Nothing Prices Like Crime

For so long as I can keep in mind, even earlier than "affordability" turned a distinguished theme in American public discourse, politicians and pundits have tracked the costs of properties, gasoline, milk, eggs, and different grocery store staples. Affordability, or the shortage of it, has lengthy been the specific purpose or chief grievance of policymakers debating housing, public finance, and financial regulation. In these debates, either side needs to point out that its proposals will make constituents’ lives better-that is, extra inexpensive. The main focus sometimes falls on points like housing provide, tax charges, and social-welfare…