In advance of the February trigger date of the consumer-friendly Credit CARD Act, credit-card companies have been using every trick in the book to stick it to consumers. Perhaps you've experienced them: letters informing you of higher interest rates, new fees, bigger fees, and higher minimum payments.

Sen. Christoper Dodd, D-Conn, aware of consumers' pain, had proposed a bill that would freeze credit-card interest rates on card balances before the holidays. But Sen. Thad Cochane, R-Miss, acting on behalf of others, recently blocked the bill. So, unless there's action from those of us most hurt by it, those companies will continue their obnoxious campaign. 

If you're totally furious, if you're mad as hell and can't take it any more, if you've just HAD it, tell the credit card companies how you feel. Creditcardreform.org, part of the advocacy arm of Consumers Union, has a Web page where you can send a message to the companies. The gist: If they don't voluntarily freeze interest rates immediately, we'll just stop using their cards. 

Consumers Union will be forwarding the letters to each credit-card company's investor relations departments, which are close to the managers and shareholders who may have more interest in what you think.