Following Andy’s lead, here’s my background and here are my beliefs.
I grew up in a household where my parents co-owned (and still do) a law firm that specializes in consumer bankruptcy law. They represent debtors who have fallen behind on car payments, house/apartment payments, have overdue taxes, and many other forms of debt. Every since I began to reason my parents have told me about some of the clients they represent (not the names, just the unfortunate circumstances they have to deal with). Thanks to these stories I’ve felt extremely empathetic and sympathetic towards people who aren’t as fortunate as I have been. It’s always gut wrenching to hear about their latest client who has the screws tightened on them by one creditor or another, especially when it’s a case of predatory lending on the creditor’s part. I am a firm believer in both second chances, and of doing whatever I can to make homeless peoples’ day a little better. Those who know me know that I buy meals for homeless people I see, or even give them $10-20 if I don’t have the time to buy them food. I don’t care if they buy alcohol or drugs with the cash. Whatever gets them through another day, and makes them temporarily feel better than they normally do.
I have no religious affiliation, and believe that I have no right to tell someone else what they should or shouldn’t do with their own body. That’s some of my reasoning for being pro-choice.
Like Andy I strive to be self-reliant. I have major issues with asking other people to do me favors, as a few on these boards can attest to. I don’t use or own credit cards. I’ve heard too many horror stories from my parents about them, but in addition to those I just don’t believe in credit. It makes my life a little tougher, but I’m glad I don’t pay APR.
I’ve got to get to bed soon, but I’ll post this now so that Andy doesn’t think I’m standing him up
. I’ll post again or edit this one with more information later.