There are other vultures circulating overhead and they are not the ugly ones you see in the sky. In the Springfield-News Leader Wednesday December 27th, Rev. Roger Ray again presses upon the consciouness of the society with an article exposing those which unfairly take advantage of the economically challenged. In particular he hit upon my personal sore spot. That would be the "payday loan" establishments.

    These places charge an exorbitant interest and then if the payment is late there are additional penalities which can set the poor person into abject poverty. They know that these "customers" are in dire need or they would not be visiting the loan establishment. The Bank is not going to do business with these poeple.

    I thought Rev. Ray's comments about the fact that these kind of "money machines" have bank rolled the campaigns of legislative representatives adds an interesting twist.  Question: "Those in the Legislature do they know what it is to struggle financially?" A person who needs a "money machine" could not begin to mount a campaign for a seat in Jeff City. In fact they often can't afford a seat and that is why they go to the other vulture breed the "Rent To Own" business.

    Here is a possible solution- how about the church addressing this need. I don't want to get into the loan business but people within our congregations who need assistance can contract with the church for a loan. In some cases it may be paid back by work at the church or for some disabled person's needs around their home. Instead of "Rent to Own" how about" Work to Loan." I am priming the pump. People of God think about this issue and talk it up, write your legislative person, and look into just what the interest is on such a "pay day loan." It certainly is not a hand out or hand up, it is a hand shackle.