Biting the Hand That Feeds You

Eighteenth century political theorist and philosopher Edmund Burke is credited with being the first to use the idea of “don’t bite the hand that feeds you” in print. Despite this long heritage, which likely has roots going back even further than that, it’s still a 21st century problem.

Times are tough for credit unions. We often focus on the NCUA assessments and new regulatory and legislative burdens. Credit unions are also having difficulties in large part because their members are having a tough time, and those members are often their employees who are too ashamed or afraid to discuss their personal financial situations. They’re ashamed because they’re working in a financial institution or just general pride. Or they’re afraid they’ll lose their jobs over financial problems that can make them suspect to their employers. Others are just outright deceitful. Take your pick.