An ownership society is much more preferable than a slave society, or an economic enslaved citizenry.
It also has buy-in advantages, and it allows folks to feel part of something and thus, take responsibility to heart.
Perhaps, this is why our founders set up the voting the way they did, where only land-owners could vote, because they knew they would take their votes seriously.
Indeed, that makes perfect sense.
However, as Rome learned, if you have too many have-nots at the mercy of the haves, then your society and civilization is not long for this world.
The French Revolution also reminded history of this.
So, it makes sense to have an ownership society if at all possible right? The headline recently in the USA Today was "Feds Rethink Policies that Encourage Home Ownership," and the article went on to talk about this issue, one we do need to have a re-think on actually.
It was a very good article, and I'd like you to go read it and familiarize yourself with all the issues, as it was an excellent summary of our current predicament.
Now then, let me tell you what's on my mind when we talk about "home ownership" as the operative word is Ownership right? So, if someone takes out a mortgage to buy a home, they don't actually own that home, and if they put very little down, they really don't own anything, except a new obligation to the bank, they own a mortgage, or a promissory note to pay money.
They do not own anything really.
Yes, it is a trick of sorts, but they will run around and call themselves homeowners, that is interesting, and if they believe they are part of the ownership society, they are more apt to be good, take personal responsibility, and care about our country.
But, I must enlighten you, that this recent global financial crash and real estate bubble burst did a lot of damage to those America was bringing on board and into the fold of the future ownership society.
Psychologically speaking, we trashed a couple of generations of Americans, which we could have brought on board.
So, I wouldn't count on these folks now to stick up for the principles of capitalism, free markets, or consider themselves emotionally tied to this nation.
And unfortunately it is getting worse due to very back fiscal and economic policies from the current administration.
We are getting on thin ice, and we better watch out.