"National Homeownership Month"

Ah yes, recently I had a little tiff with a right-wing-soon-to-be-a-total-Nazi-republican who told me that the current economic meltdown is TOTALLY the fault of the "democrat party". I pointed out the Bush "ownership society", how folks were TOLD to buy houses, how folks were told they could resell at a profit before any mortgage reset -- and, how, at that time, it was CHEAPER to buy a house than it was to rent an apartment. None of that was "good enough" -- everything was STILL the fault of Fanny, Freddie, the CRA, and all those black and brown people who had the ABSOLUTE NERVE to want to be a part of the good old "American Dream".

This person, a fairly sophisticated investor (we've bought and sold many houses over the years, blah, blah, blah) was absolutely incensed that all these poor people made an attempt to join the rest of society. HOW DARE THEY!! They should "know their place", etc., etc., etc.

I suggested he read some news, history, and learn a bit more about America -- he suggested I stop reading all those "liberal historians".

we have reached the point where it is IMPOSSIBLE for us to talk to each other. Facts are meaningless -- even primary sources are meaningless -- all that counts is the tortured revisionist history written by "anti-historians" from the right.


Just Two Years Ago, Bush Promoted “National Homeownership Month”
Posted in Liberaland• June 1, 2010, 12:42
By William K. Wolfrum

While time has and most certainly will continue to whitewash the incredible stupidity of his presidency, it’s important to remember just how Republicans govern when put in charge. Because it was just two years ago that then-President George W. Bush proclaimed “National Homeownership Month.”

National Homeownership Month, 2008

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

For many Americans, owning a home represents freedom, independence, and the American dream. During National Homeownership Month, we highlight the benefits of owning a home and encourage our fellow citizens to be responsible homeowners.

My Administration is committed to helping Americans achieve their dreams of homeownership. We have worked to ensure that the mortgage industry is more transparent, reliable, and fair, and in order to sustain homeownership, we have launched initiatives to help responsible homeowners keep their homes. The FHASecure program has given the Federal Housing Administration more flexibility in refinancing mortgages for homeowners who have good credit histories but cannot afford their current payments. In addition, the HOPE NOW Alliance connects struggling homeowners with lenders, loan servicers, and mortgage counselors to help families stay in their homes. Homeowners deserve our help, and these initiatives assist those in need.

During National Homeownership Month and throughout the year, I encourage all Americans to take advantage of financial education opportunities to explore homeownership. My Advisory Council on Financial Literacy is finding ways to help educate people from all walks of life about matters pertaining to their finances and their futures. By practicing fiscal responsibility, Americans can contribute to the strength of our neighborhoods and our country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2008 as National Homeownership Month. I call upon the people of the United States to join me in recognizing the importance of homeownership and building a more prosperous future for themselves and their communities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Keep in mind, when Bush made this proclamation, home foreclosures were already up 112 percent. But that didn’t stop Bush’s grand plan of creating an “Ownership Society.” It was June 2008. People were getting kicked out of their homes. Everyone recognized that an economic tsunami was about to wash across the land. But Bush was telling people to go out and buy homes.

It’s hard to know if the Bush Administration was just trying to get the last few bucks out of an economic bubble, or if they were so disinterested in the housing collapse that they forgot to cancel the promotion. But it is a distinct example of how Republicans govern. Because a couple months later, Bush was telling the world that the U.S. economy was about to collapse completely. And two years later, thousands and thousands of American citizens have lost their homes or are still in jeopardy of losing them. But the bankers surely got paid.