Who needs collateral when you've got collateral damage?

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

A Modest Proposal for a resolution of the Economic Crisis

The underlying problem is the slump in the housing market. Market prices are determined by the relative levels of supply and demand.

We cannot very well increase demand for housing--people pretty much already know whether they want a roof over their head. (The 'smart enough to come in out of the rain' standard.) And, inconveniently, global warming is making homelessness more and more attractive.

Having watched our government in action for some time I have concluded that there is one thing we are really good at.

I propose that we identify condominium complexes and suburban subdivisions with a high number of mortgages in default and, using eminent domain (or 'imminent domain' as Bush would doubtless call it) we buy the remaining properties in the area.

Then Shock and Awe the housing market into shape. We can bomb ourselves into prosperity, demolishing our newly purchased condo buildings and sub-divisions. Using orbiting laser platforms would be extra cool but even regular bombs will do in a pinch.

This would greatly reduce the number of housing units, restoring value to those that survive.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

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