Joe,
Just to be clear, I’m not saying that all politicians who have pushed for increased homeownership have bought into the line that the TIME story seems to suggest ? that magical properties transform a new homeowner into a responsible person.
But I do suspect that many who have pushed for homeownership haven’t thought very clearly about the links between homeownership and those other worthwhile goals (civic engagement, low crimes rates, etc.)
If you think homeownership is good, you could lower the standards for homeownership. Or you could pursue policies that help promote the conditions that will lead more people to qualify for market-based homeownership standards.
It shouldn’t be too hard to guess which option appeals more to the politician looking for a simple solution.
