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As, so unfortunately, I handled all of 86's finances for him, I can attest to the brutal and outrageous tactics used by debt collectors. I had to get very, very Zen as they threatened to sue me, make me pay. I very coolly replied that they should go ahead with their suits, but to be advised that there was zero chance of them obtaining a judgment against me. Rabid and filthy responses, culminating in "I'll see you in court." My response was always, "Okeedoke. You will lose, AND you will have to pay for my legal costs."

Some of them tried to sound mafiosi. Some of them tried polite but dogged harassment. It took a few months, but blessed silence finally retook the stage. They KNEW I was not responsible for his debts. They KNOW most people who are not even legally responsible for the debt will pay to get rid of the horrors on the telephone. A huge chunk of debtors jump at the chance to settle their debt burden by paying a lowered sum, despite this utterly ruining their ability to do business with anyone but payday lenders ever again. Most people are afraid of bankers. Even though the bankers have long since sold the debt to pigs who probably couldn't even dress convincingly-enough for a courtroom.

The very best course, when in debt you cannot pay per the lender's specs, is to make what payment you can, no matter how small, on a regular basis. This assumes you have no fat assets they can nab, but generally that keeps courts much more pleasantly disposed toward you. Only pay the principal. Not the late fees and interest. Then very politely tell the rabid debt collectors they are barking up the wrong tree. DON'T let their ability to press every button make you do or say something stupid. And, if you are not even the debtor, call the police and report the harassment. They won't do anything but make a note, but you can tell the callers you've called the police. You can notify the bank that sold the debt that you have called the police.

Don't be stupid.

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Well, and, I guess I should mention that if you are REALLY strapped, you should never forget the adage about not being able to get blood out of a turnip, and just walk away. Your credit will be trashed—used to be for seven years—and now I hear some people are being arrested for debts, though not prosecuted—and it may yet come to real debtors' prisons again, but for now, TAKE RESPONSIBILITY by slashing the living snot out of your lifestyle, taking it down to the bare bones. Park your car in the repo lot for them and take a bus back. Then use what you can scrape up to buy another outright from one of the million car auctions extant... maybe even the one you just parked. Or buy a bicycle. Or walk. LEARN to wear solid clothing from free boxes. LEARN not to indulge in fast but expensive coffee houses and restaurants. LEARN to get nutritious food in bulk from warehouses, or from food programs, MAKE yourself cook it from scratch. This saves megabucks and it also gives you the stamina to get through it. If you lose yer home, get with others and do EVERYTHING to keep as much dignity and personal hygiene as humanly possible.

Do NOT succumb to self pity and envy of those with more. Concentrate on your equality and your love of your fellow humans and this planet. FORGET self and REMEMBER what matters. If you are unclear, go find someone terminally ill to guide you. THEY know what is vital and what is horseshit. THAT is what turns the world DECENT. Not any of the rest of this stuff. Just that.

Don't be stupid.

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love, 99
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