Debt Relief

Like most Americans, I am severely in debt. In my case, it’s crushing student loan debt from grad school (but hey, it’s not like my minimum monthly loan payment is 40% higher than the rent I used to pay on my old apartment...oh…wow…never mind.). Every day we read about banks failing and people defaulting on their mortgages and how the credit crunch is probably going to make it impossible to borrow money in the near future. Bad times. Then I see this on CNN.com today:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/10/03/eviction.suicide.attempt/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

So let me get this straight – all I have to do to get out from under my loans is to shoot myself? I know this sounds kind of cold, but come on, this lady didn't even die! And for all I know she shot herself in the foot or something! The sad truth is that if you told me I could have all of my debt forgiven if I’d just shoot myself somewhere other than the heart or face, I’d actually have to seriously consider it.

My other favorite part of the story (in case you missed it) is this quote from the neighbor who found her:

"Then she kind of moved toward me a little and I saw that blood, and I said, 'Oh, no. Miss Polk musta done shot herself,' " Dillon said.

If I’m ever laying on the floor bleeding and my potential rescuer says (out loud) that I “musta done shot” myself, I’m going to officially abandon all hope.