Bank Check Aviation

steve.t wrote:
Mr. Exner:

After a statement I think you made about how backward the USofA
banking is (words to that effect), you have just described one of the
reasons that cash works quite handily. Also, while traveling in
Austria, they didn't like me using my credit cards, they really
wanted Euros. Come to think of it, so did the Swiss (but they wanted
Swiss Franks more than they wanted Euros).

Yep, absolutely right.

One of the problems with a cashless society, if you stop and think
about it, is that should there be some "glitch" in the system, you are
screwed. If, here in the USofA, they were to put a hold on your bank
accounts (don't even start with this isn't possible, just what do you
think happens when you are charged under RICO) and the whole world is
operating cashless, you become an instant pauper.

Ah, wait a second. I think you missunderstood.
I am not advocating a cashless society at all. Cash has worked great for
millenia and is very convenient. Cash is the one payment method that even
the most enthusiastic privacy advocat has no problems with.

I do oppose the excessive use of checks. There are a few niches where checks
may make sense, but for the vast majority of check transaction in the USA
today it would be more convenient for the payer, more convenient for the
payee, cheaper, and safer to use some other means. Among them electronic
transfer, direct withdrawel, direct deposit, and for store purchases direct
debit or even credit cards.

BTW: your experience about Europeans not wanting your credit card: In Europe
you use the EuroCard instead which is pretty much accepted universally as
the successor of the EuroCheck. Depending on the store you use it either as
a debit card, credit card (if linked to a credit card organization) or a
direct withdrawel authorization.
Of course as an American your bank wouldn't issue a EuroCard to you...

jue