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From: rcb@fortune.UUCP (Robert Binstock)
Newsgroups: net.flame
Subject: Re: Rent Control, etc.
Message-ID: <3276@fortune.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 11-May-84 12:24:54 EDT
Article-I.D.: fortune.3276
Posted: Fri May 11 12:24:54 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 12-May-84 11:32:40 EDT
References: <140@oliven.UUCP>, <4640@amd70.UUCP>
Organization: Fortune Systems, Redwood City, CA
Lines: 47

>>Maybe you'd like it in Russia, where everything is priced reasonably
>>(but you have to wait in lines for days and they often run out)

>>> paranoid worship of property

>>I'd bet the person saying such phrases doesn't own any property but 
just sponges off others.

You lose your bet.

I don't own a house or apartment building, if that's what you mean.
I do make a living and pay substantial taxes, own a car, etc.  

I NEVER said that property rights weren't important.  I implied that
they should not be placed above all others in every situation.
You may not agree, but surely you'll admit that other rights deserve
SOME consideration.  (Or maybe you won't.  I don't know.)  Yes, I
respect property rights.  No, I have never stolen anything in my life.
No, I do NOT approve of people "borrowing" things that belong to other
people.  But I STILL think rent control is a good idea.

I DO NOT "sponge off" anyone, and I resent the implication that I am
incapable of having any political/philosophical position except that
which is dictated by my direct economic interests.  (By the way,
all you committed conservatives, this is a very Marxist idea
which you are espousing.)

Certainly things often work that way, but human beings are capable
of amazing complexity.  For example, I actually have no objection
to paying taxes (and I pay a lot).  Yes!  That's right!  I've admitted 
it!  I actually think taxation of the well-off to benefit those who are 
not-so-well-off is a good idea.  Even though I could use the money to 
buy myself a VCR or a Camaro!  Wow!  How radical!

My mother owns a house which she rents out and she has no objection
to rent control.

Believe it or not, some people who own property think rent control is 
OK.  Many responsible people, with substantial assets, feel that it 
might be a good thing.  Many who are not members of the Communist Party
have voted for it!  Yes, even REPUBLICANS have voted for it!

Funny that liberals are always being called "knee-jerk".  Mention
rent control, and suddenly we're talking about Russia, yet.

I love this country as much as you folks do.  I ALSO have some regard
for the people who live in it, which you don't seem to.