April 15, 2010 ReoMac Convention, Palm Desert California.
The weather is beautiful in Palm Springs this time of year. Unfortunately for me, I didn't have a chance to bring my golf clubs on this trip as it is all business. This conference is flooded with economists and guest speakers that are passionate about the US real estate market. The headliners Ben Stein and Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics, delivered two complimentary speeches on the state of the economy and housing market in the United States. Here are some thoughts on Ben Stein's views of our country. 
Mr. Stein had some great jokes and a philosophical view of the history of the United States since his birth. He stated that, "Since 1944 the United States of America has undergone one of the greatest social transformations in the history of the world." I couldn't agree more. The racial boundaries in America are gone. Opportunity abounds for all people in the US. American's problems are very small compared to what people faced in the 30's and 40's.
Mr. Stein has bought and sold some 20 houses in his lifetime, and currently owns 10 homes! He says the IRS / Govt / etc. cannot take away the emotional impact that is felt by owning the home of your dreams. Life is too short, and being in a home that you love has a tremendous impact on your emotional attitude. Again, I couldn't agree more.
Ben, also talked about who the real stars are in America. Someone once told him that he lived by all of the stars in the world. From Barbara Streisand to Charlie Sheen. Ben said, "They are not stars at all. They are just people like you and I that are making a living. The real stars in America are the people who put their lives on the line defending our country. It is the police officers that protect our communities, and the firefighters who keep us safe. The stars are the teachers who are moulding our future leader's minds."
I know that we all agree with those comments. For Americans the future is bright.