We at CFIF have consistently highlighted the peril of federal, state and local government efforts targeting…
CFIF on Twitter CFIF on YouTube
New Study Shows How Overregulating Short-Term Lenders Harms Consumers

We at CFIF have consistently highlighted the peril of federal, state and local government efforts targeting the short-term consumer lending sector.

Less than two years ago, we specifically sounded the alarm on a New Mexico law artificially restricting interest rates on short-term consumer loans.

Well, a new study entitled "A New Mexico Consumer Survey:  Understanding the Impact of the 2023 Rate Cap on Consumers" that surveyed actual borrowers confirms our earlier warnings:

Key findings include:

•Short-term,small-dollar loans help borrowers manage their financial situations, irrespective of the borrower’s income.

•The rate cap has failed to improve the financial wellbeing of New Mexicans, specifically those who had previously relied on short-term, small-dollar loans.

•…[more]

November 27, 2023 • 03:57 PM

Liberty Update

CFIFs latest news, commentary and alerts delivered to your inbox.
Home Jester's Courtroom California-based Animal Rights Group Ducks into New York to File Lawsuit
California-based Animal Rights Group Ducks into New York to File Lawsuit Print
Wednesday, September 26 2012

Two New York foie gras producers and the state Department of Agriculture and Markets are being sued by the California-based Animal Legal Defense Fund (ADLF) for what it contends is force-feeding of ducks and geese to produce fattened livers.

The lawsuit alleges that in the last weeks of their lives the ducks and geese are force-fed so the birds' livers will grow to 10 times their normal size. ADLF's attorney Jonathan G. Schopf claims this induces hepatic lipidosis, a liver disease that violates a state agriculture law that requires that "the product of a diseased animal" be declared an adulterated food and banned.

“When the department fails to condemn diseased poultry products, they are failing to comply with (the law),” said Stephen Wells, executive director of ALDF, in a statement announcing the suit. “Countless birds are suffering because of the state of New York’s negligence.”

In addition to the state agency, the suit names Hudson Valley Foie Gras and La Belle Farm, the only commercial foie gras producers in the country since California's ban on the production and sale of foie gras went into effect this summer.

According to news reports, a similar suit, also filed against the same farms and the agriculture department by the national Humane Society, was dismissed in 2008 by state Supreme Court Justice John Egan Jr. on the grounds that the Humane Society did not have standing to sue on behalf of animals raised for food. Schopf claims his legal strategy is different in that "By approving force-fed foie gras for human consumption and allowing it to remain in the marketplace, State respondents have injured [consumers'] interests by causing [them] to consume diseased, dangerous and illegally manufactured products."

Hudson Valley Foie Gras, which calls itself “the humane choice,” says its ducks are healthy and do not suffer.

—Source:  timesunion.com (New York)

Notable Quote   
 
"If they made nothing else clear, elite university presidents testifying Tuesday certainly showed they're not serious about dealing with antisemitism.The Harvard, MIT and University of Pennsylvania chiefs all admitted that antisemitism is a problem, but dodged and weaved about confronting the hate.All quickly retreated to a 'free speech' defense, claiming their hands are tied by their duty to allow…[more]
 
 
— New York Post Editorial Board
 
Liberty Poll   

Given the large and growing number of U.S. House retirees, are you more concerned about the loss of experienced veterans or more hopeful by the potential of new talent?