Congress harms small and medium sized businesses.

Let's talk about small to medium sized businesses.  Congress has absolutely no appreciation for how much small to medium sized businesses impact our economy.  In particular, how badly the Big Banks and credit card associations are ripping us - and by that I mean everyone - off.  Please explain to me why it is a good idea to throw over 4 percent of our gross product at the credit card association and Big Banks?  Just exactly what have they done for the middle class, lately.  Nothing - with a big fat zero. In fact, less than zero.  They are the 'people' (according to our infantile Un-Supreme Court) who brought us the mortgage crisis.  And even though they are 'people' - I don't see anyone going to jail. This court, the majority of whose members were appointed by 'conservatives', has been not only a disaster - but a laughing stock.  But I digress.

But our congressional members are extremely proud of the Credit Card Act of 2009.  Which is a magnificent piece of legislation dreamed up by the credit card association and Big Banks, written for the credit card associations and Big Banks, written by the credit card association and Big Banks, and benefiting ONLY the credit card association and Big Banks.

Oh .. and let's not forget that the credit card associations are just that ... associations. Association of who, you ask?  I'll give you three guesses and the last 2 don't count.  The associations are comprised of the Big Banks!  Duh.

Please explain to me why, as a small business, I have to pay almost twice as much 'interchange' to MasterCard ans Visa for the 'privilege' of accepting an business purchase card as I do to accept a personal credit card.  It costs me almost a full 1.5 percent more to accept credit cards from businesses and government agencies.

And why should I be paying extra to let consumers accumulate airline mileage?

The whole credit card industry is upside down.  But at the very least, the cost of processing a credit card is the same - no matter who owns it.  But does Congress think this is Wrong?  Nope.  They passed that abortion know as the Credit Card Act of 2009 that 'protects' us from rapacious fees.

Too bad our elected officials are so beholden to the Big Banks.  They really needed to follow Australia's example.  They actually put a crimp in the pockets of the banks.

   

It is time for us to take back our country.

The sleaze bags in Washington have no interest in what is really important to us - only in getting elected - or reelected.  In particular, they have zero respected for the men and women in our armed services.  Congress pays our soldiers (soldiers - not officers) an abysmally small salary.  And then they refuse to pay for things that they require the private sector to provide their employees.  Like uniforms.  Our enlisted men and women have to a) pay for their own uniforms b) pay for food even if they live on base c) pay for their housing - even when they live in the barracks.  And don't get me going about how badly our soldiers overseas are treated. They cannot get what they need in Afghanistan.  In fact, they have to get basic sundries from the British base, next door.