Should the U.S ban credit cards?

Should the U.S. ban credit cards? Let me try answering that with a question of my own. Do you enjoy and appreciate your freedom? Do you love the fact that you can come and go as you please? Are you thankful for the fact that you can turn on the TV any time you choose and watch anything you want? Or that you can invite your friends over for pizza and video games until sunrise? Or that you can log in to mylot at any time and voice your displeasure about the evils of credit cards? Sorry, just had to throw that in there(LOL). Do you see where I'm going with this? Let's look at it another way. Now, suppose you do have big plans to invite some friends over for some serious all night video gaming. Your parents (I don't know what your living condition is so bear with me) tell you that you can't have friends over all night. Now, you probably understand why your parents aren't allowing you and your friends to stay up all night. You may not like it but you understand. But, let's imagine for a moment that instead of your parents, the Government decides that you aren't allowed to stay up all night. How would you feel about that? I know it's kind of a silly way of looking at the issue. Maybe the government could never have that kind of power over you or any of us. But, deciding to stay up all night with friends, no matter how trivial it may seem is still a freedom you enjoy. Let's look at it from yet another angle. Think of all the things you've done in your life til now. All the good and bad, all the mistakes and accomplishments. Now, imagine, if the government had stepped in during all those moments in your life and decided that those experiences you had, could not be allowed to happen. Think about the first time you learned how to ride a bike, or swim, or drive a car. Imagine the government coming to you before you can swing your leg over the bicycle seat and telling you that you aren't allowed to learn to ride a bike because you might fall off and hurt yourself, or that you aren't allowed to learn how to swim because you might drown. All those little things in your life, those experiences, good and bad, are what make you who you are. They contribute to your personality, to your beliefs, and your fears. Think of the mistakes you've made in your life. Did you learn something from them? Did those life lessons you learned make you a better person in some way? Maybe banning credit cards would fix the financial problems many people face. But, what if the government banned everything they thought was bad. Where would it all end? What right do they have to make all our choices for us? Our shortcomings are what makes us who we are. Our failures and mistakes are what we learn from. And what good is a life without freedom? Because freedom is what it really is all about. I know I've gotten pretty philosphical about a pretty simple issue, but, these days when we hear the government talking daily about regulating this and banning that, are they really doing us any good or are they really just stealing our lives away from us? It's something to think about.

I did this about 5 years ago & boy if my life a lot easier since then!!! So, I think you have a GREAT idea there!!!

No, I don't think credit cards should be banned. The government shouldn't be responsible for everything! If people can't think past their noses, they should learn to, not have Uncle Sam tell them everything so they don't have to. Credit cards are not inherently evil. People who can't handle credit cards can't handle bank loans, either. It's a matter ofr self discipline, not a matter of something being available or not. If you want to do something about credit card debt, start teaching people how to be responsible for their own money.

First, let me say that I do not have credit cards. Next, I would like to point out that plenty of people have them and use them responsibly. It is called accountability. If you can't afford it, don't get it. If anything, maybe we could bring back debtors prison!

I personaly don't use them, won't use them and I don't think anyone really should be right now. That being said, the government really can't do this, they don't have that kind of authority in the first place. Now, a little tid bit for you. You probably have a pocket full of paper credit cards right now, their called "dollars". the dollar now is essesntialy a credit card as it isn't backed by any solid asset like gold, it is based on credit, though not your personal credit. This is the core of the economic crisis.

I don't think credit cards should be banned. Maybe people should have to take a course before having a credit card. I know myself I am responsible and pay my card off each month. I very rarely carry much of a balance on my credit card. Credit cards can be very helpful. They're good to have incase of an emergency. They're also nice to use instead of cash on a vacation.

No I don't think credit cards should be banned. I think it would be wrong to penalize everyone just because there are those who can't handle having a credit card and use it wisely. What might be a good idea in my opinion would be to make it illegal to issue a credit card to anyone under the age of - say - 25. They could also make a maximum of say $500 before the card is maxed out. Some of them allow people to charge ridiculous amounts to them. I have never had a credit card and I really have no desire for one. My debit card works fine for me - if I don't have the money on it then I can't spend what I don't have wih a credit card you can.

No one I know defaults on their debts (ok one guy). We should just throw the people in debtors prison like they used to in the old days. That would put a stop to it. Indentured servants for everyone!