JUNE 23, 2008 --

LPR recently noticed a statement online that 700 to 750 is a good credit score. Those of us with a somewhat lower score can expected to be treated harshly by lending institutions.

This is unjust. This discriminates against debtors. This is un-American.

The truth is, probably most of us used credit cards because we had belief and confidence and, indeed credit in the system. How about some economic analysts nothing that the system literally and figuratively discredited us. And now we are to be held responsible for the failings of others.

I owe money to P.C. Richards (among other places) and the payments go to GE. And if they do not get their money on time, boy do I hear from them by phone.

Please see the value of GE stock today. When I first bought GE nearly seven years ago it was over 40 and was highly recommended. But I have no redress against GE for not fulfilling its promise as a solid and profitable investment.

There is also the matter of a couple of companies where my stock lost all value due to bankruptcy. Yet, the lending institutions pin the blame on the little guy, not the CEO who probably ends up with a golden parachute whatever shape he leaves his company.

Thank you Congress and President Bush for sending us $600 to kind of make amends for the mess the economy is in. I am sure the check in the mail.

But for those of us who have been delayed in receiving our $600, shouldn’t we get an added $39 late fee plus interest of 30% -- just following credit card precedent.

Of course I am not serious. But an economic system that makes it impossible to retire on investment and then makes it difficult to unretire might do something more to help tide the economically-afflicted over.

In the case of people who face loss of all income but a small social security check, LPR calls for vouchers that will cover basic current costs for housing in the individual’s domicile, food , car insurance (note – not gas) and health insurance payments until the individual returns to the list of gainfully employed, in the field for which he or she is trained.

Also credit scores are to be abolished as discriminatory and letting poor performing company execs off the hook.

Credit card companies are to be limited to 8% interest – waived until the individual can afford to pay.

LPR is confident that an economic voucher system as here outlined would encourage executives to think again of the share-holders, would encourage employment agencies to do a better at finding jobs for the out-of-work and would, of course, avoid the return of the depression-era soup kitchen when people had plenty of bills and no money to pay them.

Soup kitchens, after all, are not the mark of a vigorous, flourishing, economy.