Fine. The tax code already encourages home ownership by eliminating the capital gains tax on the sale of a primary residence. Anything beyond that is completely unnecessary.
Ironically, the mortgage interest deduction has really done nothing more than drive up the cost of homes by making them "affordable" to people who would otherwise be unable to pay exorbitant prices for their homes.
You and I may debate the "societal case" for home ownership and would probably end up on the same side. As for the auto industry, well it contributes more to the economy from multiple industries than housing ever will (at least until al gorey kills it).
However, my point remains the same it is NOT THE FUNCTION of the tax code to give the peons a little kick back if they do the RIGHT thing.
If you look at all the threads on tax issues you can see how the lure of a tax break has woven a huge web that keeps more in government employed at the expense of the private sector.
If anyone on the FR had the misfortune to live in Western New York the last few years you would know how excessive taxes and "loop holes" have killed the area. This is coming to a community near you.
Erie County wanted to raise the sales tax (you know the one without any deductions) a measly penny (or 12.5% increase). FINALLY THE PEOPLE WOKE UP FROM THEIR BUFFALO BILLS induced stupor. When it hit everyone equally, well that just won't do, and they revolted. WNY is just on the cutting edge of a tax induced melt down. (of course the fricken unions have not helped)
Possibly another WNY Freeper can supply a more recent figure but the last one I had was 73% of the citizens in Buffalo, NY received some form of government check. They may either work for the government or suck off the taxpayers tit. All the tax breaks in the world will not fix WNY. All levels of government need to be stripped down to the bare bones and in some (many) cases eliminated.