Columns

After taxpayers were forced to spend billions bailing out Wall Street a few years ago, it’s easy to understand why consumers have little tolerance for new fees from banks their hard-earned money rescued.
It certainly helps explain why many states, including South Carolina, have moved to pass laws against businesses charging their customers credit card transaction fees.
Credit card transaction fees have existed for years. But until recently, MasterCard and Visa did not permit businesses to pass along these fees to consumers.

Where does a gun come from? Who makes a gun? How does a gun work? Who invented a gun? Is a gun dangerous? How does a gun hurt or kill a person? What is a weapon?
These high-profile questions have taken the spotlight lately, given the rash of recent shooting tragedies. Politicians are using the tragedies to vilify people who believe in the right to bear arms.
TV, newspapers and other media align themselves with the government in an effort to ban guns.

It’s probably fair to say that a lot of people in our society feel a healthy dose of skepticism toward many politicians.
It’s not unreasonable to feel that way, either.
After all, if you read the paper or watch the news, it’s not very hard to find reasons to raise your eyebrows, or even your voice, over decisions they make about spending your money.

There’s no question that people like having options. It’s simple, but true. In everything from smart phones to shoes, people take for granted the ability to choose products that fit their needs and personality.
That same desire for choices applies to larger, more vital goods and services.