Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Credit Card Has Interesting Way Of Rewarding Its Users

Will Rogers once said, “Don’t trust anyone who handles money for a living.” (And, if he didn’t, he should have.) Case in point: GE Capital Corp. plans to begin fleecing “freeloaders” (translation: conscientious buyers who pay off their balances every month to avoid interest charges). Huffy GE officials are informing holders of the GE Rewards MasterCard that they will be required to pay a $25 annual fee if they insist on this despicable practice. Of course, all the other money changers are holding their breath to see if GE gets away with this credit-card stickup. MasterCard holders should tell GE to take a hike. After all, there’s no shortage of credit-card companies clamoring to take its place (if junk mail from them and phone solicitations at suppertime are any indication). GE’s greedmongers need a lesson.

Sherwood: It takes one to know one

Well, we don’t have ol’ Sam Sherwood to kick around any more. Sherwood? He’s the computer analyst from Blackfoot who founded the United States Militia Association and, for a short time, entertained us with goofy comments. His most famous statement was made to the Boise Weekly in spring 1995: “Go up and look legislators in the face, because some day you may be forced to blow it off.” Alas, the Idaho-based militia organization has folded its tents, and Sherwood’s moved to northern Utah. The militia movement ain’t what it used to be, lamented he: “The whole movement is being distorted on one side by the press and the media and taken over by the nuts and crazies on the other.” Imagine that. Some of Sam’s followers were nuttier and crazier than he was. To him and them, I have one thing to say: Good riddance.

Here we go again with Helen

Not even U.S. Rep. “Give-‘em-Helen” Chenoweth can explain why she can’t get her financial disclosure statements right. In her 15th revision last month, the Idaho Republican assured us a property transfer that boosted her 1994 campaign did take place - though she couldn’t produce a deed. In her 16th attempt, Chenoweth revealed Monday she received a $50,000 loan from a former client to help buy a condo. That disclosure came just days after a cutoff for filing ethics charges before an election. Understated Our Ms. Chenoweth: “I know my friends find these lapses frustrating, and my enemies take great pleasure in them.” Bingo. Idaho Democrats, who saw a sex scandal topple standard bearer Larry LaRocco two years ago, are relishing her financial fumbles. If challenger Dan Williams stood for anything, the D’s might have a better chance of regaining the seat.

, DataTimes MEMO: D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125, or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.

D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125, or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.