[peacemaker]

In some countries they banned landlords from evicting tenants during the pandemic to stop stuff like this happening. They then asked banks to provide mortgage holidays so that the landlords could afford to keep non paying tenants. In my opinion this is a good example of government intervention for the greater good.

Is there any political will in the US to do the same? Could something like this ever be considered in congress or would it be seen as too 'socialist' maybe?

[jackson1442]

I wouldn't be surprised to see a bill with mortgage holidays, etc pass the House. The Senate is far too conservative to even let this go to a vote, though; McConnell just put a relief bill to a vote that dramatically reduces unemployment assistance ($600/wk -> $200/wk), and I doubt we'll see anything better.

[flywheel]

The Republicans have always been the problem. They are rat-fucking the country and laughing about it - McConnell laughed when asked about unemployment assistance - he has no intention of helping Americans. He is a ghoul. We are doomed as long as the Republicans have power.

[logicchains]

The Republicans aren't the ones pushing so aggressively to shut down the economy and destroy these people's livelihoods. Unemployment is significantly higher in states with stronger lockdowns (https://www.aier.org/article/unemployment-far-worse-in-lockd...), and Blue states generally have the strongest lockdowns.

[Sohcahtoa82]

I mean...you understand why the lockdowns are happening, right?

Other countries are seeing COVID cases dropping, while the USA just keeps going up and up because lockdowns and proper masking and distancing procedures are being resisted.

By arguing against lockdowns, you're implying that an increased death toll is an acceptable cost to save the economy.

[scarface74]

Yes if we open up the country, more people actually die. That’s not actually good for your livelihood either.

[pmorici]

All of those things were done in the US. The eviction moratorium expired on July 24th but is likely to be renewed with the next relief bill under consideration in Congress right now. Some localities have passed moratoriums on evictions that go further than that.