I don’t think we are not that far apart. I am certainly cynical about Congress and elected officials.

I think that the courts and the class action cases against Chase may be effective (the problem is, that takes time — I for one don’t have that much time to wait). I use the word “may,” because in talking with numerous class action attorneys, they are quick to point out that the road to litigation is long, and planted with land mines.

I would add to your list (or perhaps put a “part A” under your item 2): De-market credit card companies by spreading the word about their abusive tactics.

Remarks about 2 and my added part A:

The suggestion that we should “stop doing business with [credit card] companies” is something that many of us would like to do. I would like to be able to pay off my long-term debts, and never do business with any of them (credit card companies) again. I am happy for you that you were evidently in a position to take that approach immediately with Chase and B of A.

Meanwhile, I do think protesting has helped. I think that Chase’s rescission of the $10 fee (that “is a finance charge”) was indeed a result of the NY Attorney General’s actions, which took place because of an overwhelming number of complaints.

Now, on Consumer’s Union, we seem to disagree, but I am not so sure that we are viewing things from the same perspective, either. I regard Consumer Reports (and Consumers Union) as being yet another source where people turn to seek information prior to making purchase decisions. To the extent that the editorial coverage therein contains warnings to “beware” of certain products, I think that this is a helpful service.

It is also “ink” in the media (which is damned hard to come by, other than repeating the misleading and defamatory email that Chase’s spokesperson keeps sending to journalists), and on the Internet, providing coverage relative to credit card companies that serves to de-market them and perhaps warn those who have not yet been “aimed at” by Chase or other card issuers.

I consult publications of this ilk prior to buying cars, appliances, and so forth. Likewise, articles about credit cards, gift cards (traps and fees) are also helpful, to me, and I think many others. If Consumers Union was praising credit card companies or brands while at the same time these card issuers were engaging in the kind of abusive practices that we have been seeing, then I would consider that to be disingenuous (or poor science and product evaluation, etc.), but it is not. It is providing warnings where these warnings are definitely needed.

If they told me to buy a car or a lawn mower that was actually a piece of junk, then that too would constitute bad advice (I find that the recommendations are generally right on target, however).

I am in agreement with the findings of Consumers Union in the sense that it is saying (in Surgeon General fashion): “WARNING. Credit cards are hazardous to your financial health.” Thus, I don’t place them in the same category of being involved in gross corruption as I do the credit card companies and our government officials.

Finally, I can sympathize with the donation plea. I specifically have stated on this site that I am not seeking donations because I think it would send the wrong message about me and my intentions (I am not seeking a personal “bail out” or a hand out). On the other hand, my hosting bill is due, my domain renewals will be due in June, and I am obviously “alone” relative to those kinds of obligations.

If I did have money, I would spend it sending out press releases, and perhaps getting some clerical help (and I could use some technology help; for instance, I receive visits from humans and spam sending robots that load this site up with garbage, caught by filters, but it has to be cleaned out).

I’m not complaining, but I am providing a forum for this fight using my “dime” and my “time,” so I find it easier to empathize with the donation requests from Consumers Union.

Important note: I have had some help through a few individuals who have written for the site, and performed other services, and I don’t want my comments about costs or the fact that I could use even more assistance to diminish these contributors — I am indeed grateful for what they have done.

I should have said that I am equally reluctant to donate to consumer’s union as I am to give money to Chase.

If you do not receive multiple spam requests for money from them and thier ilk ( other org’s which profess to represent your/our interests but do not qualify as charities exactly and produce no documentation whatsoever of any accomplishments on your/our behalf) then you Dr Bob are a very lucky man.

I have paid Chase. I have Paid B of A. I will never deal with either again for my Credit Card business. Consumers Union did not protect me from either or even put a chink in the armor of Chase as far as I know. If I give them money, isn’t it good money after bad?

I donate to causes which produce. Most of these do not need to ask for money because donors see what they accomplish and seek out the opportunity to be a part of the miracle.

As you know, I think this issue needs no more advocacy or legislation. I think all that is required is for the government we have to enforce a few of the many laws they have already made which are being broken rather than to pretend the law is not there and right new ones which enable them to extort more money from these crooks in return for allowing them to rob us a few more months.

No org like consumers union can be effective in this endevor. We have three choices.

1) Stop voting for criminals which openly support these abuses like Dodd and Obama.

2) Stop doing Business with companies which play the game of breaking laws and hiding behind thier bought and paid for cronies in Congress and the White house.

3) The courts. Since the justice department answers to the white house we know that Criminal action will not take place here. Civil action is the only possible remedy. This is typically a rigorous, lengthy process.

My point is that Obama, Dodd, B of A, Chase and Consumer’s Union are all grinning at this realization.

Years of fundraising potential remain in this cash cow.

Consumers Union is responsible for a massive campaign, with the purpose of reigning in credit card company abuses. You indicated that B of A has just radically increased your rate.

I know you have issues with Dodd, et al, but I do not understand how you would rather give money to Chase than to support an organization that is pushing for reforms. It’s not that I am speaking for Consumers Union or suggesting that you donate — but really, you’d rather give money to Chase (which has engaged in the most egregious, deceptive, illegal campaign against a group of customers in the history of the credit card industry)?

Consumers union does not accept advertising or “free products” for testing, which I believe is conducted under fairly rigorous standards.

I know Congress, the laws we have or the laws we might envision (referring to human limitations) are far from perfect, but I think it’s clear that the credit card industry exercises a level of control over the American consumer (and small business owners) that is yielding horrible consequences (and they are getting worse). Thus, if we want changed behavior on the part of the credit card industry, how else are we to achieve this goal?

Given the choice between Consumers Union and Chase, the latter having made my life over these past few months a living hell, I am in favor of the efforts on the part of Consumers Union. I will continue to repost information about that organization’s efforts on this site.

I think the donations are being put to good use.

I recognize the inherent frailty of the our legal system, Congress, any President, et cetera, but what other choice is there for curtailing, or at least attempting to curtail, credit card company abuses?

I’ld rather give it to Chase.

By the way, just got a change in terms from B of A.

6.99 fixed to variable (current 14.45%)

Hell this wasn’t even a promo rate.

They are all thieves!