Credit has built financial success

A large part of what has led to America's financial success is our long history of providing credit to people. Loans help people open businesses, buy houses and cars, and even see doctors or repair their cars. And, while the privilege can be abused, it has been mostly useful.

I wonder, then, why our state Legislature and Gov. Ted Strickland want to send us back to the dark ages when credit wasn't an option for people who really could use it. That's the practical effect of the uncalled-for attack on the payday lending industry. I mean, shouldn't people be free to get the money they need and not have the government make their decisions for them?

Our financial freedom is vital to our success. Let's not allow the state Legislature and governor to make this mistake. Instead, let's reverse their poor legislation by voting no on Issue 5.