This editorial from the Columbian (WA) is almost too painful to read:

Scenario I: Bob borrows $100 from Mary, agreeing to pay her $115 in two weeks. He needs the money quickly, she wants to help him out, and 15 bucks seems like a pretty fair deal for both of them.

Scenario II: Jack goes to buy a car and is offered an annual percentage rate of an astounding 391 percent. Incensed, especially when other dealers offer APRs in single digits, Jack storms out of the dealership.

The editorial writers, who’ve of course don’t need payday loans, go on to say they should be restricted for everyone else.  They also quote the Center for Responsible Lending’s phony statistics.