It’s nice to hear from you. Contacting you directly is still on my “to do” list. My wife has had a major surgery, and that is on top of continued issues with the real estate market.

Meanwhile, I realize that my post is “defensive,” but it also allows me to tell a side of the story that the media may or may not convey (fully or accurately — one never knows), despite my time spent with journalists who are working on forthcoming coverage. I am mainly concerned with the stereotype that most people who are in debt made frivolous choices and therefore “deserve” to be treated as they are by credit card companies.

Believe you me, going to graduate school was no pleasure trip. My wife and I weren’t “shopping in a mall,” or otherwise engaging in irresponsible behavior. Our babies wore used clothes from the Gwinnett County “Mothers of Twins” sales that were held a couple of times per year, and we pinched pennies in every other way that we could. In saying this, in a capacity as “spokesperson” (I am humbled by your label — I’m just an ordinary person who sees that something is wrong, and I just never have liked bullies), I merely want to point out that there are many people in debt who are being trampled upon, unfairly, and mercilessly.

Nevertheless, there’s a prevailing mentality out there that can be described by the adage “you play with snakes, then you’re going to get bit.” This was the response that I received from a guy I was talking to about Chase and credit card companies and the economy, etc., in a casual conversation.

If you are a debtor, then you are presumed “guilty,” or stupid for having made bad financial decisions. Unfortunately, that rationale, taken to its ultimate conclusion would mean that no one would ever borrow money to go to school (including medical school — so just lay there writhing in pain, because there will be no more MDs), start an entrepreneurial business, buy a home, or make any other kind of long-term purchase.

In a bygone era when one could truly live off the land, maybe we could “save up,” to buy things in cash, but in a modern day global economy, debt as well as investments in assets and improvements over time that make sense (including things like training and development) are necessary not only for individuals, but for developing nations.

By the way, from a financial point of view, relative to our overall debt versus GDP, some economists I know have pointed out that we here in the US are now very close to being a “developing nation.” As for being “visionary,” again, I am humbled by the label, but I’m merely that same “boy,” now in a grownup body, seeing potential in all of us. The only thing that sets us apart is our energy, as evidenced by a history of invention, fortitude, and entrepreneurial spirit.

I wish you would see yourself for what you really are: a spokesperson for those without your strength or resources and a visionary.

Thanks!

If you are ever up north, let me know…I’ld walk a mile to touch your robe.

Marv