July 4th Means A Lot To Me...

As I wrote about last week, we had the chance to tour New England two weeks ago. This tour was noteworthy in several ways, but today I wanted to point out that a.) we were able to travel through several states at our leisure; and b.) we passed by tens of thousands of properties owned by the citizens of those states.

This is no insignificant thing: Our ability to have and to hold property is the bedrock of our free society, and this right should be cherished. From the debate about property taxes to the Castle Doctrine, it is good that we as the citizenry keep our government to account when it comes to property rights. And, of course, there is the real estate industry.

I always appreciate the National Association of Realtors for its diligence in this area. The preamble of its code of ethics is noteworthy:

Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. Realtors should recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership … Such interests impose obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce. They impose grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty to which Realtors should dedicate themselves, and for which they should be diligent in preparing themselves.

Patriotic duty? Yes, absolutely. Lest I run the risk of being too mushy about this, I truly believe our industry must lead the way in preserving and promoting the true "American Dream." Whether you own a home, a business or both, never forget that you, too, are an active participant in the American experiment in liberty and democracy. Be sure you rise to the occasion as our forefathers did.

Enjoy your Fourth, my friends.