In Minnesota, debtors’ prison is not a thing of the past

The term ‘debtors’ prison’ immediately conjures images of the mid-nineteenth century, when both men and women were locked in prisons until their families could afford to pay off their debt. For some, it will bring up images of a city like Dubai, where a form of debtors prison exists today.  Overall, the idea of being arrested because of debt — or having your property seized –is quite unfathomable to most Americans, and yet it is happening around the world on a daily basis.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune recently printed a great investigative piece in which they documented this phenomenon. Continue reading

Words from a Bum Alum on His Distinguished Debt

This one is for everyone who will NOT be smugly ‘starting out 2008 debt-free’

(I hate people who can actually say that – don’t you? Oh, it’s a jealousy thing? Really? Fancy that.)

Considering the schizophrenic economy in the U.S. and elsewhere, I imagine that many of you will be able to relate to this piece.

Sim Stafford, meanwhile, is a poet, musical genius, and guru to yours truly (and a great deal of other people as well).

Please look for more of his contributions this year.

- The Editor.

Please, look away! I am a hideous

sight, undeserving of your attention
to my diction. It is insidious
of me to crawl from my hole to mention
how stellar study in the liberal arts
plunged me into an infinite abyss.
Sallie Mae, that witch, has stolen my heart,

Leaving me a beast that no one will kiss.

Continue reading