordingly, the government should regulate loan products and contracts. Only regulation can protect Americans, our communities and the American dream from predatory lenders. Government can help stop predatory lending practices or at least hold the lending industry accountable for preying on low-income families.

Work to establish a fair marketplace for financial products, where lenders act responsibly and treat consumers justly.

Ensure that all consumers are treated equally and fairly in the financial marketplace, regardless of their race, socioeconomic status or any other factor.

Ensure that all lenders are held liable for breaking the law.

In a country where the poverty line is higher than the minimum wage, it is highly important to stop predatory lending and ensure working poor/low-income families there will be penalties for such acts.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I trust you will do all you can to stop predatory lending and save the American dream.

More and more do I find your paper appealing, but wonder why the views expressed by your commentators such as Don Williams, Tony Murchison, Ben White, and Scott Strahan "do not necessarily reflect those of Knoxville Voice"?

Not only should you consider yourself enriched and honored by their contributions, you and we should be proud and jump with joy to have such writers in our midst.

Jump a little!