Democrats (and some Republicans) condemn pay—day loan outfits and other lenders that charge exorbitant interest rates to those who can least afford them (the poor, especially minorities). Now it appears that erstwhile defender of the little guy and ex—Democratic Presidential contender Reverend Al Sharpton has been hired to shill for one of these bad guys: title lender LoanMax.

Not only a Democratic candidate, but a Reverend, as well! The company obviously feels he has some credibility among the groups on which they focus their marketing efforts. The New York Times, always conscious of protecting the middle—class and the poor from depredations of corporations and other malefactors of wealth, has called him a dignitary.

Hypocrisy? Yes. Sharpton, as the New Republic points out, might himself be a prime candidate for such a loan: he has a notorious credit record. Despite this sorry history, the Democratic Party honored him with a slot in the Presidential campaign; when his own efforts failed, he then was welcomed and paid by the Kerry campaign.

Ed Lasky   12 16 05