Missing and Endangered

     My husband, Greg, disappeared on the morning of November 13 from our restaurant in Pineville, Louisiana.  He had been seriously depressed and was on medication because we were fixing to lose everything we owned.  He could not cope with the financial stress. 

     We had put our hearts and souls into this venuture since May of 2003.  After three years of strugging, we were finally turning a small profit.  Unfortunately 90 % of our business was done with credit cards.  It would be anywhere from 2 days to 8 weeks before we would see the money deposited in our account.  This created a cash flow problem.  Our bank never established a line of credit for us to cover any NSF or overdraft fees that occurred because of the lengthy time it was taking.  Therefore we accrued thousands of dollars in fees because we had to write checks to operate.  Every year we hoped that we would get ahead with the bank.  But without ready cash to handle everyday operations it was impossible. 

     People are quick to pull out a credit or debit card in todays' society of plastic.  What they don't realize is how that piece of plastic affects the small businessman.  Not only does the small businessman have to wait for his money but he also pays for the "privilege" of accepting those cards.  (Meanwhile you are also paying for the luxury of using that card.)  While he is waiting for his monies and trying operate; he encounters exorbitant NSF and overdraft fees.  At anywhere from $30+ for NSF and $15+ for overdraft fees on each check processed; it does not take long to rack up thousands of dollars in bank charges.  It's a win-win situation for banks and credit card companies.

     The banks have discovered a great way to increase their bottom line and unfortunately they have been given the go ahead by some federal banking regulators.  According to the National Bank Act they are allowed to charge whatever fees they deem appropriate for their services. At the consumer and small businessmans' expense of course. 

     Isn't it ironic how most credit card companies are owned by big banks.  It's a "I'll scratch your back if you scratch my back situation."  Somewhere there should be a law against such practices to protect Americans.  Perhaps now would be a good time to contact your senators and congressmen.

     As for me, after spending the last 30 years of my life with this man,  I only want him safe and sound at home.  Money and material things are not everything.  And there is no price tag on love.

Gregory James Thomas is 6'1", 240 lbs., strawberry blonde and grey hair, blue/green eyes, beard and mustache.  He will be 57 on the 24th.  He was last seen the morning of November 13th in Pineville, La. wearing a dark royal blue oxford shirt and black pants.  He was driving a dark blue Chevy Silverado 1500 with Louisiana plates, a chrome toolbox across the back and a hot pink Sister's...Catfish, Bar & Grill sticker on the back glass.  He is also suicidal and needs medication.  He may have become disoriented and does not know who or where he is.  If anyone sees him please contact the Rapides Parish Sherriff's Office at 318-473-6700.