“Victor David Hanson is an American classicist, military historian, columnist and farmer. He has been a commentator on modern and ancient warfare and contemporary politics for National Review, The Washington Times and other media outlets.”…from Wikipedia

Here is the link to Mr. Hanson’s speech:

https://fourpillars.hillsdale.edu/#gala-videos

We were reading Mr. Hanson’s speech given at Hillsdale College’s 175th anniversary gala.  He warns about our nation moving away from our founding principles and toward a nation run by oligarchs.

Here are some excerpts from his speech:

“A solid, property-owning middle class anchors the nation. Traditionally, its members show the sobriety and judgement to achieve autonomy.  They don’t look to government for help.  They stand as a barrier against both property redistribution and crony capitalism.”

“Today, America’s middle class is threatened.  Home ownership is down to about 62% from 71% just over ten years ago.   The percentage of a family budget that goes to housing has risen form 20 – 30 percent in the 1950’s to 30 – 40 percent today…”

(LFC Comment: This ties in with the Housing Affordability Threshold (HAT %) that we have been discussing for the last few years.  Ohio’s ever-increasing property taxes are a major factor why seniors and those living on fixed incomes are being priced out of their home that they have worked all their lives to achieve.

In the 1800’s, it was stated that a man should not pay any more than one week’s wages for his monthly housing costs.  Today, if you are paying 30% or more of your income for your housing costs, then the home is deemed unaffordable for you.

Be very wary of the politician or bureaucrat that tries to “move the goalpost”, and now state that the HAT% should be 40% – 50% of income.  He or she are deceivers, and should be called out!

We will continue to vote NO on any future property tax levies that are on the ballot, be they renewal, or new.)

Categories: Free Speech Zone, Real Estate Taxes

Tags: FT