Angry Renter: Oppose the Mortgage Lender Housing Bailout

FreedomWorks Members Respond to the Wall Street Journal

Freedom Works members from across the nation were offended by the Wall Street Journal article, “Mortgage Bailout Infuriates Tenants” by Michael Philips. Mt. Philips claims in his article that Freedom Works is a “fake grassroots organization.” Many of our members emailed us to say they are active, alive, and doing well! Here's a selection:

To: Wall Street Journal Editorial Staff
Re: Letter to the Editor: Michael Phillips’ Article, “Mortgage Bailout Infuriates Tenants,” May 16, 2008
Date: May 16, 2008

Regarding Michael Phillips’ article attacking the FreedomWorks organization and, in effect, supporting the mortgage bailout:

As an active volunteer for FreedomWorks, I am disappointed in your distorted representation of our organization. FreedomWorks is a grassroots organization which has advocated limited government and fiscal responsibility for over 20 years. Had Mr. Phillips ever attended a FreedomWorks event, he may have met some of the thousands of grassroots volunteers who make up the organization. Far from “inside-the-Beltway,” our volunteers (students, workers, businesspeople, seniors, immigrants and others) value the opportunities and responsibilities of free markets. Yes, our organization is based in Washington, D.C. and our leadership (Messrs. Armey, Forbes and Kibbe) have experience navigating the complexities at the Capital, and that’s fine with us.

We oppose the mortgage bailout because it is another example of bad fiscal policy, which will drive artificially high asset values, fan inflation, encourage irresponsible borrowing and lending practices, and inhibit a real recovery. And yes, it penalizes the majority, including renters, first-time buyers and responsible property owners. The Angry Renter campaign has generated over 48,000 real supporters due to the simple fact that their interests are best served by a genuine correction in the housing market, and not a feel-good, debt-based solution.

Rich D., Evergreen, Colorado

Angry Renter Article......
Dear Editor,
Why the negative slant on anyone or organization who promotes, both personal and governmental responsibility...... our politicos overspend and misspend to buy votes.....bailing any person or organization out with money which is or borrowed or created ....is criminal ..... the hard working people of this and the next generations are going to have to pay for it....
the consequences of the overspending and misspending are swiftly undermining our monetary system ....... wiping out the value of pensions, savings and our American standard of living....
I don't care if Satin himself rings the alarm as long as the message of good common financial sense gets a fair shake....
Common sense will return ..... when we are all cold and hungry..... hope you are around and realize your contribution to the demise of the good old days......
regards.... chris k.

Letter to the Editor for WSJ,
So you think we are not real people in Freedom Works, not real grass roots activists. I invite you to come to NC and follow us around for awhile. We do great work. I was the "national activist of the year" a few years ago so I know from whence I speak. We work very hard and we do get results. Our legislators, as well as locally elected officials, know who we are and they respect us.

We have traveled our state working on behalf of causes and candidates that we believe in. We have handed out literature across the state as well as collected petition signatures for many causes. We have traveled to Washington many times to visit our representatives and to have an impact on important legislation. I invite you to call Rep. Virginia Foxx, Rep. Patrick McHenry, Rep. Howard Coble, Sens. Burr or Dole and others and ask them about Freedom Works.

Our local Winston Salem paper did a profile of me a few years ago and the work that our organization was doing. Local TV stations have interviewed us on a number of issues and we have been guests on a number of radio talk shows.

We are a group of hard working citizens who love our country and are willing to do the job of "spreading the word" and holding elected officials accountable to the people. We are real people in our community who have no "self interest" other than making our country a better place for everyone.

Now you know the "rest of the story".

Sincerely,

Joyce K., NC

Letter to the editor for the WSJ,

When I read the article titled “Mortgage Bailout Infuriates Tenants (And Steve Forbes) on May 16th I was really shocked. I think the arguments in this article are ridiculous.
The article implies that the fact that officers and board members are wealthy negates their argument. This is something I would expect from the Daily Worker – not the Wall Street Journal. The point of AngryRenter.com is to put pressure on Congress to avoid making a serious mistake. The public has to keep an eye on Congress and take action when they go off track.
The fact is that the proposed bailout would do serious damage by dragging out the housing slump. It is also wrong to reward bad behavior and penalize those who handle their finances rationally.
There is another hazard created by the bail out. It encourages risky behavior in the future. If there is little or no penalty for risky behavior, you will get more of it.
FreedomWorks has done a lot of good in Oregon and nationally. Just one example is the campaign that resulted in rolling back a huge tax increase passed by the Oregon Legislature.
Wayne B. Salem, OR

Dear Mr. Phillips and Editor:

I am writing to you about the article in the Wall Street Journal about AngryRenters.com. Perhaps, you could have focused on the issue of the bailout rather than on the property owned by Mr. Armey and Mr. Forbes. That was completely irrelevant. You could have interviewed some people who have postponed buying a home because prices were so inflated. Those people are now going to be denied the opportunity to buy those homes because the mortgage bailout bill will keep prices artificially high and because their tax money will now have to be used to bail out others who were not so fiscally conservative.

I am a member of FreedomWorks - one of nearly a million. FreedomWorks offers me an organized opportunity to work on behalf of libertarian issues, such as keeping taxes low and solving the social security crisis. The mortgage bailout is exactly the sort of issue in which I am interested. The mortgage bailout takes tax money from responsible homeowners and tax-paying renters and transfers those funds to people who were irresponsible either in buying homes they could not afford, or in offering mortgages to such people. The rest of us should not be asked to bail them out. When I make a foolish financial choice, I must suffer the consequences.

Theresa B. St. Louis, MO

LETTER TO THE EDITOR SUBMITTAL, WALL STREET JOURNAL

I was extremely disappointed when I read the article Mortgage Bailout Infuriates Tenants (And Steve Forbes) in Friday’s edition of the Journal. FreedomWorks, a great organization, set up a website that has so-far allowed 44,500 renters who don’t want to see a taxpayer bailout of the mortgage mess express their opinion via an online petition. But instead of focusing on this amazing grassroots response against a bailout, your article attacks FreedomWorks because Steve Forbes, a multi-billionaire who is a supporter of the group, isn’t a renter. Huh?

What difference does it make whether Steve Forbes or FreedomWorks Chairman, former Congressman Dick Armey, own their homes or rent? The point is that this organization is allowing renters a means by which to speak their minds.

I have spent twenty years as a conservative grassroots leader in California, and I am a proud member of FreedomWorks. It is an organization that truly stands up for the idea that every American should be free from the burden of overbearing and bloated government. The last place I expected to read a hatchet job on this fine organization is in the Journal.

Jon F., Dove Canyon, CA

Letter to WSJ:

I live in Medford, OR, am 71 and own my own home. My name is Larry Baines and I have been a member of Freedom Works since it was Citizens for a Sound Economy.
I’ve been to Washington, D.C. a couple of times and in my opinion, from what I observed Congress doesn’t do much - - or very well - - except give other peoples money away. At “that’ they are “very” good.
Why the gripe at Freedom Works when it was Congress who gave “help” to the people with little common sense. Case in point, were the buyers after some quick “bucks”, and it backfired, - - did they not read and understand that their interest rate “could” increase?
I have worked with Freedom Works for about for about 10 or 11 years and with initiatives we have defeated a number of tax bills and aided in the elections of several conservative representatives for the good benefit of our state.

Larry B., Medford, OR.

Letter To the Editor,

I'd like for someone from the WSJ to visit Asheville, NC and see first hand what the people you call fake actually do. We are the current FreedomWorks chapter of the year in North Carolina and not one single person in our chapter is a fake. In fact we are outraged that you are making that charge! Our members spend their own money to travel all over North Carolina, and much of South Carolina and Tennessee fighting for less government and lower taxes. I shudder when I think what my taxes would be without FreedomWorks lobbying the state legislature on a regular basis. If you would follow one of the grassroots activists that you call fake for one week then you'd write a column apologizing for your attack on FreedomWorks! WE ARE THE REAL THING!

Bill L., Asheville NC

LETTER to WSJ:
Mr. Phillips,

I was shocked and appalled to know that I do not exist!

I have been interested and coordinating some of my political efforts with Freedom Work for several years. I have donated small amounts numerous times and have testified before committees on both the state and federal levels.

I have helped campaign for conservative people who replaced Republicans who were not fiscally responsible, who seemed to be liberal democrats with an R behind their name.

I worked to stop several tax increases, testifying in front of several Oregon House and Senate committees. I helped keep Oregon from adding to the cigarette tax and adding a tax on beer and wine. Not because I drink or smoke but that is was just flat wrong! I worked on one man, one woman legislation which we passed in Oregon. I fought to rebuild a corrupt State Board which was harming people in my industry. All this would not have been possible without the aid of Freedom Works.

I traveled to Washington DC and sat in Senators Smith and Wyden’s offices and talked to them about how new proposed legislation would cause harm to not only my business but other business of people I care about in Oregon too. I testified about the necessity of doing something to “fix” the social security program.

Does it make a difference?

I am not afraid to stand for what is right. I have found that one voice alone does not get noticed much in the political arena; however, standing with Freedom Works has helped me get my voice noticed.

I resent the inference that I do not exist, that I am “astro turf” or part of grass-roots façade. Believe me, I am real! I have a voice with Freedom Works which would go unnoticed alone.

If you want my personal opinion of the most recent “bail out” program, let me know. I’ll be glad to discuss it with you.

Respectfully,

Daniel K,. Keizer OR

Dear Editor,

After reading the article “Mortgage Bailout Infuriates Tenants (and Steve Forbes)” I was shocked to see the reporter of this article claiming my membership in FreedomWorks is nothing but a hoax. It is far from being fake. I actually had the privilege of serving as a FreedomWorks summer intern in 2007. According to this article, I guess my internship was “fake” and that makes me not a real person. I am, in fact, a real person, a real taxpayer and a real angry renter.

I recently graduated from Texas State University and spent the last year of my undergraduate studies advancing FreedomWorks core principles: lower taxes, less government and more freedom with my student organization. We protested Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” in Austin and hosted a “National Bitter American Awareness Day” on our college campus in San Marcos. My FreedomWorks on Campus group also placed over 100 phone calls into various Senators’ offices to encourage them to support Sen. DeMint’s amendment to stop raiding the Social Security Trust fund. These are “real-life” issues that affect my generation and we used “real” grassroots tactics to advance our beliefs.

Jessica I. Houston TX

Dear Editor,

Your front page article last Friday about AngryRenter.com "Mortgage Bailout Infuriates Tenants (And Steve Forbes)" confused me because accuses the site of somehow being a fake campaign. Over fifty thousand people signed the petition. Does Dick Armey's salary somehow discount their opinions? Is this petition some kind of hoax? Of course not. The site is clearly getting a real reaction from renters. That is what's important and noteworthy. It was created by FreedomWorks, which has over 800,000 members nationwide. Contrary to what your article implies, there is no attempt to hide that fact. It takes about 2 seconds to find that out, their name is on the front page for goodness sakes.

I'm a student at Tufts University just outside of Boston. I've been involved with FreedomWorks for over a year. Last summer we protested ridiculous 'card check' legislation and encouraged the AARP to support social security reform. FreedomWorks is not a "fake". Here in Massachusetts we need more organizations like FreedomWorks that promote good public policy.

Xander Z. Somerville, MA

Dear Editor:
I was totally disappointed at the Wall Street Journal's attack on the
Freedom works and its members. The organization you described isn't the same one that I have been associated with since 1999. (We were Citizens for a Sound Economy then.)
Freedom works has taken action to help many citizens. For instance, opposing the Death
Tax -- a tax that punishes family savings, and their investments. The Death Tax is the leading cause of the dissolution for small farms and businesses. My gr-grandfather, Ezekiel Sayre, died and left his wife with seven children (the youngest was 4)...and because of the inheritance taxes she then owed the government on the farm, she was forced to sell it.

My daughter and her family are renters. I agree with the www.angryrenters.com informative website. I disagree with the so-called housing "bailout" legislation and believe it is unfair and hurtful to those of us who made our payments -- even working two and three jobs to make ends meet.

The Freedom works and their members have fought hard for tax reform, energy legislation, healthcare issues, etc. The organization serves a good purpose in keeping the common, every-day citizen informed and educated on pending congressional and state legislation. I am one of those citizens and members. I was disappointed with the unfair portrayal of the Freedom works and its members.

I hope you will set the record straight and publish my letter so your readers shall have a true understanding of those whom you unjustly attacked.

Alice C., Mount Alto, WV

To Whom It May Concern:

The purpose of this letter is to respond to the article written by Michael Phillips in today’s Wall Street Journal. Mr. Phillips’ caustic, agenda-driven attempt to characterize FreedomWorks as “fake grass-roots” is grossly inaccurate. In the two months that I have been involved with FreedomWorks in New Hampshire we have fought for Charter School funding; against a cigarette tax hike and for a balanced budget-all through grassroots organizing. No corporate big brother looking over our shoulder, just a group of people supporting free market solutions to today’s economic obstacles.

Mr. Phillips seems far more concerned with where our funding comes from than the issues we support. Many corporations, large and small protect their donor’s right to privacy. As Business Manager for a local school we receive many requests for anonymity from our donors, both large and small, for a multitude of reasons.

Additionally, as a subscriber to the Wall Street Journal I am truly disappointed that Mr. Phillips would have the support of his editors without significant facts to support his claims. I would expect this from the New York Post, not the Wall Street Journal.

Sincerely,

Marc B., NH

Letter to the Editor,

Each morning I begin my day be reading the Wall Street Journal, ignoring other options, because the journalistic integrity is found wanting. As a Commodities Trader, I find the WSJ the top news source to inform my opinions on the day’s news. So I have to tell you how disappointed I was to find the article in Fridays WSJ on Angry Renter/FreedomWorks.org and its focus upon the personal lives of a selected few of the leaders, rather than the wonderful work inspired by and support by FreedomWorks.org around the Nation.
Floridians have benefited from the tireless and selfless efforts of countless volunteers and activists who have worked to bring momentous change over the last decade. FreedomWorks has helped to support and assist this army of citizens to bring fundamental change to Tallahassee. FreedomWorks and its activists are a rare breed, they never come to Washington or Tallahassee seeking an earmark, a hand-out or any benefit that would enrich a special interest.
Over the last decade, first as CSE and now as FreedomWorks, we have helped to champion and support Education Reform in the Hope and Opportunity Scholarships to benefit inner city youth and those who attend poor performing schools. We helped to lead the effort for the expansion of teaching of History education in K-12. We have rallied to the defense of inner city citizens in their fight against Eminent Domain in Riviera Beach City Government’s deals with Developers. We have helped to lead the efforts to fundamentally reform our Property Tax and Property Insurance in Florida. We have petitioned both Republican and Democratic leaders to utilize domestic Energy Resources and free our state and nation from foreign dependence. FreedomWorks.org has helped to train activists and bring more Floridians into participation with our fundamental right to citizen action to redress largess in government. We have successfully helped to free Floridians from the burdens of higher taxes, costs associated with Lawsuit abuse and preserve competition in Telecommunications.
What can motivate the army of citizens to come together over and over again to press government for action like we seen so many times over the last many years? It is very simple, we are everyday people who take “we the people” very seriously and expect government to do the same.

Tom G., Apollo Beach FL

Letter to the WSJ,

My name is Justin Taggart, I live in North Salt Lake City, Utah and I recently read your article about angryrenter.com and FreedomWorks. My wife and I have been members of FreedomWorks for nearly 6 years. We have worked with FreedomWorks on federal and state issues. We have fought for everything from school choice in Utah, too making the Bush tax cuts permanent and a common sense energy policy in Washington DC.

I traveled to Washington DC to join with hundreds of other FreedomWorks members to ask Congress to embrace common sense market based solutions to problems facing our nation.

Your article is a slap in the face to me and the other members of FreedomWorks. We are glad to be part of an organization that fights for us and allows us to join in a collective voice.
Justin and Julie T., North Salt Lake City, Utah

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