Editorial: Give troops more respect

Tuesday, March 29, 2005 | 8:59 a.m.

Ever since World War I there has been a federal law protecting active-duty members of the military from losing their homes and other possessions because of their decreased pay. In most cases the law also protects spouses of the troops. Originally called the Soldier's and Sailor's Civil Relief Act, Congress in December 2003 renamed it the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. And it was more than renamed -- it was strengthened to ensure that all regular troops, and all of the Reservists and National Guard soldiers being activated for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, could be free of worry about their personal affairs back home.

At the very least, this nation's prosperous banks, landlords and credit companies can hold off on their high interest rates and foreclosure and collection activities when it comes to a service member or his family in time of war. That was the reasoning behind the law, which, among other benefits, caps interest rates incurred before enlistment at 6 percent and creates substantial legal hurdles (such as obtaining a court order) for anyone seeking foreclosures, evictions or repossessions against troops whose military duties have affected their incomes.

It's maddening then to read stories by the Associated Press and The New York Times about banks, credit-card companies and other creditors relentlessly badgering military members and their spouses, threatening and oftentimes carrying out evictions and foreclosures in violation of the law. One legal adviser to the Kansas National Guard told the Associated Press that he fields "desperate calls every week from soldiers and their families" who are trying to avoid losing their homes, cars and other possessions.

Imagine a Reservist or Guard member whose income is suddenly cut by 75 percent because he's been activated, and within a few weeks his family back home is being harassed by collection agencies. Even after the military explains the law to the creditors, it doesn't always end there. Often they go to court, determined to find a loophole so they can collect.

What is wrong with these creditors for this to be happening? If they had an ounce of patriotism, creditors would be thinking long about what is being asked of them compared to what is being asked of our troops.