An unusual response from Mr. Gaddes. Most of the responses to this topic have been made by people who cite (from the Cap & Trade Bill) which premises in it they believe will be to the detriment of the current American economy and/ or to the American taxpayer as well as to our industry. Let us not forget that a large portion of the world depends as much on our spending as they do their own production and purchase of "whatever".

It appears to me that we are only hearing support for NAR's actions and activities, and the Bill, from folks who firmly believe in these policies and positions because they believe in the people who are putting them forward Not because they have studied the Bill and agree with these actions and activities.

Why is this?

Beth, in fact I have gone through as much of the bill as I have been able to make time for (maybe 90%) as of this writing...and, I fail to see any of the bogeymen that so many REALTORS have made reference to. For your information, I have a background in politics, law and legislative matters so I am not totally unaware of what I am reading. As mentioned in my earlier post, I was surprised that NAR took the position it did and can only conclude that they did so upon the advice of their lobbyist and consultants who inform them on such matters of economic interest to REALTORS...Taken in it's entirety, the bill (as emerged from the House) give states much oversight on matters (and that should appeal to most true conservatives, but not so much to me). In my home state of Tennessee, I doubt very much that the bill will have much deterimental effect of REALTORS who are willing to adapt. In another industry, I lived through OSHA, ADA, I-9 institution, and other mandated changes by the Fed; all of which turned out to be beneficial to the country at large and only slightly inconvenient to business who incidently fought these changes tooth and nail...All I am saying is that if REALTORS are to remain viable in the next 20 years they had better stop yelling "get off my lawn" and get on board with what changes are coming, whether they like it or not...

Paul, Thank you for clarifying your position. Not having known anything about you, personally, I was surprised that you and others chose not to point out the individual and specific benefits of Cap & Trade, so that myself and others could find a balance on this issue.

I would truly appreciate your sharing with myself, and others, what you specifically find beneficial in this Bill. For example, you state that the Bill gives much state oversight on matters. Which matters? If these are building codes and standards, then, like many others, I do not feel any federal oversight need be imposed.

The fact of the matter is, I was raised in California in the Real Estate Industry, and I've lived in Alaska for most of 3 decades. I know for a fact that I would not recommend most standards in Alaska for building in Southern California, but Northern California and Alaska may benefit from sharing insights about some of their building experiences. In either case, Washington DC and our representatives in Congress have rarely been in either the Building or Real Estate business and I am not sure that their aides and all of the lobbyists (except the Builders and Realtors) understand the individual building requirements for each state. So, having them give back something we already have, seems rather arrogant on their part, and possibly ill-advised.

I agree with you that OSHA and ADA, (being not as well-informed I don't remember I-9) were both beneficial to the population whom they affected. Access and safety were issues that were excluding and hurting people. Although I am concerned that, in my opinion, government is now spending waay too much money and time on "protecting people".

Thank you for your response - it is heartening to know that there are folks who take a positive position on this legislation because they have read it.