Time for a yard sale? Selling excess property could net government billions

Fox News.com ^ | December 28, 2012 | William LaJeunesse

[Kaslin]

When families face a budget crunch, they have but a few options -- spend less, make more or starting selling stuff.

So why doesn't the federal government do the same?

Given the current state of the country's finances, many are wondering if it is time for the federal government to sell what it doesn't need -- basically, hold a yard sale.

The federal government is sitting on billions in assets that are either sluggish or just dead weight. That includes federal land, buildings and other structures. Two years ago, President Obama's deficit commission identified 64,000 buildings and structures that it deemed excessive, underutilized or vacant and recommended should be sold.

"So instead of raising taxes, which takes money out of the economy and lowers economic activity, we ought to be looking at selling federal assets," said Myron Ebell, with the Competitive Enterprise Institute.

[WorkingClassFilth]

All levels of gubmint should start selling land to American citizens.

[UnwashedPeasant]

Obama’s friends get first bid.

And there will be only one bid.

[Joe Boucher]

I’ll give ya 100 grand for Ellis Island

[Einherjar]

I have a huge chest of Mardi Gras beads that i will trade for that nearby larger Island.

[Joe Boucher]

Manhatten?
You can have it.
Waaaaay too many crazies on you island there.

[weeder]

I would take your idea a step further. I believe that even the states should forego land ownership. Private property ownership is what distinguishes a free republic from all other forms of tyranny. The feds, the states, the counties and the townships/cities/etc. should not be in the business of competing with citizens for ownership of these assets. Period. End of story.

[Sacajaweau]

When the States own PROPERTY, it is owned by "WE THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK" (FOR EXAMPLE). It may be parks, highways, armories, State Offices....

There's a big difference between States ownership and what/and how the Feds own and regulate property.