The Illusion Of Choice At Credit Unions... And Elsewhere.

              Was there a better choice? What if the answer is "Yes"?

Choice and false choice are two different and opposing ideas.  Choice involves weighing the pros and cons of several options based on personal goals, values, or circumstances.  A false choice is a deceptive tactic, which creates an illusion of choice, while restricting or misrepresenting available alternatives - or worse, implying there is only one choice!

Been trying to point out - probably unsuccessfully - that we live in a world, which increasing offers up to each of us, an illusion of choices, when in fact there are actually few... and often none. Perhaps this is acceptable in our "buyer beware", "anything goes" economy, with few prudential or consumer safeguards. The illusion of choice - or a false choice - seems, however, out of place in the cooperative, non-profit realm. Isn't that against the basic principles and core values of these institutions?

So, that's why we've been looking at WakeMed, SAFE Credit Union, and SECU as examples. With WakeMed clearly there is a better deal to be made for the citizens of Wake County.  Little dispute there. Public outcry by citizens and political leaders from both parties have challenged "the no other choice" arrogance.

With SAFE, the member-owners are being asked to vote to "self-destruct" in a merger they didn't want, with an out-of-state partner which appears financially inferior. The majority of SAFE members will not approve "this no choice merger". The SAFE board has stated it will appeal to the state regulator to overrule "the members choice"!

At SECU, the board and senior management have of late stripped away many rights of members to participate. The Board has even threatened to effectively bar "the members choice" to independently nominate board candidates. The Board - through a non-independent nominating committee - routinely presents the 3 million SECU members with "no choice" in board candidates. "Without choice" of candidates, is there an election?

✔ Choice is the cornerstone of democracy. Is it working?

  Is there a better choice?

Have Members Become A Nuisance To Credit Unions?

                                 They're such a bother!

 Notice of Annual Meeting                                               August 28, 2026                             

"The SECU Annual Membership Meeting (Annual Meeting) will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Koury Convention Center, Sheraton Greensboro Hotel at Four Seasons, 3121 West Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, N.C. 27407."

"The one item of business will be an election of three of the eleven Board of Directors positions."

😎 Three million SECU members have "no business" being there?  

  If no election, no business items [link]... no Annual Meeting?     Why bother?