An Open Letter to President Obama (and Congress)

Dear Mr. President,

It was great to hear you talk about your vision for our country recently. Your words touched me:

So this is our vision for America — this is my vision for America — a vision where we live within our means while still investing in our future; where everyone makes sacrifices but no one bears all the burden; where we provide a basic measure of security for our citizens and we provide rising opportunity for our children.

I just hope that you and all the representatives on both sides of the aisle realize that homeownership is a key component to making this vision come about. 

I liked the fact that you talked about sacrifice. Our country has always been about sacrifice. We sometimes sacrifice financially to help victims of international disasters like we did in Haiti after the hurricane and Indonesia after the tsunami. Our sons and daughters, time and time again, have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to guarantee that people in our country and others around the world remain free and safe.

Mothers and fathers have traditionally made financial sacrifices to guarantee their children received the college education they believed they needed. Wives and husbands have made the same financial sacrifices to allow their spouses to follow their dreams of owning their own businesses; a cornerstone of American prosperity.

My wife and I sacrificed so our two boys could go to the college of their choice. At that time, we didn’t have the means to reach into a savings account. We tapped into the equity of the home we owned. It cost us more each month in mortgage payments but we never questioned our decision to invest in our children’s future.

My wife was willing to sacrifice when I came to her and asked her if we could once again use the only savings we had – the equity in our home – to start a new business. It was a risk that worked out well for our family.

I worry today that the government fails to realize the importance of homeownership. The concept seems to be under attack. I don’t understand why. If not for homeownership, I’m not sure my boys would be college graduates today. I know for a fact that I would not have had the capital to start a business which has enabled my family and the families of my employees to lead lives of prosperity.

Mr. President, I too believe this is a great country. Let’s not forget the important role homeownership plays in its history.

Sincerely,

Steve Harney

Tagged as: Homeownership