Sorry folks for being away once again, as much as I would like to update frequently, my personal life is just in a frenzy. I know that maybe a month or two ago, Alan Collinge, stated that there are moles within his Student Loan Justice movement, moles that pretend to be borrowers in trouble when they're really student loan officers looking for delinquent accounts and issuing referrals.
I am here to tell you, that I am not a student loan officer undercover. And to any agents and moles reading this, I will kindly tell you to please leave my blog, you will not find what you're looking for.
In other news, I found an online article from Time, who is finally recognizing the problem. And I even took note of the one comment (please, feel free to add to this!) saying that it's a debt prison we're in.
In this time of uncertainty where Congress is arguing over the national debt, the debt ceiling, the nation's credit being downgraded and a rise in gold, I agree with Mr. Collinge that Congress is focusing on the wrong debt...
I've made this argument before...I could do so much more with my life if I had more room to grow under this crush debt. I'd love to be able to apply for a job and not have to sweat when they tell me they'll run a credit check...
I'd love to be able to go into a car dealership and get myself a car that I won't have to pray will start.
I'd love to go into an apartment complex and not sweat when the landlord runs the background check.
I'd love to go to a community college and take a few classes, maybe even follow my original dream of becoming a teacher and at least give myself a career where I can actually make loan payments and not have to starve.
I'd love to do all that, just live a decent little life...nothing luxurious, just a roof over my head, an economical car and a 9-to-5 job and I would be happy just with that.
And it angers me that I can't even have those 3 things because of this financial bear trap.
So, I'll just continue to follow Alan Collinge's orders...write to the press, write to a congressman, contribute what I can financially to Student Loan Justice (He said he'd be happy if everyone could pitch in $5) and just not give up.
I'll try to post more in the coming weeks. Good luck to everyone out there. Godspeed.
Showing posts with label Student Loan Justice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Student Loan Justice. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
To be honest...
It was 10 years ago this month that I graduated high school. And I had dreams at that time. I originally wanted to be a history teacher by 16 because I just wanted to share my passion of history onto others, despite the difficulties of being a teacher. Unfortunately, my own history teacher laughed at me and told me to chose another career since he admitted he made a mistake. So, that sent me away from that path. To this day, I regret listening to him because I did have a passion, a nearly unquestionable passion for history. I still do. But, the only way I get to teach is to the very few teenagers who seek my help.
Upon graduation, that's all the principle and staff told us, "Go to college! Get out of here. Go to college and life a normal life." That just added to the desperation of trying to find something to do with my life.
After being scared from history, I got into art and I was fairly decent at it. And then, I went to some Pixar and Dreamworks movies...the original Shrek and Toy Story 2 and I fell in love with computer animation. I thought how great it would be to work in an animation studio, creating movies for children, telling stories and having my name in movie credits. So, I took several months trying really hard to get my admissions portfolio ready for this art college that shall remain nameless...but requires an art portfolio to be considered for admission. (Note: Any art school that doesn't ask for a portfolio, don't trust them) So by the end of 2001, I had everything all drawn and painted and I sent it in.
The school replied that for the computer animation program, my portfolio was unsatisfactory. And it hurt, I was sad, but I wish the school would have said "You are not good enough for admission", but they didn't...
Instead, they recommended I study traditional art....
And keep in mind, I was still a naive guy looking to escape the small town and the rundown trailer park that I resided in...I just wanted out so badly like everyone else who went to college. I never really stopped to look over my options but there I was...with a school saying "You can still come to this campus in the fall..."
And before I knew it, I was in the financial aid office, filling out my loan papers out of desperation, the lady smiling, going "when you're creating storyboards and painting children's book covers, you can more than pay it back."
And that was just music to this small town hick's ears.
And even though my mother had bad credit from her credit cards, they still approved the PLUS loan for her...
So that's 2 things I'll always wonder about...How a fancy and prestigious art school accepted a below mediocre student and how my mother with bad credit was approved for the PLUS loan.
I get to the school and I can't wait to draw and paint while other kids in college stress over research papers and lab work...And I just plain sucked. I was in a room of DaVinci's and Picasso's, the next generations of Walt Disney and Donald Bluth hopefuls...and I was the worst student.
When we put our art in the wall for review, I was always pointed out as the weakest artist. And there were times I would go to the office and ask "Am I going to get kicked out, or do I drop out? Do I transfer?"
And each time, they replied "We are not kicking you out. And you can't really transfer since art credits get you very little at other institutions."
I wish I had been kicked out. Why was I taking out 20k loans just to be embarrassed in class? Question 3: Why wasn't anyone really straight with me? There was a time I wanted out and they talked me out of leaving.
Ten years after high school, where am I? Well, I can't even draw a straight line, I hate art that much. I'm barely able to afford rent and electricity, and because I have to little-to-no experience in anything else outside of art, I'm useless on the job field. I've had so many interviews, with plumbers, silk screeners and warehouse, who said they like me but no experience...no job. I'm left just scrapping together enough to pay off my living expenses. There is nothing left for Sallie Mae or anyone else...I'm in default and under a giant mountain of debt.
I'm not telling this story to be pitied or get sympathy. I don't need it. Chances are, I may not be alive for my 20th reunion. And that's okay, I accept that. I've kissed away dreams of getting married, owning a home, starting a family. I'm good. I don't want to drag a wife down with me, or be unable to provide for my kids.
No, I only tell this story because its something I would never wish on anyone else.
I wish I could just tell myself back in 2001...Going to college wasn't everything. I wish I could have told myself to take my time, figure out who I really was, what would really make me happy and if I had to stock shelves at a super market until I was 25, then so be it. Baz Luhrman said in that Sunscreen Song, "Don't feel bad if you don't know what you want to do with your life, at 22 or at 40." And I should have listened.
Everyone has their own pace in life, don't force it or rush it...Just be patient and you'll find what you're looking for.
And don't believe the lie that if you don't escape your hometown for a while, you're a failure. Because that is the biggest load I've ever heard. I've had several friends stay at the supermarkets and pharmacies, worked their way up from stock to manager and now own homes and have families. Like I said, everyone has their own pace in life.
In the end, do what you feel like. Go to college, stay in your hometown, work your way up the chain, just do something that will make you happy. And always know, life never goes according to plan.
As for me, I know I made mistakes. I never bothered to look at the fine print or even research Sallie Mae. I was a desperate kid, and the faults of a desperate kid have shut many doors in my life. So, I'll admit fault to that. I don't know how much time I have left here...but, I just want people to learn from my mistakes. I want that on my tombstone...Learn from Where I have failed.
To the rest, I say...Keep fighting, tell your story, write to your congressmen, talk to the media, join Alan Collinge and his mission to restore the rights.
Good Luck and God Be With You.
Upon graduation, that's all the principle and staff told us, "Go to college! Get out of here. Go to college and life a normal life." That just added to the desperation of trying to find something to do with my life.
After being scared from history, I got into art and I was fairly decent at it. And then, I went to some Pixar and Dreamworks movies...the original Shrek and Toy Story 2 and I fell in love with computer animation. I thought how great it would be to work in an animation studio, creating movies for children, telling stories and having my name in movie credits. So, I took several months trying really hard to get my admissions portfolio ready for this art college that shall remain nameless...but requires an art portfolio to be considered for admission. (Note: Any art school that doesn't ask for a portfolio, don't trust them) So by the end of 2001, I had everything all drawn and painted and I sent it in.
The school replied that for the computer animation program, my portfolio was unsatisfactory. And it hurt, I was sad, but I wish the school would have said "You are not good enough for admission", but they didn't...
Instead, they recommended I study traditional art....
And keep in mind, I was still a naive guy looking to escape the small town and the rundown trailer park that I resided in...I just wanted out so badly like everyone else who went to college. I never really stopped to look over my options but there I was...with a school saying "You can still come to this campus in the fall..."
And before I knew it, I was in the financial aid office, filling out my loan papers out of desperation, the lady smiling, going "when you're creating storyboards and painting children's book covers, you can more than pay it back."
And that was just music to this small town hick's ears.
And even though my mother had bad credit from her credit cards, they still approved the PLUS loan for her...
So that's 2 things I'll always wonder about...How a fancy and prestigious art school accepted a below mediocre student and how my mother with bad credit was approved for the PLUS loan.
I get to the school and I can't wait to draw and paint while other kids in college stress over research papers and lab work...And I just plain sucked. I was in a room of DaVinci's and Picasso's, the next generations of Walt Disney and Donald Bluth hopefuls...and I was the worst student.
When we put our art in the wall for review, I was always pointed out as the weakest artist. And there were times I would go to the office and ask "Am I going to get kicked out, or do I drop out? Do I transfer?"
And each time, they replied "We are not kicking you out. And you can't really transfer since art credits get you very little at other institutions."
I wish I had been kicked out. Why was I taking out 20k loans just to be embarrassed in class? Question 3: Why wasn't anyone really straight with me? There was a time I wanted out and they talked me out of leaving.
Ten years after high school, where am I? Well, I can't even draw a straight line, I hate art that much. I'm barely able to afford rent and electricity, and because I have to little-to-no experience in anything else outside of art, I'm useless on the job field. I've had so many interviews, with plumbers, silk screeners and warehouse, who said they like me but no experience...no job. I'm left just scrapping together enough to pay off my living expenses. There is nothing left for Sallie Mae or anyone else...I'm in default and under a giant mountain of debt.
I'm not telling this story to be pitied or get sympathy. I don't need it. Chances are, I may not be alive for my 20th reunion. And that's okay, I accept that. I've kissed away dreams of getting married, owning a home, starting a family. I'm good. I don't want to drag a wife down with me, or be unable to provide for my kids.
No, I only tell this story because its something I would never wish on anyone else.
I wish I could just tell myself back in 2001...Going to college wasn't everything. I wish I could have told myself to take my time, figure out who I really was, what would really make me happy and if I had to stock shelves at a super market until I was 25, then so be it. Baz Luhrman said in that Sunscreen Song, "Don't feel bad if you don't know what you want to do with your life, at 22 or at 40." And I should have listened.
Everyone has their own pace in life, don't force it or rush it...Just be patient and you'll find what you're looking for.
And don't believe the lie that if you don't escape your hometown for a while, you're a failure. Because that is the biggest load I've ever heard. I've had several friends stay at the supermarkets and pharmacies, worked their way up from stock to manager and now own homes and have families. Like I said, everyone has their own pace in life.
In the end, do what you feel like. Go to college, stay in your hometown, work your way up the chain, just do something that will make you happy. And always know, life never goes according to plan.
As for me, I know I made mistakes. I never bothered to look at the fine print or even research Sallie Mae. I was a desperate kid, and the faults of a desperate kid have shut many doors in my life. So, I'll admit fault to that. I don't know how much time I have left here...but, I just want people to learn from my mistakes. I want that on my tombstone...Learn from Where I have failed.
To the rest, I say...Keep fighting, tell your story, write to your congressmen, talk to the media, join Alan Collinge and his mission to restore the rights.
Good Luck and God Be With You.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Feds may start to collect on defaulted loans and Alan Collinge vs C. Cryn Johansen
As news of Osama bin Laden's death dominates the news, here's a story that has been sneaked in by USA Today. And if anyone out there has their property being liened or seized by the Department of Education, please contact Alan Collinge immediately. Always remember, he can be reached through the Student Loan Justice website.
This is an article that is worth reading. I found it very interesting.
And finally, this is Alan Collinge's response to C. Cryn Johansen's AEM blog that may have been deleted:
My second response:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxxxx,
My email was down for two days...I learned only today about Cryn apparently ending the group she had going there...I assume this is what you were refering to. Just so you know, I wrote to Cryn, but I do not think she will post my comments on her blog. But here is what I wrote. I want to be clear that I support anyone truly fighting for the interests of the students, and there are very few shortcomings that I can't work with. Please read my comments below so that you can understand exactly the position I take with Cryn...
-------------------------------------------What I tried to post on the AEM blog:
Cryn, as a matter of policy, I never had any disagreements with you. I did, however, find it incredibly weird, and offputting that you never came around to stating a position on the return of bankruptcy protections to federal student loans. And you know that I tried quite hard to understand your position on this, pro, con, or otherwise. A simple, straight answer would have helped me understand where you were coming from way back then, but you never came around to do that.
So that was weird and even troubling, but I chalked it up to typical ivy league snobbery, which I am very used to at this point. Beyond that, you didn't really say anything that offended me, etc as far as policy. You were on the right side of the gainful employment debate...but I think that debate is silly, take no strong position either way. You were also right to bash Rev. Jackson, I hate to say (because his group and ours are on the same page in many other ways), and I said as much at the time...But again, these are issues I really don't take a strong interest in, so if you were being attacked on policy stands, it wasn't from me or anyone in my group.
What did cause me to make negative public comments about you was your working for a lending company, Edulender. This is a conflict that unfortunately would take anyone out of the game, and I made similar comments to the borrower who went from being featured nationally about her debt to working for them. So don't take it personally. When you work for people who absolutely don't want to see any meaningful changes in the lending system, and who will work hard to make sure that the most critical problems are neglected, this is a clear and obvious conflict around which there is no getting.
Even the established student advocates who have clearly failed students so badly (ie NCLC, the USPIRG, TICAS, et al) wouldn't dare take money from lenders...and they are almost completely incapable of actually fighting for students even so, so you see my point.
I do empathize with the lack of funding, but that is a part of this struggle that only the borrowers can fix, unfortunately. I nearly made the mistake years ago of getting funding from guarantors to run a counseling program. I backed out before that happened, but I do understand the temptation.
So if any of your comments were directed towards me (and I hope that they were not), they are misguided, because no one MORE than me wants good people fighting squarely for the interests of the students, and I support anyone who does so. I would still like to know what the deal was with that bankruptcy question...did you ever come to a position? Anyhow...
To "Anonymous": I don't understand why you are criticising Nando for his comments at the forum. While I wasn't there I understand that Nando rightfully pointed out egregious and disingenuous fundraising, and spending by a law school. Why is this counterproductive? Why is pointing out this, and a huge number of similar examples of out-of-control spending not worthwhile? I do not understand this comment.
That is all for now. And please remember, donate to the cause because Student Loan Justice needs as much support as possible.
This is an article that is worth reading. I found it very interesting.
And finally, this is Alan Collinge's response to C. Cryn Johansen's AEM blog that may have been deleted:
My second response:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxxxx,
My email was down for two days...I learned only today about Cryn apparently ending the group she had going there...I assume this is what you were refering to. Just so you know, I wrote to Cryn, but I do not think she will post my comments on her blog. But here is what I wrote. I want to be clear that I support anyone truly fighting for the interests of the students, and there are very few shortcomings that I can't work with. Please read my comments below so that you can understand exactly the position I take with Cryn...
-------------------------------------------What I tried to post on the AEM blog:
Cryn, as a matter of policy, I never had any disagreements with you. I did, however, find it incredibly weird, and offputting that you never came around to stating a position on the return of bankruptcy protections to federal student loans. And you know that I tried quite hard to understand your position on this, pro, con, or otherwise. A simple, straight answer would have helped me understand where you were coming from way back then, but you never came around to do that.
So that was weird and even troubling, but I chalked it up to typical ivy league snobbery, which I am very used to at this point. Beyond that, you didn't really say anything that offended me, etc as far as policy. You were on the right side of the gainful employment debate...but I think that debate is silly, take no strong position either way. You were also right to bash Rev. Jackson, I hate to say (because his group and ours are on the same page in many other ways), and I said as much at the time...But again, these are issues I really don't take a strong interest in, so if you were being attacked on policy stands, it wasn't from me or anyone in my group.
What did cause me to make negative public comments about you was your working for a lending company, Edulender. This is a conflict that unfortunately would take anyone out of the game, and I made similar comments to the borrower who went from being featured nationally about her debt to working for them. So don't take it personally. When you work for people who absolutely don't want to see any meaningful changes in the lending system, and who will work hard to make sure that the most critical problems are neglected, this is a clear and obvious conflict around which there is no getting.
Even the established student advocates who have clearly failed students so badly (ie NCLC, the USPIRG, TICAS, et al) wouldn't dare take money from lenders...and they are almost completely incapable of actually fighting for students even so, so you see my point.
I do empathize with the lack of funding, but that is a part of this struggle that only the borrowers can fix, unfortunately. I nearly made the mistake years ago of getting funding from guarantors to run a counseling program. I backed out before that happened, but I do understand the temptation.
So if any of your comments were directed towards me (and I hope that they were not), they are misguided, because no one MORE than me wants good people fighting squarely for the interests of the students, and I support anyone who does so. I would still like to know what the deal was with that bankruptcy question...did you ever come to a position? Anyhow...
To "Anonymous": I don't understand why you are criticising Nando for his comments at the forum. While I wasn't there I understand that Nando rightfully pointed out egregious and disingenuous fundraising, and spending by a law school. Why is this counterproductive? Why is pointing out this, and a huge number of similar examples of out-of-control spending not worthwhile? I do not understand this comment.
That is all for now. And please remember, donate to the cause because Student Loan Justice needs as much support as possible.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
More from Alan Collinge about that article
Hey All,
I'm still pissed about that piece published in the NYTimes yesterday. Its this type of non-starter, hand wringing article that breaks no new news, and simply repeats what the fake student advocates like Lauren Asher, Deanne Loonin, et al that we DON'T need.
The piece never mentions that Mark Kantrowitz makes his money from lenders and schools, either. People need to know this.
The reporter, Tamar Lewin, is new on the beat, and obviously needs to hear about the real issue from us, the borrowers. So I'm going to take the liberty of giving you all, the people she NEEDS to hear from, her personal email address. USE IT. MAKE HER FEEL YOUR PAIN.
tawin49@gmail.com
Also, please donate. We need it:
http://www.studentloanjustice.org/pac.htm
I'm still pissed about that piece published in the NYTimes yesterday. Its this type of non-starter, hand wringing article that breaks no new news, and simply repeats what the fake student advocates like Lauren Asher, Deanne Loonin, et al that we DON'T need.
The piece never mentions that Mark Kantrowitz makes his money from lenders and schools, either. People need to know this.
The reporter, Tamar Lewin, is new on the beat, and obviously needs to hear about the real issue from us, the borrowers. So I'm going to take the liberty of giving you all, the people she NEEDS to hear from, her personal email address. USE IT. MAKE HER FEEL YOUR PAIN.
tawin49@gmail.com
Also, please donate. We need it:
http://www.studentloanjustice.org/pac.htm
Monday, April 11, 2011
This articles DOES suck! Student debt a healthy investment???
Reading this made me want to vomit in rage. If Susan Dynarski was a man, I would punch him right in the face. Good to see the NY Times prints such wonderful articles. It really does anger me. Healthy investment? For many people, just being able to pay off the electric or phone bills...that's a healthy investment. Being able to pay for decent health insurance and auto coverage, that's a healthy investment. Paying for a scam that keeps growing in drowning debt...seriously Dynarski, you are very misguided. But, judging from your position at the University of Michigan, you really wouldn't know what good and bad debt truly feels like. Make your own assessment, people, but don't just sit there and scratch your heads. Voice your opinion. The longer everyone just stalls, the longer this problem continues to thrive and the NY Times will continue to belittle the problem and sweep us under the rug. The insanity continues as long as you let it.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
An article that should make us angry
Alan Collinge pointed this one out and he commented about it towards the bottom:
http://chronicle.com/blogs/innovations/an-alarming-picture-of-for-profit-higher-education/29040
http://chronicle.com/blogs/innovations/an-alarming-picture-of-for-profit-higher-education/29040
Alan Collinge's tips on stopping wage garnishment
Hey folks,
For those of you having your wages garnished into a bottomless pit:
Stopping wage garnishment is easy if you have a decent relationship with your employer. Simply ask the payroll department to stop the garnishment, and tell the collection agency to produce a court order in order for the garnishments to continue. The collection companies may talk tough, but they probably will not,and in fact, you will in all likelihood never hear from them again.
You may need to explain a bit about the predatory nature of the loans, about the grassroots groundswell against this predatory system, etc...
But if you can make payroll understand, and do this, you will get to keep your pay. It worked for me. 4 years ago. And nothing has changed with the system since then.
This is no long term solution of course, but it may help you.
Another helpful piece of advice: Demand that your defaulted loan be transferred directly to the Department of Education. Again, this won't solve any problems, but it will cut the guarantor and its collection companies out of the process, which typically is a good thing.
Regards,
Alan
ps. please donate: http://www.studentloanjustice.org/pac.htm
For those of you having your wages garnished into a bottomless pit:
Stopping wage garnishment is easy if you have a decent relationship with your employer. Simply ask the payroll department to stop the garnishment, and tell the collection agency to produce a court order in order for the garnishments to continue. The collection companies may talk tough, but they probably will not,and in fact, you will in all likelihood never hear from them again.
You may need to explain a bit about the predatory nature of the loans, about the grassroots groundswell against this predatory system, etc...
But if you can make payroll understand, and do this, you will get to keep your pay. It worked for me. 4 years ago. And nothing has changed with the system since then.
This is no long term solution of course, but it may help you.
Another helpful piece of advice: Demand that your defaulted loan be transferred directly to the Department of Education. Again, this won't solve any problems, but it will cut the guarantor and its collection companies out of the process, which typically is a good thing.
Regards,
Alan
ps. please donate: http://www.studentloanjustice.org/pac.htm
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Some bad news from Alan Collinge
Great. I am now being told that another "leader" in this movement, Cryn Johansen, has also sold out to the lending industry. She is writing her blog now at:
http://www.edulender.com/blog/
The website name says it all. I knew there was something very wrong with her over a year ago when she wouldn't answer my very simple question, "Are you for or against the return of standard consumer protections like bankruptcy to student loans, or otherwise?". It took a weekends worth of email attempts to get her to simply answer this question, but she never did. Sad, sad, sad.
People: Where are the honest, uncorrupted leaders, here? Seriously...this issue is absolutely huge...far larger than one or two people can serve well, however good their leadership skills. I know there are honest, upright, well educated people reading this who could absolutely make stunning careers off of this issue without selling out to the lending industry, the Department of Education etc.
You need to step up. We support any and all honest, diligent efforts to fight the predatory student loan industry, and we NEED others to step up so we aren't the single target floating around out there to take the brunt of the attacks.
There will always be Cryn's, or Robert's popping up to suck the air out of things, but do not be intimidated by them, and by all means, do not trust that they are actually doing what they claim...particularly when their cashflow screams the opposite. These people need to be replaced by real people with heartfelt feelings on this issue. I know you are out there-
Think about that. You're country actually needs you, and I say that with no drama or exaggeration.
Be well,
Alan
In better news. Alan and his group put together enough funds to go to John Boehner's house and protest.
http://www.edulender.com/blog/
The website name says it all. I knew there was something very wrong with her over a year ago when she wouldn't answer my very simple question, "Are you for or against the return of standard consumer protections like bankruptcy to student loans, or otherwise?". It took a weekends worth of email attempts to get her to simply answer this question, but she never did. Sad, sad, sad.
People: Where are the honest, uncorrupted leaders, here? Seriously...this issue is absolutely huge...far larger than one or two people can serve well, however good their leadership skills. I know there are honest, upright, well educated people reading this who could absolutely make stunning careers off of this issue without selling out to the lending industry, the Department of Education etc.
You need to step up. We support any and all honest, diligent efforts to fight the predatory student loan industry, and we NEED others to step up so we aren't the single target floating around out there to take the brunt of the attacks.
There will always be Cryn's, or Robert's popping up to suck the air out of things, but do not be intimidated by them, and by all means, do not trust that they are actually doing what they claim...particularly when their cashflow screams the opposite. These people need to be replaced by real people with heartfelt feelings on this issue. I know you are out there-
Think about that. You're country actually needs you, and I say that with no drama or exaggeration.
Be well,
Alan
In better news. Alan and his group put together enough funds to go to John Boehner's house and protest.
Friday, March 4, 2011
I'm back...and Alan Collinge needs help!
Sorry for my absence, a combination of the flu and life reflection have delayed me from here. But, I have returned. And right now, it seems that we are in an age of revolution once more. We saw it in 1914 with World War I...we saw it during the 1960s...and we saw it during 1989 when that Wall came down and once again...we are in that age. Protesters in Tunisia and Egypt have accomplished so much within the past few months and we're seeing it again in Libya and maybe more countries...I don't know where their future is headed but right now, they wanted change and they're getting it.
And I'm sure we've seen what's been going on in Wisconsin.
Well, now it can be our turn. This could be our stand to take the first steps to restore consumer rights to student loans and to expose Sallie Mae and every other creditor predator out there.
And Alan Collinge has a plan:
A road trip to John Boener's House:
We now have about a tenth of the money required to make this trip happen ($1500-$2000). We can't draw out the money raising until the trip happens. We have to get that settled before we can set any firm date, time, etc.
We have 10,000 people receiving these messages. People need to step up and kick in for once.
C'mon, guys-We can easily do this. We should be able to easily raise the minimum in nothing flat, with money left over to bus people in if necessary.
http://www.studentloanjustice.org/pac.htm
An Age of Revolution...so if you can, please donate whatever you can to the cause. Those who settle for mediocrity do nothing in life. Don't settle. Act.
And I'm sure we've seen what's been going on in Wisconsin.
Well, now it can be our turn. This could be our stand to take the first steps to restore consumer rights to student loans and to expose Sallie Mae and every other creditor predator out there.
And Alan Collinge has a plan:
A road trip to John Boener's House:
We now have about a tenth of the money required to make this trip happen ($1500-$2000). We can't draw out the money raising until the trip happens. We have to get that settled before we can set any firm date, time, etc.
We have 10,000 people receiving these messages. People need to step up and kick in for once.
C'mon, guys-We can easily do this. We should be able to easily raise the minimum in nothing flat, with money left over to bus people in if necessary.
http://www.studentloanjustice.org/pac.htm
An Age of Revolution...so if you can, please donate whatever you can to the cause. Those who settle for mediocrity do nothing in life. Don't settle. Act.
Monday, November 15, 2010
More from Alan Collinge...
"This is the type of greed, and excess that we enable with the predatory loans forced upon us.
We have crossed a threshold, folks. Where yesterday you were ashamed, intimidated, and overwhelmed, tomorrow you should be angry, assertive, and demanding. These are your loans, and only by you understanding exactly what is going on will you transition from passive to active on this issue. Trust me, you will certainly wonder, in hindsight, why you laid low for so long. Doing so only enriches and emboldens the predators who have seized control of this lending system."
Forget being a doctor or a lawyer, this article makes the life of a university president rival Beverly Hills. Kind of explains the recurring hikes in tuition...
We have crossed a threshold, folks. Where yesterday you were ashamed, intimidated, and overwhelmed, tomorrow you should be angry, assertive, and demanding. These are your loans, and only by you understanding exactly what is going on will you transition from passive to active on this issue. Trust me, you will certainly wonder, in hindsight, why you laid low for so long. Doing so only enriches and emboldens the predators who have seized control of this lending system."
Forget being a doctor or a lawyer, this article makes the life of a university president rival Beverly Hills. Kind of explains the recurring hikes in tuition...
A message from Alan Collinge
Already, moves are underway to continue the theft from the student loan system using people holding themselves out as student advocates, when in fact they are nothing of the sort. The College Board (The entity that administers the SAT) is going to bat against the students on this particular attempt. The target is the "in-school" subsidy.
Ask why the College Board would even care about this issue. I have not a clue...I've never looked really hard at the organization, I only know that they were actually selling student loans for a time, and would still be were it not for public outcry, and some legal issues. I do know that these sorts of actions nearly always coupled with funding requests/ political appointments/ etc.
This is a good research project for someone...
Ask why the College Board would even care about this issue. I have not a clue...I've never looked really hard at the organization, I only know that they were actually selling student loans for a time, and would still be were it not for public outcry, and some legal issues. I do know that these sorts of actions nearly always coupled with funding requests/ political appointments/ etc.
This is a good research project for someone...
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
News and Etc
I recently found out that Alan Collinge will be closing down the Student Loan Justice Facebook group. The idea behind it would have been amazing, but sadly, Facebook is not the place to organize such a cause.
He will continue the Student Loan Justice website.
Collinge did post this link through the Facebook page, therefore, I too will pass this on. It's worth a shot.
There is also a worthwhile discussion here.
Correction:
I would like to issue an apology to Cryn Johannsen for a previous post, it is a misunderstanding in the heat of a moment and I did not intend to direct anything towards her. I thank her for her work and continue to thank her for her future work.
And finally, while at a local bookstore, I was able to glance at Debt-Free U: How I Paid for an Outstanding College Education Without Loans, Scholarships, or Mooching off My Parents. It seems like a very vital book for any new college hopeful and a guide to avoid the student loan nightmare. I just wish this book had come out years ago. To paraphrase a quote, it went something along the lines of, "Those who understand compound debt will profit from it, while those who do not will be destined to pay it." How true. Sad. But true.
He will continue the Student Loan Justice website.
Collinge did post this link through the Facebook page, therefore, I too will pass this on. It's worth a shot.
There is also a worthwhile discussion here.
Correction:
I would like to issue an apology to Cryn Johannsen for a previous post, it is a misunderstanding in the heat of a moment and I did not intend to direct anything towards her. I thank her for her work and continue to thank her for her future work.
And finally, while at a local bookstore, I was able to glance at Debt-Free U: How I Paid for an Outstanding College Education Without Loans, Scholarships, or Mooching off My Parents. It seems like a very vital book for any new college hopeful and a guide to avoid the student loan nightmare. I just wish this book had come out years ago. To paraphrase a quote, it went something along the lines of, "Those who understand compound debt will profit from it, while those who do not will be destined to pay it." How true. Sad. But true.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
When our government works for corporations and NOT it's citizens...
I came across yet another horror story, as a guy just wanted to follow his dream of working in meteorology...now, he has an Air Force officer telling him to stop applying for meteor0logy work...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com//c-cryn-johannsen/a-closer-look-at-the-stud_b_766192.html
This story, as well as the comments by readers, sickens me...and I ask when did our government sell out its citizens?
You can call me naive, I guess I had been, years ago. And I know capitalism is nowhere near perfect, nor was it meant to be and that society has had its poor and homeless going back to Ancient Rome...but this is just sick. I find this worse than those house swindlers who con people out of their homes. I just don't get it how our government has let Sallie Mae get away with this.
I know the logical answer is bribes and kickbacks...but the question still remains to how?
And more importantly, why?
Does keeping people in debt help this country?
I want to ask the real estate agent who can't sell any homes...
I want to ask the car dealer who can't move cars off the lot...
I want to ask the salespeople who can't barely sell their products...
I want to ask the restaurant owner who sees nothing but empty tables...
I want to ask every business owner who had to close up shop for good...
Does keeping people in debt help this country?
And what is with the harsh penalties and denial of job fields? Meteorology sounds like a high paying field, one where this guy could easily pay off the loans (minus any other factors), so why the hell would you deny him of that? Just to add the default rate and watch the penalty fees rack up? That's great, it can balloon to an Argentina sized debt and guess what? You're STILL NOT GONNA SEE THAT MONEY!!!
That's just one thing I don't get. The guy could have 4 jobs and still never repay off half of the debt. And he's just an example out of countless more.
I'll level with you, I can reason with adding penalty fees and late fees, but where is the justification in blocking job fields?
And revoking medical licenses? It's getting to the point where it's not worth it to be a doctor. Which is pretty much saying it's not worth it to learn how to save lives and treat diseases.
I know our government is not perfect, and right now, pretty far from it. And I know that capitalism is geared towards the rich, that there will always be poor people at street corners, that every Joe the Plummer, will always bust his hump, trying to put food on the table...I know this country and the world will never be a utopia.
And I can live knowing I'll never have a 50-inch screen tv, a Playstation, a Blackberry, a Chevy Corvette, a home in Malibu...I can live without luxury easily.
And I can live with penalties and late fees, my hospital bills are evidence to that...
But to live knowing that I'm being blackballed from any successful career...to know that I'll never be the guy who watches his bride walk down the aisle...to know that I can never properly provide for a wife...to know that I'll never have a chance to be a father...to have that feeling of watching his children grow up and go out into the world...
I'll admit, I too feel like just giving up...and I can't promise that day will never come home...I only live now, just running on hope and fueled by anger. Sallie Mae wants me to be ashamed of what I've done to myself...well, the time of embarrassment is over...I'm here to just spread the word, tell my story, tell other stories and try to steer as many people away from this path as I can.
And should that dreadful day come where I have absolutely no options left...I'm going to take a final trip to Muncie, Indiana...I know their call center is in the vicinity of Ball State University...I'll drive there...and I'll wait outside their front door...for once, I want them to see the face of what they've created...and I want to see the faces of the people who have hounded me.
But until then, I'll be here. Just...doing what my ancestors did in the past.
Survive. And Fight.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com//c-cryn-johannsen/a-closer-look-at-the-stud_b_766192.html
This story, as well as the comments by readers, sickens me...and I ask when did our government sell out its citizens?
You can call me naive, I guess I had been, years ago. And I know capitalism is nowhere near perfect, nor was it meant to be and that society has had its poor and homeless going back to Ancient Rome...but this is just sick. I find this worse than those house swindlers who con people out of their homes. I just don't get it how our government has let Sallie Mae get away with this.
I know the logical answer is bribes and kickbacks...but the question still remains to how?
And more importantly, why?
Does keeping people in debt help this country?
I want to ask the real estate agent who can't sell any homes...
I want to ask the car dealer who can't move cars off the lot...
I want to ask the salespeople who can't barely sell their products...
I want to ask the restaurant owner who sees nothing but empty tables...
I want to ask every business owner who had to close up shop for good...
Does keeping people in debt help this country?
And what is with the harsh penalties and denial of job fields? Meteorology sounds like a high paying field, one where this guy could easily pay off the loans (minus any other factors), so why the hell would you deny him of that? Just to add the default rate and watch the penalty fees rack up? That's great, it can balloon to an Argentina sized debt and guess what? You're STILL NOT GONNA SEE THAT MONEY!!!
That's just one thing I don't get. The guy could have 4 jobs and still never repay off half of the debt. And he's just an example out of countless more.
I'll level with you, I can reason with adding penalty fees and late fees, but where is the justification in blocking job fields?
And revoking medical licenses? It's getting to the point where it's not worth it to be a doctor. Which is pretty much saying it's not worth it to learn how to save lives and treat diseases.
I know our government is not perfect, and right now, pretty far from it. And I know that capitalism is geared towards the rich, that there will always be poor people at street corners, that every Joe the Plummer, will always bust his hump, trying to put food on the table...I know this country and the world will never be a utopia.
And I can live knowing I'll never have a 50-inch screen tv, a Playstation, a Blackberry, a Chevy Corvette, a home in Malibu...I can live without luxury easily.
And I can live with penalties and late fees, my hospital bills are evidence to that...
But to live knowing that I'm being blackballed from any successful career...to know that I'll never be the guy who watches his bride walk down the aisle...to know that I can never properly provide for a wife...to know that I'll never have a chance to be a father...to have that feeling of watching his children grow up and go out into the world...
I'll admit, I too feel like just giving up...and I can't promise that day will never come home...I only live now, just running on hope and fueled by anger. Sallie Mae wants me to be ashamed of what I've done to myself...well, the time of embarrassment is over...I'm here to just spread the word, tell my story, tell other stories and try to steer as many people away from this path as I can.
And should that dreadful day come where I have absolutely no options left...I'm going to take a final trip to Muncie, Indiana...I know their call center is in the vicinity of Ball State University...I'll drive there...and I'll wait outside their front door...for once, I want them to see the face of what they've created...and I want to see the faces of the people who have hounded me.
But until then, I'll be here. Just...doing what my ancestors did in the past.
Survive. And Fight.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Student Loans and Suicide
I found an article. The opposition has the nerve to say that suicide cases with student loan debtors are personal and they should seek help. Here's the thing that separates student loans from most crisis...
Losing a home to foreclosure? Sucks to lose a home, and it sucks to move in with family...but move...find a new place to live.
Divorce or break-up? A broken heart and wounded soul are bad, but life goes on. It always does.
Credit card debt? Learn to live within your means and declare bankruptcy. In 7 years, you'll have a clean slate and hopefully, a better sense of spending habits.
Student Loans...there is no escape. NO ESCAPE. Sure, the attitude for a new burrower in college is, "I'll pay it back." But life never goes according to plan, you can lose your career, you can lose everything you own, you can find yourself barely scraping by...and Sallie Mae will always go, "Where's our money?"
I lost a lot during the start of the Recession, I was unfortunately evicted and even on my way out of my home, Sallie Mae kept hounding me for their payment. It is then I realized just how cruel this company is. Then I read other horror stories. You lose your world and Sallie Mae still comes to finish what's left. And with that Parent PLUS Loan, where parents co-sign, that's just a fancy way of Sallie Mae taking your family hostage. Even if you die by any means, they'll still go on to collect money.
And the opposition says it's personal. Growing up, I've always been told there will always be light at the end of the tunnel, that when life closes a door, another one opens...and in most cases, that's true.
With Sallie Mae and with Student Loan Debt...there is no light. There are no more doors. I cannot go in my life because of this shackle. I want to give back to this world so much, but I can't. Instead, I live in the shadows and off the grid. I can't have Myspace or a Facebook anymore. I haven't filled out a forwarding address at the post office in years. I'm afraid to update the address on my driver's license in fear that I'll be found. I'll admit, I'm barely hanging on...and I'm hiding. I feel like I'm living like a criminal just because I had a dream of going to college.
I'd give anything to just have a foreclosure or credit card debt and just have that as my biggest problem.
Let me restate what I said earlier...NO ESCAPE. How can the average debtor not think about ending it all?
I'm sick of this though. Why does Sallie Mae get to hold all of the cards and continue to screw the youth of America.
Any opposition out there who dares to call me a slacker, a deadbeat, a crybaby...You all better pray that the Credit Card corporations do not get this kind of unlimited authority that Sallie Mae has...because I do not wish this inescapable debt on anyone.
Other than that...join the fight.
Losing a home to foreclosure? Sucks to lose a home, and it sucks to move in with family...but move...find a new place to live.
Divorce or break-up? A broken heart and wounded soul are bad, but life goes on. It always does.
Credit card debt? Learn to live within your means and declare bankruptcy. In 7 years, you'll have a clean slate and hopefully, a better sense of spending habits.
Student Loans...there is no escape. NO ESCAPE. Sure, the attitude for a new burrower in college is, "I'll pay it back." But life never goes according to plan, you can lose your career, you can lose everything you own, you can find yourself barely scraping by...and Sallie Mae will always go, "Where's our money?"
I lost a lot during the start of the Recession, I was unfortunately evicted and even on my way out of my home, Sallie Mae kept hounding me for their payment. It is then I realized just how cruel this company is. Then I read other horror stories. You lose your world and Sallie Mae still comes to finish what's left. And with that Parent PLUS Loan, where parents co-sign, that's just a fancy way of Sallie Mae taking your family hostage. Even if you die by any means, they'll still go on to collect money.
And the opposition says it's personal. Growing up, I've always been told there will always be light at the end of the tunnel, that when life closes a door, another one opens...and in most cases, that's true.
With Sallie Mae and with Student Loan Debt...there is no light. There are no more doors. I cannot go in my life because of this shackle. I want to give back to this world so much, but I can't. Instead, I live in the shadows and off the grid. I can't have Myspace or a Facebook anymore. I haven't filled out a forwarding address at the post office in years. I'm afraid to update the address on my driver's license in fear that I'll be found. I'll admit, I'm barely hanging on...and I'm hiding. I feel like I'm living like a criminal just because I had a dream of going to college.
I'd give anything to just have a foreclosure or credit card debt and just have that as my biggest problem.
Let me restate what I said earlier...NO ESCAPE. How can the average debtor not think about ending it all?
I'm sick of this though. Why does Sallie Mae get to hold all of the cards and continue to screw the youth of America.
Any opposition out there who dares to call me a slacker, a deadbeat, a crybaby...You all better pray that the Credit Card corporations do not get this kind of unlimited authority that Sallie Mae has...because I do not wish this inescapable debt on anyone.
Other than that...join the fight.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Father loses his home under tidal wave of student loan debt
He was just trying to be a good dad and send his four children off to college, so he co-signed their student loans. And now, he and his wife have lost their jobs and you can read the rest of this real life horror story here
Once you read the article, there is a possible light at the end of the tunnel, but only if you help make it happen. Join Student Loan Justice and find out how to make Consumer Protection Rights against student loans a reality.
Once you read the article, there is a possible light at the end of the tunnel, but only if you help make it happen. Join Student Loan Justice and find out how to make Consumer Protection Rights against student loans a reality.
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