5 ms·
Housing is the perfect example to illustrate the flaws of how democracy is put into practice in many (but not all) Western societies. There are at least two big
by newfeatureok 7y ago
Housing is the perfect example to illustrate the flaws of how democracy is put into practice in many (but not all) Western societies. There are at least two big issues:
1. Those who have housing are less transient and as a result have (increasing) influence over local politics in aggregate.
2. Said local politicians then take their constituents will upstream, resulting in the (re)enforcement of policies that benefit the existing property owners. Mainly this manifests itself in anti-growth policies. Not just in housing, but really any sort of change that can be seen as disruptive to the existing population even if it's good generally. This can mean housing, public transportation, roads, and more!
The solution to these issues is to nationalize rules regarding housing, but because of (2) it's unlikely to ever happen.
I wonder what will need to happen before the minority (not speaking about race or ethnicity, but in terms of voter participation) finally are empowered, given many times the minority voting population actually makes up the majority of eligible voters.
I guarantee you that if 100% voter participation was enforced and macro votes could override micro votes (i.e. a state vote could overturn a local rule) most issues would go away.
- nathancahill 7y agoLandownership being the foundation of American politics is it's original sin.
- gchamonlive 7y agoIt served its purpose when the colony was being consolidated, but now that society has matured, this ownership has indeed to be reviewed if it is hindering society development. It will put some privileges in jeopardy, and some will not be all too happy about it.
- Nasrudith 7y agoI think that is going too far - we have seen the teaming mass of nothing in Ireland historically and well every precarious third world country where building a better proper cabin instead of a shanty shack will get it seized. Landownership is not without flaws and reform potential but lets not go crazy here. Eminent domain already exists dor hindering development issues and shows why it is used sparingly.
- hnaccy 7y agoNah it was chattel slavery.
- antupis 7y agoI think even landownership is not a problem, the problem is that people think about housing as an investment and not a tool(eg car).
- easytiger 7y agoGiven the need for extensive labour and planning to construct most dwellings, how do you propose doing a built property from retaining value?
- lhopki01 7y agoThe UK has pretty national rules for housing and still has a housing crisis.