I was one of those people who always paid every bill on time! I worked extra shifts and never had a late payment! I paid off my student loans and paid my rent on or before the 1st! I had excellent credit.

Then, I was laid off–could not afford the COBRA insurance–and had the audacity to get sick.

Aside from the physical and emotional stress of cancer, I acquired–in 5 short months–$200,000 in debt. The bill collectors started before the end of round 1 of radiation–and my credit score has plummeted 200 points!

I have been personally responsible and now would have a hard time getting a lease on an apartment! Jobs now routinely do credit checks, and due to illness I could be denied employment!

Debt is a racket–corporations profiting off people and destroying lives in the process.

I am not at all ashamed of my debt–but I am angry!  I am angry and determined! The system of enslaving the poor and shackling people to debt servitude must end–by any means necessary!

-Billy Livsey-