It is both disgusting and shameful that the Kansas City Star would use a tragedy to repeat attacks that have been long discredited. This opinion piece [1] by Yael Abouhalkah tries, unsuccessfully, to connect the passing of Blaine Tucker to ongoing regulatory issues involving Native American lenders. Mr. Abouhalkah claims the tragic death of Blaine Tucker somehow “puts a spotlight” on businesses the Tuckers don’t even own. This is irresponsible journalism, as no clear connection between the lending industry and the tragedy is ever made. Instead, Mr. Abouhalkah offers negative, slanted and misleading information about the Tucker family, the online lending industry and the Federal Trade Commission.
The FTC complaint involving the Tuckers was part of a broad regulatory effort, certain aspects of which are now being investigated by Congress for abuse of power [2]. In its role as regulator, the FTC routinely files complaints against short-term lenders, typically reaching a prompt settlement before ever going to trial [3]. In quoting from the FTC complaint, the article is giving only one side of the story, and Mr. Abouhalkah did not even have the basic courtesy to provide publicly issued responses from those accused. For example, AMG Services has given the following response [4]: “These online lenders are strictly regulated by, and comply with, sovereign tribal laws and all applicable federal laws. AMG does not comment on pending litigation, except to say that it vigorously disputes the allegations in the pending litigation and is confident AMG will prevail in said matters.”
Ultimately, the Star’s opinion piece is insensitive, opportunistic, and displays a total disregard for the loss of the Tucker family. Had Mr. Abouhalkah reached out to the Tucker family for comment, he would have been told that Blaine Tucker was a loving father, devoted husband, and successful businessman who will be sorely missed.
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