When some people raise a red flag, others cry “Don’t be such an alarmist!”  It’s true that fear-mongering is the worst thing we can do in a community, because fear is a virus that travels fast. Yet when you read about banks exerting their considerable influence – in this case, the HSBC putting obstacles between their customers and their cash – it’s hard not to be alarmed.

Too many laws and rules governing all of us are created to thwart the efforts of a few criminals. As large banks and corporations continue to protect themselves from thieves, hackers and other miscreants, the consumer ends up with the short end of the stick. Slowly and surely, this becomes a “guilty until proven innocent” scenario, where people are forced to explain themselves even if they have done nothing wrong.

Personally, I’m shopping around for another bank, after being treated badly by the one I’ve been giving my business to for decades. It’s not that easy, either, because they levy penalties at you for moving your money around. My nephew thinks we should all convert to Bitcoins. I’m wondering if safety deposit boxes will become more popular.

Take a moment to read the linked article below from the BBC newsroom. Consider the long-term consequences. And voice your opinion! If we say or do nothing, we have no one to blame but ourselves, right?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25861717?ocid=socialflow_facebook_bbcnews