Posted On: May 29, 2008, 12:23 pm CDT

Posted By: Buckeye

I have to apologize for being so heartless, Mike, but do not buy into your old and tired argument.

We live in a free society due, in large part, to the benefits of a capitalistic economy. Inherent in such a free society is a plethora of opportunity. The harsh reality of said free society, though, is the personal responsibility and need for self-reliance that come with it.

The issue is not the unfortunate, but legitimate insurance discrimination against someone who happens to have a bad credit score. Rather, it is the responsibility that someone should and must take for the choices they have made in life. A poor credit score is normally the result of poor choices and not some conspiracy against the poor. My mother and father are a prime example. They did not have much money during my childhood, but they have impeccable credit based on the responsible decisions and choices they made during 34 years of marriage the raising of three children. They simply chose to suit up everyday, not whine about their circumstance, not look for handouts and take care of their family.....nothing more, nothing less.

You seem fixated on this "20,000 vs. $50,000 or $100,000" mantra. I don't have statistics and don't need any. I live in the real world where we all have experiences and personal observations. First of all, level of income does not automatically translate into bad credit score (note my personal experience outlined above). Second, even if there is a correlation, then I would say the same personal choices resulting in an income of only $20,000 are probably also driving the poor credit score.

And let's talk a little bit about compassion for the poor since that seems to be part of your script. Capitalism and the opportunities it presents to rich and poor alike is compassionate by its very nature. Let's take the intelligent and honest high road by not confusing compassion with allowing individuals to simply plod through life without the need to take responsibility for their actions and decisions.

If it makes you feel better, you are more than welcome to round up a bunch of people making $20,000 per year so you can counsel them on the wrongs that have been committed against them and how to wage an ongoing battle against "the man" who is trying to keep them down. While you're at it, you can also cut them a check for the additional insurance premium they need to pay based on a poor credit score.

If my views as expressed above are deemed ruthless and heartless, then I am guilty as charged.