I believe that one of the cruelest businesses of our time are the so-called "payday loan" folks.

You see these shops in every ghetto. Victims write checks that are due to be made good when they get paid. The interest rates on these things can be as high as 100%.

Banks think that, at this rate, it's good business.

Now the business has come online through a San Diego outfit called Spotya.

Spotya borrowers complete a form and fax a bank statement. The money can go into a bank account or a prepaid debt card. The card can then be used online or at Spotya's own online mall, from which it gets referral fees.

Please don't complain to Spotya about this. The whole business is legal and above-board. In fact, it takes advantage of a lending program Master Card itself put in place last year. And the interest rates on that program, while high, are nothing like what the payday shops say when you write a check to them. They're as much as two-thirds less.

But consider. Anyone with a regular credit card is going to have nearly a month of float. I bought a bed today I won't have to pay cash for until the middle of next month. This is aimed at people with bad credit, the same people targeted by the new bankruptcy law.

The financial industry and political establishment are united in what they wish to do to those who are vulnerable. Push 'em down and hold their heads under. If we're going to treat people like dogs when they go bust, the least we can do is keep the doggie treats locked up.