The interesting thing about level playing fields is that you sure hear a lot of people preaching and complaining about them; but, much like the Loch Ness monster, it's hard to find anyone who has ever really seen one.
Fact is most Southerners, being newly off the farm—and only half a paycheck from returning—know full well there ain't no such thing as a level field. If you plowed and planted a field level, a hard rain would set up on the field and drown the crop. Planted fields are shaped and tapered, valleyed and hilled. There's a sculptured artistry and fine craftsmanship in a farm field which has been thoughtfully and properly John Deere'd. Even big city soccer moms, down on their knees at the edge of the field, cussing like a sailor at the ref while cheering their 4-year-olds on, have noticed the playing pitch has been mounded so that it will drain. Literally, the playing field is not level!
Most folks you'll find calling for a level playing field are usually just finagling for a favor, seeking an advantage or working hard to promote their own selfish, self-interest. Most are out in left field…especially the "b-worders" who keep whining about a level playing field between banks and credit unions.
Recommended For You
Well, personally I give up—time to move on. I'm ready to concede to their level playing field request!
If, in fact, the financial institution playing field is unlevel, as the "b-worders" have so long claimed, there are only two ways to make it right. To level an uneven field you can either raise the low side, or you can lower the high side. Think about it a little if you need to, but you'll find those are your only two choices for leveling things out.
Is it not unreasonable, before beginning the leveling process, to ask which side is out of balance? Which side needs to change its ways? Which side is too low down?
After what this country has suffered, as a result of the collapse of the banking system, surely it's time for the banks to raise their standards of prudence and conduct to a higher level.
Jim Blaine
President/CEO
State Employees' Credit Union
Raleigh, N.C.
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
