• So, the major findings of the study are that this expensive, carefully planned pre-K program caused, by 6th grade, reduced performance on all academic achievement tests, a huge increase in learning disorders, and much more rule violation and behavioral offenses than occurred in the control group.

• The most striking finding in the study, to me, is the large increase in diagnosed learning disorders in the Pre-K group.

• I have discussed evidence that learning disorders can be produced by early academic pressure and evidence that being labeled with a learning disorder can, through various means, become a self-fulfilling prophesy

Smucky wrote: Wed Jul 16, 2025 4:13 am For my hospital bills possibly

t7UOALGouS4-qpcJ.mp4

MEDICAL DEBT COLLECTION GAME PLAN

PHASE 1: FIRST CONTACT
When collector calls:

• "What company are you with? What's your address? Who are you collecting for?"
• "Please send everything in writing to my address."
• Hang up politely

Within 5 days they must send validation notice

PHASE 2: DEBT VALIDATION (YOUR 30-DAY WINDOW)
Send this via certified mail:

"I am requesting validation of this alleged debt under the FDCPA. Please provide:
- Proof this debt is mine
- Itemized statement from original creditor
- Proof you have the right to collect this debt
- The amount you claim is owed"

PAUSE all communication until they validate

PHASE 3: NEGOTIATION
Opening call (after validation received):

• "I've reviewed the validation. I cannot pay $13,000 but want to resolve this. What's the lowest you'll accept to settle completely?"

Negotiation ladder:

• Their first offer: Usually 70-80%
• Your counter: "I can borrow $2,500 from family"
• Keep your increases small: $2,500 → $3,000 → $3,250 → $3,500 (max)
• Target settlement: 25-35% of original debt ($3,250-$4,550)

Magic phrases:

• "I'm considering bankruptcy but prefer to settle"
• "This is borrowed money - it's all I can get"
• "I need this offer in writing before I can pay"
• "Will this settle the debt in full?"

PHASE 4: SETTLEMENT
Before paying a penny, get written letter stating:

• Exact settlement amount
• This payment "satisfies debt in full" or "settles debt in full"
• Account will be marked "settled" or "paid"
• They won't sell remaining balance to another collector

Payment rules:

• Use cashier's check or money order
• Never personal check or bank account access
• Keep proof of payment FOREVER
• Send via trackable mail

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
They CANNOT:

• Threaten arrest (illegal for civil debt)
• Call before 8am or after 9pm
• Contact your employer if you tell them not to
• Threaten violence or use profanity
• Lie about the amount owed

You CAN:

• Demand written communication only
• Record calls (check your state laws)
• Dispute the debt
• Request they stop contacting you
• Sue them for FDCPA violations ($1,000 per violation)

RED FLAGS - STOP IF:

• They won't provide written settlement offer
• They demand immediate payment by phone
• They ask for bank account numbers
• They threaten immediate arrest/jail
• They claim to be law enforcement

IF LAWSUIT THREATENED:

• Don't panic - they'd rather settle than sue
• Lawsuits cost them $500-2,000 to file
• You'd have 20-30 days to respond if sued
• Most settle before court
• If unemployed/no assets, tell them you're "judgment proof"

TIMELINE REFERENCE:

• Day 1: First contact
• Day 1-5: Validation notice arrives
• Day 6-35: Your validation request window
• Day 36-60: Negotiation phase
• Day 61+: Settlement and payment

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING:

• Date/time of every call
• Name of every person you speak with
• What was discussed
• All letters sent/received
• All payment records

REMEMBER: Time is on YOUR side. Never let them rush you. Every collector would rather get something than nothing.