Not trying to change your mind, and I appreciate the chance for a dialogue... Your perspective seems based on the idea that housing (shelter) is a basic need and should be provided for, and at some fundamental level I&#x27;m inclined to agree. (In my mind, it would be pretty basic housing...)<p>I did want to call attention to your gas prices example... Gas prices are driven down to approximately the cost of getting more oil out of the ground, refining it into gasoline, and transporting it to your local Chevron. These are costs inherent to &quot;making gas&quot; - it&#x27;s not free. The same goes for housing, so whether you&#x27;d have renters pay it or have the government pay it for them, <i>someone&#x27;s</i> going to have to cut down trees, pour concrete, level land, install plumbing, etc.<p>This is this &quot;value&quot; of the housing I&#x27;m talking about, which is separate from the moral right to shelter that seems to guide your judgement on the issue. Thanks for being willing to engage me in the discussion!