Quote from: notme on June 26, 2012, 07:44:29 PM

Can you explain the difference to us? You seem to know everything, but you also seem unwilling to share your vast knowledge.

I'm sorry, I though it was obvious after the housing bubble and how widely publicized it was.

In the USA "own a home" most frequently means "have a mortgage to pay" or "have a home equity line of credit to pay". The actual home-owners are surprisingly rare, especially in the more prestigious or upscale locations. The stress caused by high debt load in turn causes many family problems.

On the other hand "voluntary debt slavery" may be considered a new social glue for the USA. There's no easier man to scare that the one who has a mortgage and lifestyle to maintain.

Edit: OK, I think I just gotten myself trolled. Here's the quote from the redneck link I posted above. And with this quote I'm going to end participating in this thread.

Living around Rednecks has had a profound effect on my way of looking at life. Once while driving my fancy new car, I visited a country cousin and committed what Redneck Theologists call the sin of pride when I mentioned that the car had cost me a fortune. In good humor, he pointed to his giant farm tractor and said, Well, Im impressed. See that reaper over there? She cost me over $200,000.00; I paid cash; and I reckon I only take her out a few weeks a year. Man, was I ever humbled in the presence of such profound Redneck wisdom. I now think twice before bragging.