Contrary to the editorial opinion of the Butler Eagle (“Payday lenders should not be allowed to operate in state,” June 8), it is not the government's role to “protect” people from their own bad decisions when it comes to high-interest loans. These loans, which might not be financially advisable, are applied for by a consenting adult. There is no fraud involved so there is, consequently, no role for government — unless one subscribes to a political philosophy in which a paternalistic government micromanages the decisions of citizens. In fact, without such lenders, access to capital would be almost nonexistent for that segment of the population. People have an inalienable right to liberty, including the right to obtain a high-interest loan.
