[rlmorel]

I cannot, as a conservative argue with the observation that the government sticking their fingers into anything tends to throw it out of whack, and you are correct.

I counterbalance that with the concept that taxing something decreases that behavior (which is what removing the mortgage deduction would effectively do with home ownership) while the opposite effect occurs when decreasing taxes.

All in all, here we are today, and increasing taxes on people buying houses will make it harder for people to do so.

[Notary Sojac]

the concept that taxing something decreases that behavior

Exactly, and the purpose of taxes should be to raise that amount of money the government needs for its legitimate functions, not to modify the behavior of the public.

I think we can politely agree to disagree. Cheers!!

[abb]

And of course there is the intended effect that the political class wants: fewer homeowners which in turn destabilizes communities and impedes the development of strong families.