Home is Where You're Forced From

Israel evicts two Palestinian families from their East Jerusalem homes after they lost a legal battle to stay. This is a clear signal that the Israeli government is going to support the gradual but forceful Jewish takeover of the Arab quarter. For the full NYTimes article see here.

Also, American families continue to be forced from their homes due to foreclosure and the ever-worsening housing crisis. In this article from the Guardian, Dean Baker suggests an alternative:

There is an easier route. In recognition of the extraordinary situation created by the housing bubble and its collapse, Congress could approve a temporary change to the rules governing the foreclosure process. This change would give homeowners facing foreclosure the right to stay in their homes, paying the market rent for a substantial period of time (eg seven to 10 years).

This change would have two effects. First, it would immediately give housing security to the millions of families facing foreclosure. If they like the house, the neighbourhood, the schools for their kids, they would have the option to remain there for a substantial period of time.

Also by keeping homes occupied, this rule change can help prevent the blight of foreclosures that has depressed property values in many areas. Vacant homes are often not maintained and can become havens for drug use and crime.

The other effect of a right-to-rent rule would be that it would give lenders substantially more incentive to modify a mortgage. Under the rule, the lender could still carry through with the foreclosure process and take possession of the house. The lender would also be free to resell the property, but the former homeowner would still have the option to remain as a tenant, paying the market rent for the period specified in the law.