toledoblade.com --

On Labor Day, an elderly couple joined me at a local fast-food location. Over our meals, they told me about how their church helped them to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

They also showed me literature for the repeal of the new law that would limit payday interest rates. They were under the impression that by signing the petition to repeal the limitation against the rates that could be charged, 6,000 jobs would be saved. They signed it at the church, where their reception was being held. I explained that if the petition had enough signatures, the issue would go on the ballot as a statewide issue. If passed by the voters, it would eliminate the new prohibition against usury rates for payday loans.

Those loans now run at or about 360 percent a year. The new law, if it is upheld by the voters, would limit annual percentage rates to not more than 28 percent a year, the maximum banks are permitted to charge. After showing them the real facts, they became somewhat upset, to say the least.

I am not a Bible thumper, but Deuteronomy 23:20 does not permit charging interest when someone needs help. Talk about turning a house of God into a den of thieves and money changers.

Talking to seniors and convincing them to think they are helping to save people's jobs without showing the flip side of the issue is contemptible. If Issue 5 is adopted because the voters say no, these lenders would be able to continue to commit usury, which is prohibited by the Lord.

Enough said.

David Axilrod

Manchester Boulevard

McCain is correct: Economy is sound

John McCain was right, the fundamentals of our economy are sound. With all the media hype and drama in Congress it sounds crazy to say it, but Mr. McCain was correct in saying that the fundamentals of our economy certainly are sound.

The cause of the "financial meltdown" is simple: Billions of dollars in bad loans were written in the housing industry in violation of current law. Fannie Mae promulgated these bad loans, bundled them up, and sold them to unsuspecting financial institutions as long-term investments.

Congress was supposed to be keeping tabs on Fannie Mae but obviously wasn't. This is no surprise because the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, Sen. Christopher Dodd (D., Conn.), was getting some hefty campaign contributions from Fannie Mae. It now sounds rather hollow when this very Senate chairman demands that the government look out for the taxpayer, demand accountability, and protect the homeowners. Mr. Dodd should have thought of that when he failed to audit Fannie Mae since becoming chairman in 2003.

Now Congress, led by Mr. Dodd and U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D., Mass.), want to "change the system." That is crazy. No system can withstand crooks running it no matter how much they change the system.

The media are loving this; it gives them something to report about and the talking heads to go on about it. It is not in the best interest of the media to let it die or allow the simple truth to come out. They need us staying tuned so we can view their ads.

John Jett

Glenwood Avenue

Lieberman's new profile is courageous

A Blade editorial recently excoriated Sen. Joe Lieberman, branding him a shameful turncoat. His crime? He endorsed John McCain for president over Barack Obama because he believes Mr. McCain is the better choice to protect our country.

Even not considering that Mr. Lieberman is now an Independent instead of a Democrat, the Blade's argument is poorly made. The Blade cites [party] loyalty as a virtue that makes this country great. The editorial posits that Sen. Joe Biden would never show up at a Republican convention.

And finally, the editorial suggests that Mr. Lieberman owes something to those supporters from his previous run for the vice presidency under the Democratic banner.

These points are irrelevant on their own, but especially in light of the fact that Mr. Lieberman is following his conscience. He certainly has nothing else to gain except vilification by his former party.

George Washington warned against blind party loyalty doing damage to our nation, calling it a fire that "demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.

The Blade's editorial fans that flame. It acknowledges the idea that country should matter more than party, and that crossing party lines can be a virtue, but then faults Mr. Lieberman for doing just that. What better reason could the editors be looking for than standing on honest principle in order to best secure our nation?

I suggest they reread John Kennedy's Profiles in Courage. Mr. Lieberman's name is not in that book, but his spirit is well-represented.

Spencer Luster

Thoman Place

Moral issues factor in presidential pick

Sen. Barack Obama supports abortion and is against the ban on partial abortions. He was the only senator who did not support the Born-Alive Infants Act that would protect the life of those infants already born.

Mr. Obama is co-sponsor of the Freedom of Choice Act that would make abortion the law of the land. It elevates the right to an abortion to a "fundamental right," elevating it to the same status as the right to vote and free speech.

This act would result in our income taxes funding abortions and probably abolish requirements for parental notification and informed consent for mothers who consider the procedure. Mr. Obama stated that the first thing he would do as president would be to sign the Freedom of Choice Act.

Mr. Obama supports same-sex unions. Although he stated that he does not support homosexual marriage, he does respect the decision of the California State Supreme Court that allows such marriages.

Senator Obama will support and appoint judges who are in agreement with his position on moral issues.

This election will be one of the most critical in the history of our nation. You must become aware of the presidential candidates' positions on moral as well as political issues and vote with an informed conscience.

I believe that God has blessed our nation because of the Judeo-Christian values it was founded upon. As these moral values continue to become more irrelevant, I can't help but wonder how long God will continue to bless the United States of America.

Joe Charnovich

Uniontown, Ohio

Community activist suited for presidency

Do we want a presidential candidate who belittles, denigrates, and criticizes the accomplishments of others?

Do we want one who criticizes community organizers, such as Susan B. Anthony who helped women obtain the right to vote; Martin Luther King, Jr., who spoke against racial segregation and discrimination; Cesar Chavez, who helped farm workers gain better wages and labor rights; Dorothy Day, who helped the poor and homeless; Jane Jacobs, who helped revitalize city neighborhoods; Mohandas K. Gandhi, who peacefully helped Indians acquire women's rights, labor fairness, and freedom, and Jesus of Nazareth, who advocated for the poor and the sick and taught the message of love?

Being a community organizer is a commendable activity. Our cities and our nation could use more. They improve the lives of our citizens and make our nation a better place to live.

Barack Obama exemplifies a community organizer who made a difference in the lives of those living on Chicago's South Side. John McCain is an example of a politician who makes fun of others' good works.

I think it would be better to have a presidential candidate who uplifts communities, rather than makes fun of others and their work.

A country is only as good as its leader. Let's pick a president who exemplifies the best of human nature, and who brings out the best in Americans. Let's pick Mr. Obama.

Sarah Maxwell

Archbold, Ohio

Wall Street can’t have Social Security

Tell me again about how money withheld for Social Security would be better managed by Wall Street.

Eugene H. Naujock

Crestwood Road

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