Quick Post: Defaulting As An Act Of Civil Disobedience?

This latest piece was posted over at SponsorChange's Philanthroteer. Check it out and share your thoughts! 

Senator Harkin's office

It's important to give credit where credit is due. For instance, when I received a letter from President Obama, I made a point to applaud his Administration for the response (even though I remain skeptical of many things when it comes to student loan reform and the White House's stance on the student lending crisis). And based upon the fact that the White House receives over 40,000 letters/emails a day, that letter spoke volumes of the Administration's awareness of the indentured educated class (also, if you haven't joined our Facebook Group - the Support Group for the Indentured Educated Class, I urge you to do so now. The Group isn't just about online discussions. Those are fine, however, I am encouraging people to forge relationships with people at the local level and get active with other student loan debtors).

So, I am giving credit again. Late last night in Seoul (mid-morning in D.C.), I called Sen. Harkin's Office and asked to speak to Mr. Luke Swarthout, one of the Senator's Education Staffers, so an important contact for us. He was unavailable, so I left a rather long message, explaining to him why I was calling and who I represented (the lovely indentured educated class!). In less than five minutes, Mr. Swarthout called me back. That's more than impressive, and Sen. Harkin's office deserves praise. The conversation was short, because I really just wanted to introduce myself to him. Despite its brevity, I was encouraged by what he said about SAFRA and issues surrounding higher education reform. It's clear that Mr. Swarthout and I agree on something critical: more works needs to be done for student borrowers.

I look forward to forging a long-term relationship with him, and wanted to provide an update to my readers on the people with whom I've been speaking. I made it clear that I believe the best way to work on the student lending crisis is through open communication - that's how we come up with long-lasting solutions. I more than willing to critique those in power, but I also recognize the importance of these relationships I have with policy analysts on the Hill and elsewhere.

Take Action Now! Memo from TICAS.org

I received this memo from TICAS today (insomnia works wonders when you're an advocate. Ha.).

In any event, I wanted to spread the word ASAP, and I urge all of you to take immediate action. I have been leery about the effectiveness of this bill for discharging student loan debt, precisely because of the quotes I've been seeing from Sallie Mae spokespeople. That means I'll be getting in touch with some Senators' offices first thing Tuesday morning (when I'm done with my own work in Seoul and already home for the night).

Anyway, here's what I received from TICAS:

Take Action: No Sallie Mae Oversight in Senate Bill?

The financial reform bill pending in the Senate does not give the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau full authority over all private student loans.  In fact, the new bureau may not even have enforcement authority over Sallie Mae, the largest private student lender. 
The House-passed version of the bill would give the new consumer protection entity full oversight over all private student loans.  The House bill would also require lenders to confirm with the school that the student is eligible to borrow the requested amount and has been notified of any untapped federal loan eligibility. This gives schools a critical opportunity to counsel students before they take out a private loan.

Please urge your Senators to give the consumer protection bureau full authority over all private student loans to help make sure they are only used as a last resort, when absolutely necessary.

 On a final note, many thanks to those of you who have offered testimonials for my proposed book plan on the student lending crisis. I will certainly keep everyone abreast on the forthcoming developments of that . . .

TormentorSioux needs an Education

TormentorSioux is a frequent poster on Education Matters. Since his/her remarks are usually gratuitous, I don't always bother putting them up. But the recent one on my piece about Sallie Mae warrants a quick remark.

You see, it's a good thing that many of us don't think like TormentorSioux. If we did, this world would be a depressing, ugly place. In fact, it wouldn't even be a world worth living in.

S/he often tells me to get over it. To accept the way things are with regard to the student lending crisis. The last thing S/he wrote was the following: "this is the new world order! when will you get it?"-TormentorSioux 

Not only does this strike me as a person who is ill-informed and filled with foolish ideas, but it also makes me think that they are terribly frightened of anything that may change dramatically. Even if that change is good. Here's what I said:  I don't buy that, TormentorSioux. For instance, what if Martin Luther King just accepted his own world of injustice and inequality? Or what if women had said, "oh, well, they're right. We do belong in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant." Well, that's not what those people did. They fought for the rights of others, and it's sad that people like you think in such narrow-minded ways. 

That's right. I believe in action. And that's just what I intend to continue doing. You can taunt me all you like. You can tell me that I'm not getting anywhere. But I urge you, TormentorSioux, and others like you, to read through Education Matters. You'll find that this work is not just about writing for debtors. It's about action in the real world.

And now I am off to educate some great kids. That type of action is just as important as what I am doing for those who are part of the indentured educated class. What sort of educating and community service do you do, TormentorSioux? You're just a weak avatar, at least that's what I think at this very moment. Show your face. Tell me your name. Tell me who you are. Tell me why you are so dismissive, mean, and seemingly ignorant. Right now I pity you. Perhaps if you actually told me who you are - as I am out in the open online - I'd sympathize with you. Until you do that, I will pity your pathetic posts.  

 

It's sexist to say this, but, yeah, it's hysterical

We are, after all, talking about the hopefully soon to be anachronistic, matronly Sallie Mae, so calling this piece of evidence hysterical (a la Freud) is pretty befitting.

A reader let me know that Sallie Mae, or, as one State Support Leader derisively calls her (you know who you are!), "Queen Bee Sallie Mae," had sent them of all people (ha!) the following request for feedback:

Dear Forever-Indentured-Servant-And-Duped-Educated-Person,

Sallie Mae^® is committed to continuously improving its products and services to serve you better and would greatly appreciate your feedback.

We are hoping to receive your feedback on how you feel about entrusting your student loans to Sallie Mae. By completing the very brief survey below, you will contribute to the improvement of our products and services. Your opinion counts – please help us enhance our ability to understand and serve you more effectively in the future.

Please click here to participate in this quick survey.

Thank you for your time. We are thrilled to have your business and are committed to providing you services, benefits, and advice you can't find anywhere else.

Sincerely,

Sallie Mae Customer Care Team

Ha. Hahahahahahah. Ahem. Excuse. I'm sorry, I'd forgotten something. I didn't realize, they do care about their customers, right? This Queen Bee cares? Does she really? Sorry, Queen Bee, I don't think so. I guess I am committing treason, but what do I have to lose now, right? 

Here's what I declare, along with the Indentured Educated Class: we will make your  name, along with Nelnet (et al.), as infamous as the tobacco companies' names. No one on the Hill will be willing to take your filthy money - not if I have anything to do with it. You, Queen Bee, will be some day, God Willing, a pariah even on Capitol Hill - your crown stripped from you. That's when we will have triumphed.

 Warning: Queen Bee Sallie Mae Is Still Watching Over Several Beehives.

Government is bad?

Let's say most reply with a flat "yes" to this question. However, a more nuanced response will lead us to so many answers, and based upon the, uh, . . . party (I'm using that term in an open-ended way) you're asking, the explanation(s) for why it is bad will vary enormously.

But to put it bluntly and folksy, people, trust in government is at an all time low. That worries me greatly, and I am beginning to understand why President Obama is working so much on compromise. Things in D.C. are a disaster. Those eight years before he entered office have done enormous damage, and being overseas makes me fear that I may never be able to come home. I realize that's hyperbolic, but our country is in shambles when it comes to politics, but I hope that it doesn't turn into some bloody war. So, I'm going to step back on my pressure - just an eensy-weensy bit - and observe Pres. Obama's next moves. (Moreover, Noam Chomksy recently said, "The mood of the country is frightening. The level of anger, frustration and hatred of institutions is not organized in a constructive way." I had a conversation via email with Dr. Chomsky before I left, and he sympathized with my frustration with the fact that I couldn't find a job in the U.S.).

One thing is true, people are angry as hell and for a lot of different reasons. Many of them have every right to be angry. I'll be the first to admit that I encourage people to vent their anger on Education Matters. I think it's especially important for those who are part of the indentured educated class to voice their anger. As most of you have said, I'm one of the few people who has given a damn and has listened. Not only that, I've decided to take it upon myself to advocate daily and also encourage others to get involved. This movement, at least here, is about democratic decisions, and that's why I urge you to think of ways to help the cause. But I digress.

At this juncture, it's easy just to say, "government is to blame for everything," or "government is bad." In a recent survey from the Pew Research Center, they found that 8 out of 10 Americans do not trust the Federal Government and do not believe it can solve the nation's most pressing problems.

With upcoming elections, those on the Hill are more than just aware of these sorts of findings.

Many of those who are Education Policy Staffers read this blog, and I've been in touch with a number of them. They are good people, and they agree with me: something must be done to help student loan debtors. Perhaps some of you think I am a fool, but I trust these individuals and I believe that their offices are genuinely concerned about the well-being of those of us who comprise the indentured educated class. As a result of much time spent on raising holy hell, I think we're finally, finally getting somewhere (see my recent posts here, here, and here). Rest assured, I am wary and all too familiar with who may play a big role in drafting upcoming legislation related to private student loans. I am more than just concerned about that. Nevertheless, I've gotten to know these people and I think they have good-intentions and are aware of the student lending crisis.

My last post, "Methinks this is a sign of progress," received a mix of responses, however. While, many are encouraged by the fact that the Dept. of Education has responded to my letters of appeal, there was an equal number of people who quickly jumped on my remarks, and let me know that the Government is bad, etc., etc. Let me be clear, I am not trying to attack the individuals who said these negative things, but I do find, and for many reasons, this distrust more than just troubling. (Again, I want to assure all of you that you are more than welcome to say what you like here and on my Facebook page - that's what I'm here for: to allow you to vent and express yourself freely).

Most of the people for whom I have been advocating recognize the type of work I've done in D.C. while I was still living there. As I already mentioned, I was able to meet face-to-face with key policy analysts, etc., etc. Moreover, I was even able to ask Sec. Arne Duncan some direct questions at a University of Chicago Alumni Event when I was a Promotional Writer and Cheerleader for a student loan reform group. So, the time spent in D.C. was fruitful, and I continue to work on nurturing those relationships for the indentured educated class. As many of you know, I have been enormously frustrated with this situation (that's putting it lightly). I am the angriest, and oftentimes feel worthless as an advocate, when I read new emails from people who are desperate and sharing their student loan horror stories. So many of them tell me that they feel ashamed, that they may end intimate relationships, etc., etc., because they decided to obtain a degree in higher education. How absurd is that? I have gotten to know so many of you, and even met a few of you in person, and there have been days when I've felt like I was just banging my head against a wall. However, the events in the last two weeks, and what's happened in terms of additional and key lines (or, so I hope) of communication opening up have given me a new sense of hope, especially about this Administration.

We should not be so quick to disregard the fact that the Department of Education has reached out to me and offered to listen. For the most part, those with private loans have been left on the sidelines, seemingly forgotten. I think that this recent email from the Dept. of Education is a good sign. As I already mentioned, I have ties to people there and also on the Hill. We should not always generalize about the Government, and conclude that it's all bad. After all, it is my hope to end up in some sort of government position that will enable me to be an advocate for those pursuing higher education. I wish to ensure that those who seek higher education are given a chance to voice their problems. In short, I think that a person like me belongs in Government. (Hint, hint - would you vote for me and/or help me win an election in the future?)


All right. It's time for me to stop and eat some Kimchi. Let's continue to fight this battle together - everyone of you deserves some sort of relief and some sound solutions, and I am not giving up until we get there . . .



Your humble public servant,
Cryn

Methinks this is a huge sign of progress

The end of last week came with some encouraging news. Before I am taken to task, however, for praising this next piece of legislation, let me be clear: I think that there ought to be other options for student loan debtors. Nevertheless, I was enormously encouraged to learn that Sens. Durbin and Cohen have introduced a bill that would allow people to once again discharge their student loan debts through bankruptcy. Of course, I think that this solution is not the best one. I insist, however, this former ability to discharge student loan debt ought to be reinstated, and for one critical reason: right now lenders have total power over borrowers. That's to say, of course, that we're talking about private debt. It's never been permissible to include Federal Loans in bankruptcy. But thanks to Bush, he - along with Congress - took this ability away from student loan borrowers. If one has the ability to include private student loan debt in bankruptcy, it provides those who have no power whatsoever some sort of leverage - that's critical to me, and that's why I am in support of this legislation. Moreover, I was in attendance during the first hearing that Rep. Cohen had on this issue in the Fall of 2009, so I am pleased to see that his office is finally picking up on it again. It's been long enough, and that makes me think now that that hearing was not just for show.

Additionally, I don't think that everyone who owes mountains of student loan debt would immediately run to their nearest bankruptcy attorney either. It's presumptuous to think that most debtors would do such a thing. Besides, if we think it's all right to let institutions and big business walk away from their debt, why do we think that an individual who must make this decision must automatically be some sort of deadbeat? They aren't. The decision to declare bankruptcy is a painful one, and the long-term ramifications on one's credit, not to mention moral sense of well-being, is far reaching.

Nevertheless, it is perhaps an indication that SAFRA is only the beginning of more changes, and that's why I find this news promising. As many of you know, I wasn't pleased with SAFRA  (read here). So, this news is good, and I'll leave it at that, because there's even better news to share, if you ask me. 

On a side note, I try to stay on East Coast time. There are several reasons for this. For starters, I teach until 10 P.M. in South Korea, so staying up quite late is not particularly burdensome (for the most part). In addition, I like to stay in touch with offices in D.C. and so forth. It's important I am operating during periods of time when Senators' offices, for instance, are open. So, and not to get too personal, that means my sleep schedule is quite different than it had been in Washington, D.C., i.e., I don't get up as early as I had. In any event, I woke in a fog to grab a drink of water in my kitchen this past weekend, a kitchen which is about 3 feet from my "bedroom," and, of course (!), I needed to also check my email. I mean, even though it was the proverbial middle of the night wakefulness, you never know as an advocate who might need some sort of quick response (my email is jam-packed with urgent requests and I try to respond as quickly as possible). In any event, I scanned the hundreds of unopened emails and zoomed in on one with this subject header: "Your email to Secretary Duncan."

I had a hunch that this email wouldn't be a form letter, and that turned out to be quite true. The email told me that the Dept of Education (i.e. Sec. Duncan and Deputy Undersecretary Shireman) were aware of who I am and what I do. In addition, the note stated, "I understand you’ve had responses from the White House and others about your suggestions for the student loan programs, and I know Mr. Shireman and his staff are familiar with your ongoing interest and advocacy." (Mr. Shireman's office was cc-ed on this message).

The email had additional remarks, but this one was worthy of quoting.

The lines of communication with the Department of Education have finally been established, and I am hopeful that they will listen to the more problematic cases closely. In the meantime, we must push ahead with your second letter writing campaign. That's next on my "to-do" list. However, I wanted to relay this information first.

We're finally getting somewhere!

Big News - Senators Durbin and Cohen introducing a new bill!

So, there's something else on the table for student loan debtors! SAFRA isn't just the end. Thank the high heavens! Senators and U.S. Representatives have introduced new legislation which would enable people to discharge their student loans in bankruptcy again. You can count on Sallie Mae raising holy hell about this one . . . But I am glad to see it out there, and I hope that the private debt swap bill still has a chance too (it's my understanding that Sen. Sherrod Brown's bill hasn't been thrown out, and that's quite promising to know). 

So, on that note, this Friday is even better than I thought! Fridays have always been my favorite day of the week. They still are. Now I know what you're thinking. But, no, it's not just because it's Friday that makes this day so great. My favorite class is on this day of week, so I always look forward to teaching and helping such wonderful, wonderful kids learn English.

I urge all of you to put a calls into all of these Senators' offices and thank them for introducing this legislation.

How dare you say we're not experiencing a second Great Depression

Find the following links below. Don't worry, I won't even get into those for whom I advocate (they are suffering greatly, along with the poorest of Americans). So much for that change, right?

Exhibit A: Shocking. Hmph.

Exhibit B: Shocking. Hmph. 

If we had good journalists and honest sources of news, we'd know that neither of these reports are "surprising." Also, if any of these journalists gave a damned, they'd be interested in the large number of student loan refugees who have fled the country for better job opportunities abroad. I am one of them. I wish I could be an advocate for student loan debtors and work for the Dept. of Education. Do you think they'd want to hire me? I'd like to think so, but I am growing more pessimistic by the day.

Or what about an organization who claims to be on the side of students? Ha. I doubt it. So, I write and write and write and organize and organize and organize from South Korea. I thank God for Korea - they hired me because of my background, degrees, etc., etc. I couldn't find that in my own country. That's a crying shame. But I don't feel bad about my circumstances. As I just said, I am grateful for South Korea. It's a privilege to teach these children. Arne Duncan could learn some lessons about education (K-12, etc.) from the South Koreans. They seem to have this education thing-a-ma-jig put together far better than we do. Moreover, we could learn some lessons about how to finance higher education from other countries, too.

Since I couldn't find a job in the U.S., I probably won't be able to make a convention I was invited to by the Rev. Jesse Jackson about student loan reform. Oh . . . the irony. 

Right now, I feel like a HUGE FAILURE. I feel like I've failed millions of people who are part of the indentured educated class. That's doesn't make me wish to give up but fight more. But it still makes me so enraged and terribly sad.

Being a failure as a student loan debt advocate isn't as cute as this guy . . .

Do you have FFELP loans?

In the last few days, I've noticed that more people have gotten in touch with me, and are frantic about the fact that they are now, and for the first time, receiving threatening phone calls from the likes of Sallie Mae on their FFELP loans. I have asked several of these readers if they've ever received such phone calls in the past. One person today said that it was the first phone call they'd ever received and it's for a debt that has been owed since the late-1990s.

So, here's my question, did you take out FFELP loans years ago, perhaps stopped paying them years ago, and are just now hearing from your lenders or a debt collection agency representing them and demanding that you pay your student loan debt? I am particularly interested in hearing from those who live abroad. (One of the cases I just heard about was from someone who is living outside of the U.S. The agency was able to track the individual down by looking up their cell phone outside of the U.S.)

If you have recently experienced something like this (i.e., in the last two weeks or so), please let all of us know by posting a comment below. 

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and Student Loan Forgiveness

 As many of you are already aware, Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow Push Coalition are having a convention this coming June in Chicago. I was extended an invitation to speak at this convention. It is with great sorrow that I will most likely be unable to attend. It's a shame, but I don't think I'll be able to go.

If I could find a way to make it there, I would . . .

Moreover, if you can make it to Chicago in June for this convention, I encourage you to do so. Who knows? Perhaps I'll be able to attend as a panelist. It was an honor and a privilege to be invited. 

Blogger at SponsorChange.Org

As many of you know, I am an affiliated partner of SponsorChange.Org. I just wrote my first piece for them - "Why SponsorChange.Org Inspires Me."

Please tell me, that it doesn't end here . . .

As many of you know, we're embarking on the second letter writing campaign to the White House. So, if you haven't signed up yet, please do so now!

I am currently listening to Arne Duncan discussing Education live, and I am wondering: is SAFRA the end? If it is, that's beyond disappointing. At this point, nothing is being done for those who have private loans and for those who are in default. I am so tired of the fact that this Administration continues to ignore this huge problem. (I'd also like them to tell us where most of the money for Pell Grants will be going, because I am aware of who will be benefiting from that, and it's angering to know that fact).

I am also wrestling with a difficult prospect and it not only effects me but those of you who comprise the indentured educated class. I can't say a lot now, but will share soon. Suffice to say, I am anguishing over this issue.

To be continued . . .