This is big news - so glad that they passed this bill last week. I want to thank all the activists and politicians who have worked tirelessly on this battle. It is one that we've won TOGETHER. Special thanks to Senators Begich, Reed, Brown, and Harkin - we need more people on the Hill like you. This is only the beginning of more triumphs for students and student loan debtors.
Here's a link to the AP piece about the passage of the bill. Check out the picture of Boehner below. He looks glum, but that's because he doesn't have the interests at students at heart, and he lost this battle. Never has had a concern about students and student loan borrowers, and he never will. That's why he needs to be ousted. And I am all about bipartisan work. I work with Republicans too, but this guy has got to go!
People, let's keep on fighting! We're on a roll. Stay tuned for even bigger news on my end this coming Monday . . .
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Partisan Battle Continued: Interest Rates on Student Loan To Increase?
Most of you have probably already heard, but in case you haven't, student loan interest rates on Stafford loans are set to double on Saturday. They are currently a 3.4%. If they double, this change will impact over 7 million students currently in school.
Here's an MSNBC video about the situation.
Given the dire economic situation in this country, and the millions and millions of borrowers who are struggling or unable to pay off their debt, this "battle" is only political posturing. While that is common in D.C., they all look even more tone deaf than ever. It's pitiful.
Here's an MSNBC video about the situation.
Given the dire economic situation in this country, and the millions and millions of borrowers who are struggling or unable to pay off their debt, this "battle" is only political posturing. While that is common in D.C., they all look even more tone deaf than ever. It's pitiful.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Cruel and Inhumane Punishment - "Father Struggles To Pay Dead Son's Student Loans"
I have heard so many stories that are similar to this one. It's infuriating, because it is unjust and cruel and unnecessary. The creation of this system of payday scammers of higher education is despicable, and has no place in our society. And yet they are flourishing and cashing in at the expense of borrowers, their families, and US taxpayers. Meanwhile, the best we can get in DC is quibbling over a student loan rate increase. (And I've made my position clear on that issue in interviews on CNN, HLN, as well as several articles that I've written).
In this case, this father had just buried his son and the higher ed payday lenders came after him for money. Here's part of the story:
The story becomes more problematic when it comes to the buying and selling of these loans. Some of the loans may now be owned by the Swiss government. While I haven't written about that situation, I have covered the fact that these loans are deeply embedded in the global financial markets. Deutsche Bank, for instance, bought student loans from Northwestern University in 2009.
It is a huge mess, but certainly one that can be solved. Bu the question remains: who's going to have the guts to step up to the plate?
Read the rest of Reynoso's struggle here.
In this case, this father had just buried his son and the higher ed payday lenders came after him for money. Here's part of the story:
A few months after he buried his son, Francisco Reynoso began getting notices in the mail. Then the debt collectors came calling.
"They would say, 'We don't care what happened with your son, you have to pay us,'" recalled Reynoso, a gardener from Palmdale, Calif.
Reynoso's son, Freddy, had been the pride of his family and the first to go to college. In 2005, after Freddy was accepted to Boston's Berklee College of Music, his father co-signed on his hefty private student loans, making him fully liable should Freddy be unwilling or unable to repay them. It was no small decision for a man who made just over $21,000 in 2011, according to his tax returns.
"As a father, you'll do anything for your child," Reynoso, an American citizen originally from Mexico, said through a translator.
Now, he's suffering a Kafkaesque ordeal in which he's hounded to repay loans that funded an education his son will never get to use — loans that he has little hope of ever paying off. While Reynoso's wife, Sylvia, is studying to be a beautician, his gardening is currently the sole source of income for the family, which includes his 18-year-old daughter Evelyn.
And the loans are maddeningly opaque. Despite the help of a lawyer, Reynoso has not been able to determine exactly how much he owes, or even what company holds his loans. Just as happened with home mortgages in the boom years before the 2008 financial crash, his son's student loans have been sold and resold, and at least one was likely bundled into a complex Wall Street security. But the trail of those transactions ends at a wall of corporate silence from companies that include two household names: banking giant UBS and Xerox, which owns the loan servicer handling the bulk of his loans. Left without answers is a bereaved father.
The story becomes more problematic when it comes to the buying and selling of these loans. Some of the loans may now be owned by the Swiss government. While I haven't written about that situation, I have covered the fact that these loans are deeply embedded in the global financial markets. Deutsche Bank, for instance, bought student loans from Northwestern University in 2009.
It is a huge mess, but certainly one that can be solved. Bu the question remains: who's going to have the guts to step up to the plate?
Read the rest of Reynoso's struggle here.
| When I did a seance to contact Al about the higher ed payday scheme, he said his: "Ah, I tells ya, my twist, if higher ed payday cash advances had been around in my day, I woulda been best! But I am sorry to hear about that kid's death. Shame." |
Fleeing Debt - Will It Become More Difficult Or Even Impossible?
There were many reasons why people in the past fled their homelands. A significant one? Escaping the punishing existence of indebtedness. I know of many who have fled the U.S. because of their student loans. There are good reasons for why people have made that decision, and it is something that is not new. But will it become increasingly difficult for the indentured educated class to start anew? This debt punishment must come to an end.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Student Loan Debt Refugees - Fleeing The Country Because Of Student Loans?
If you are a recent graduate who is seriously planning to flee the country because of your student loan debt, I would like to interview you for a story. In addition, if you have already fled the country for this reason, I would also like to speak with you.
All interviews will be confidential and you can remain anonymous, unless you say otherwise.
Send me an email - ccrynjohannsen [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
This article will be placed on a high traffic site, because your experiences are critical in shining light on the student lending crisis.
All interviews will be confidential and you can remain anonymous, unless you say otherwise.
Send me an email - ccrynjohannsen [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
This article will be placed on a high traffic site, because your experiences are critical in shining light on the student lending crisis.
National Emergency? Suicidal Student Debtors
The suicidal notes continue to come my way. One man told me that he is planning to kill himself. I have reached out and told him that he can talk to me whenever he likes. I also contacted a fantastic scholar and clinical psychologist, Dr. Peter Kinderman at the University of Liverpool, who has offered to help as well.
If you are suicidal, I urge you to reach out to people you trust (family, friends, a pastor, or a therapist). If you don't wish to do that, seek guidance from organizations like the National Suicide Prevention lifeline (800-273-8255) or visit their website. Avoid the desire to isolate yourself. It is completely understandable to feel this way, especially when you know that you are most likely indebted for life - the feelings of low self-worth are overwhelming, and the desire to leave this life seems rational. However, suicide is not the solution to the crisis. As I've said in past posts, those who love you would be absolutely devastated if you were to take your life. I, as a fellow human being and sympathizer, would be broken up to learn of such deaths.
On a very positive note, last week I was on a teleconference call with Senators Begich (D-AK), Brown (D-OH), and Reed (D-RI). During the call I was able to bring up student loans and suicide. I let them know that the situation is worsening, people are more desperate, and many more are coming to me and admitting that they are suicidal. I told them that this is a "national emergency," and something needs to be done now. That means leaders should not wait until after the elections in November, or, God forbid, 2013.
There were moments in which I felt very hopeful during the call. Senator Begich thanked me twice for my hard work and reminding them of this harsh reality about people who have already graduated. He assured me that they are aware of the problem and just as concerned about those of us who are struggling to pay back our loans and feeling isolation and suicidal thoughts. Reed also expressed his sympathy and deep concern about the overall situation.
I was extremely heartened by the conversation.These are some of the very few within Congress who genuinely care about the student lending crisis and those who are buried in debt. Incidentally, Sen. Harkin of Iowa (D-IA) is another leader who has done an excellent job on shedding light on the problem, and he has not been given enough credit for his hard work, especially on his efforts to curb abuses by the for-profits.
Senator Brown made an excellent point about how out of control the cost of college has gotten. (And we know this quite well. Since 1985, college tuition has risen by 498%). Brown mentioned his wife during the call. Her father had been a union member and she came form a solid working-class family. He added, "when my wife went to school, she graduated owing $2,000 in student loans." That was 30 years ago. You could sense obvious outrage and frustration in his voice when comparing her story to the situation that young graduates face today.
It is comforting to know that some politicians, like Harkin, Begich, Reed, and Brown truly care about our plight and want to come up with viable solutions. They urged everyone to reach out to their leaders. I call upon all of you to do this once again. Just as the Senators on the phone said, reach out to your leaders at the city, state, and national levels, and insist that they come up with short-term and long-term solutions to bring an end to this crisis. Without our hard-work, these senators wouldn't be able to push for change.
If you are suicidal, I urge you to reach out to people you trust (family, friends, a pastor, or a therapist). If you don't wish to do that, seek guidance from organizations like the National Suicide Prevention lifeline (800-273-8255) or visit their website. Avoid the desire to isolate yourself. It is completely understandable to feel this way, especially when you know that you are most likely indebted for life - the feelings of low self-worth are overwhelming, and the desire to leave this life seems rational. However, suicide is not the solution to the crisis. As I've said in past posts, those who love you would be absolutely devastated if you were to take your life. I, as a fellow human being and sympathizer, would be broken up to learn of such deaths.
On a very positive note, last week I was on a teleconference call with Senators Begich (D-AK), Brown (D-OH), and Reed (D-RI). During the call I was able to bring up student loans and suicide. I let them know that the situation is worsening, people are more desperate, and many more are coming to me and admitting that they are suicidal. I told them that this is a "national emergency," and something needs to be done now. That means leaders should not wait until after the elections in November, or, God forbid, 2013.
| Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) |
There were moments in which I felt very hopeful during the call. Senator Begich thanked me twice for my hard work and reminding them of this harsh reality about people who have already graduated. He assured me that they are aware of the problem and just as concerned about those of us who are struggling to pay back our loans and feeling isolation and suicidal thoughts. Reed also expressed his sympathy and deep concern about the overall situation.
| Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) |
I was extremely heartened by the conversation.These are some of the very few within Congress who genuinely care about the student lending crisis and those who are buried in debt. Incidentally, Sen. Harkin of Iowa (D-IA) is another leader who has done an excellent job on shedding light on the problem, and he has not been given enough credit for his hard work, especially on his efforts to curb abuses by the for-profits.
| Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) |
Senator Brown made an excellent point about how out of control the cost of college has gotten. (And we know this quite well. Since 1985, college tuition has risen by 498%). Brown mentioned his wife during the call. Her father had been a union member and she came form a solid working-class family. He added, "when my wife went to school, she graduated owing $2,000 in student loans." That was 30 years ago. You could sense obvious outrage and frustration in his voice when comparing her story to the situation that young graduates face today.
| Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) |
It is comforting to know that some politicians, like Harkin, Begich, Reed, and Brown truly care about our plight and want to come up with viable solutions. They urged everyone to reach out to their leaders. I call upon all of you to do this once again. Just as the Senators on the phone said, reach out to your leaders at the city, state, and national levels, and insist that they come up with short-term and long-term solutions to bring an end to this crisis. Without our hard-work, these senators wouldn't be able to push for change.
Reader Publicly Thanks Me: "You present these issues in such a calm, rational, and unemotional manner but with great moral clarity, and this is exactly the right way to raise awareness."
It is inevitable. If you decide to stick your neck out for a cause you believe in, you get attacked from all sides. That is simply a reality of speaking up and insisting that something about a system - any system that many people don't necessarily notice - is deeply flawed and unjust. In this case, as we know, it is about exposing the predatory nature of the student lending industry. As one friend recently put it, this unregulated, predatory industry has led to one of the biggest payday lending scams in U.S. history. I have the numbers to prove it, but for now one number will suffice: $1 trillion in outstanding student loan debt. That pretty much sums up this payday lending scam.
Suffice to say, there is a lot at stake when analyzing and critiquing the student lending industry and all of its various facets. So, it will comes as no surprise to most of you - and many of you are aware of this fact - that I receive a lot of nasty emails from hateful, spiteful, bitter people. Conversely, I have built a strong network of people who not only support my work, but are also helping me spread the word. Just recently, for example, I received a grant to write an in-depth article on the crisis.
My gratitude runs deep. I am deeply thankful to the all the journalists, authors, and professors who have acknowledged my research on the student loan debt crisis, and consider me a fellow colleague. I also appreciate all of my readers and the countless activists who have joined me in this fight. I have a fantastic literary agent, Diana Finch, who has been working with me tirelessly on finalizing my book proposal. In addition, I have business leaders who have encouraged me to fight for change. The business people in particular have also made me realize the challenges of being an entrepreneur, especially when fighting for those who have no money, no power, and have been sold a bill of goods by a corrupt and broken system. After reading Gary Rivlin's Broke, USA: From Pawnshops to Poverty, Inc. - How the Working Poor Became Big Business, I understand more clearly how the indentured educated class are part of what drives, what Rivlin calls, the poverty industry. The model of the poverty industry is now on every campus in the United States, and even at your closest mall (more on that later). Financial aid officers are a new incarnation of the payday lender.
But let's get back to gratitude. I am most grateful to my family. Without the tremendous support from my in-laws, I would not have been able to become a full-time activist and writer.
It is critical to remind myself of all of the thank you notes and words of encouragement that land in my inbox on a regular basis. Unfortunately, that seems to be easily forgotten when I receive the hate mail. As many of us know, people on the Internet can be vicious and cruel. You meet them in person? Well, that's another story.
Since I write about sensitive topics and readers share intimate details of their struggles with me, I decided long ago to moderate every single comment that comes my way. (This also helps with SPAM, like the ad I just got that said, "Buy Viagra." It had a dumb link to that lame product). In any event, I oftentimes hate opening these cruel messages, because they are filled with unkind words. Of course, that is often not the case, but I'm human and bullying tactics online are bothersome at times. On the flip side, I realize that my message has been amplified, because those who despise my position are now visiting the site. That is really a good thing.
In any event, I received a very kind note today and wanted to share it with all of you. It was in response to my interview about suicidal student loan debtors with Rose Aguilar.
Here's what the reader said:
I want to thank you for your lovely note, and when the time comes and you're ready, I hope you join us in our fight.
It is important to be grateful, and that I am. That I am.
On a final note, I agree entirely with this reader's remarks about staying above the fray. While I have been critical of the GOP, I have also critiqued the Democrats. On Friday, I had a lengthy and positive conversation with a staffer who works for a Republican Congressman. And next week, I will resume talks with staffers who work for Democrats. I don't give a damned if you're a big D or a big R or a this or a that, if you wanna join me and solve this problem then let's do it.
Suffice to say, there is a lot at stake when analyzing and critiquing the student lending industry and all of its various facets. So, it will comes as no surprise to most of you - and many of you are aware of this fact - that I receive a lot of nasty emails from hateful, spiteful, bitter people. Conversely, I have built a strong network of people who not only support my work, but are also helping me spread the word. Just recently, for example, I received a grant to write an in-depth article on the crisis.
My gratitude runs deep. I am deeply thankful to the all the journalists, authors, and professors who have acknowledged my research on the student loan debt crisis, and consider me a fellow colleague. I also appreciate all of my readers and the countless activists who have joined me in this fight. I have a fantastic literary agent, Diana Finch, who has been working with me tirelessly on finalizing my book proposal. In addition, I have business leaders who have encouraged me to fight for change. The business people in particular have also made me realize the challenges of being an entrepreneur, especially when fighting for those who have no money, no power, and have been sold a bill of goods by a corrupt and broken system. After reading Gary Rivlin's Broke, USA: From Pawnshops to Poverty, Inc. - How the Working Poor Became Big Business, I understand more clearly how the indentured educated class are part of what drives, what Rivlin calls, the poverty industry. The model of the poverty industry is now on every campus in the United States, and even at your closest mall (more on that later). Financial aid officers are a new incarnation of the payday lender.
But let's get back to gratitude. I am most grateful to my family. Without the tremendous support from my in-laws, I would not have been able to become a full-time activist and writer.
It is critical to remind myself of all of the thank you notes and words of encouragement that land in my inbox on a regular basis. Unfortunately, that seems to be easily forgotten when I receive the hate mail. As many of us know, people on the Internet can be vicious and cruel. You meet them in person? Well, that's another story.
Since I write about sensitive topics and readers share intimate details of their struggles with me, I decided long ago to moderate every single comment that comes my way. (This also helps with SPAM, like the ad I just got that said, "Buy Viagra." It had a dumb link to that lame product). In any event, I oftentimes hate opening these cruel messages, because they are filled with unkind words. Of course, that is often not the case, but I'm human and bullying tactics online are bothersome at times. On the flip side, I realize that my message has been amplified, because those who despise my position are now visiting the site. That is really a good thing.
In any event, I received a very kind note today and wanted to share it with all of you. It was in response to my interview about suicidal student loan debtors with Rose Aguilar.
Here's what the reader said:
Agree with the first commenter, you are a truly inspiring individual.
I bookmarked this blog a while back but need to follow it more regularly, for no other reason then to remind myself there are people left in the world such as Cryn Johanssen [sic] who actually care about the plight of others.
I dodged the student loan bullet many years ago through sheer dumb luck but looking back, could easily have been caught as badly as those for whom you advocate. I worry about these young people all the time, especially those who are unemployed and severely underemployed. They are always in my prayers and as well as my thoughts. I try to discuss this issue with people of various ages and backgrounds but their eyes glaze over, they do not wish to know since it does not effect them directly. I think about the cruelty these young folks must face on a daily basis from arrogant people who blame them for their plight, and as a result the discouragement and despair which they must carry in addition to the actual debt. My heart aches.
May you be blessed, protected, and strengthened in this fight you have taken on. You present these issues in such a calm, rational, and unemotional manner but with great moral clarity, and this is exactly the right way to raise awareness.
My only suggestion (and you may know this already)- do not let this become a partisan issue. Remain above the vicious left-right fray that has poisoned American political discourse, only highlighting political sides when the issue is being addressed effectively by particular politicians.
Should my own circumstances change for the better, I would be proud to be able to join you in this fight.
I want to thank you for your lovely note, and when the time comes and you're ready, I hope you join us in our fight.
It is important to be grateful, and that I am. That I am.
On a final note, I agree entirely with this reader's remarks about staying above the fray. While I have been critical of the GOP, I have also critiqued the Democrats. On Friday, I had a lengthy and positive conversation with a staffer who works for a Republican Congressman. And next week, I will resume talks with staffers who work for Democrats. I don't give a damned if you're a big D or a big R or a this or a that, if you wanna join me and solve this problem then let's do it.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Cryn Johannsen on student debt & suicide: "It's an unnecessary problem."
Rose Aguilar (@roseaguilar), who is a journalist and radio host of "Host of Your Call" on KALW 91.7 FM in San Francisco, interviewed me recently in the city. Rose also had me on her radio show in May, and we discussed the issue of suicidal student debtors.
When Rose and I met in San Francisco a few weeks ago, we discussed the problem again.
Check it out here:
When Rose and I met in San Francisco a few weeks ago, we discussed the problem again.
Check it out here:
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
My Interview on CNN's Newsroom With Carol Costello
Here's my interview on CNN's Newsroom with Carol Costello. I was invited on to speak about the student loan rate battle, but also made a point to discuss the student lending crisis and why "loan forgiveness" is such awful rhetoric.
I also wanted to follow-up at the end and point out some of the inaccuracies mentioned by the other expert. I was on Headline News and was able to address some of the comments she made a week later, so I was pleased with that (I wasn't able to discuss it directly with her, but with the anchor on that show). And, I am sure there will be another opportunity to discuss those matters on CNN or HLN!
See the clip below.
I also wanted to follow-up at the end and point out some of the inaccuracies mentioned by the other expert. I was on Headline News and was able to address some of the comments she made a week later, so I was pleased with that (I wasn't able to discuss it directly with her, but with the anchor on that show). And, I am sure there will be another opportunity to discuss those matters on CNN or HLN!
See the clip below.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Chris Hedges: Quebec's Fight Is Our Fight
Chris Hedges is absolutely right. All eyes should be on Quebec right now. I also urge all student debtors to begin wearing a red square, a symbol, as Hedges notes, of revolt. The symbol means that one is "squarely in the red (carrement dans le rouge)," and "crushed by debt." I think most of us here can relate to that. The reformists don't get this massive change in consciousness, and they will continue to hide behind their computers, urging people to sign petitions. If you dare suggest that this type of "activism" is futile, they will hiss and scream and make outrageous claims about how much better their plan is than anything else. They will beat their chests in rage, and ignore the horizontal protests, the swarms of democracy lovers, in the process. But the collective voices who demand true change cannot be stopped, not even by the screeching reformers who claim to be on our side.
Indeed, the protests in the streets of Montreal have not stopped, and it is now, as Hedges notes, "the longest and largest student protest in Canadian history." A few weeks ago, 500,000 people took to the streets of Montreal to protest austerity and so-called reforms. The city itself has 1.6 million inhabitants! This protest occurred after a law - Bill 78 - was passed outlawing freedom to assembly in Quebec.
They are a model for all protesters across the globe. They are hungry for democracy, and done with the tyranny of neoliberalism.
This means it is also time to Occupy Student Debt here.
Indeed, the protests in the streets of Montreal have not stopped, and it is now, as Hedges notes, "the longest and largest student protest in Canadian history." A few weeks ago, 500,000 people took to the streets of Montreal to protest austerity and so-called reforms. The city itself has 1.6 million inhabitants! This protest occurred after a law - Bill 78 - was passed outlawing freedom to assembly in Quebec.
They are a model for all protesters across the globe. They are hungry for democracy, and done with the tyranny of neoliberalism.
This means it is also time to Occupy Student Debt here.
 |
| Photo Credit: Photomaxmtl |
Friday, June 1, 2012
Word of Truth Today
My pal, Charles Bivona (@charlesbivona), spoke the best word of truth today: "Tuition is theft."
Es klingt richtig!
Es klingt richtig!
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