On the fridges of Democracy: The connection between squatter's rights and Communism in American cities.
Author: Joseph Lacayo
Communist and Squatters have one thing in common, they believe what is yours is also theirs. Communist have been waging class warfare against homeowners since the 19th century under the ideals put out by Karl Marx.
According to Marx “the theory of the Communists may be summed up in the single sentence: Abolition of private property."
Communists see the ownership of property as being something that benefits the elitist class at the expense of the working class. In his writings, he makes the case that nine-tenths of the people don't own property while the other 10 percent own all of it. Unfortunately, Marxist theory has little regard for the homeownership opportunities that exist in modern day America.
As it stands, the middle class has a homeownership rate of about 69.7 percent. A far cry from what Marx outlined in his Communist Manifesto.
Buying a home for most people in the middle class takes sacrifice and hard work. For many, owning a second home can be another source of income that can help send a kid to college or just help to create a better life in general.
Unfortunately, there are cities in America that completely overlook the sacrifice that people have made to own property. Places such as New York City have punished homeowners and rewarded squatters with someone else’s hard earned American dream.
Most states have various requirements squatters need to meet before taking over someone else's property. For example, New York State law requires that someone live in a property for 10 years before they can claim ownership.
However, New York City has allowed squatters to claim tenants’ rights after only 30 days.
So, if you own a home in NYC and plan on taking vacation for thirty days, you may come back to a squatter taking legal possession of your property.
As one would expect this has created a devastating effect for property owners all over the city. Some property owners have reported tenants only paying one month rent after moving in and staying under squatter’s rights without paying rent after that.
Aside from the legal expenses necessary to evict them. You will have to provide “necessary services” to the property or face being charged with a class A misdemeanor and/or hefty fines.
“They turned off the hot water and then reported that they had no hot water. It's a $250 fine per day, up to $15,000 punishable by five years in jail," said homeowner Susan Mascara to CBS news.
There's a communist principle that resembles what I think is happening in New York City and other places around the country. It is called Collective Ownership, the idea that private property should be used and managed to meet the needs of everyone. As argued by Karl Marx in the communist manifesto, the state would redistribute private property equally to meet the needs of society. Key phrase “the state”.
These principles are in direct conflict with homeownership as we know it in America and the American dream itself. It is also based on a system that has never truly worked. The history of communism is marked in failure and oppression. Just look at the history of the USSR.
It is no wonder that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation into law that makes it vastly more difficult for a squatter to take over someone’s home. Florida has dealt with their fair share of squatting problems as many places have recently, but the state lawmakers seem to be taking the issues seriously.
With the passing of HB-621, squatters could face strict legal penalties and removal from the property.
“HB 621 also creates harsh penalties for those engaged in squatting and for those who encourage squatting and teach others the scam. The bill makes it”:
A first-degree misdemeanor for making a false statement in writing to obtain real property or for knowingly and willfully presenting a falsified document conveying property rights;
A second-degree felony for any person who unlawfully occupies or trespasses in a residential dwelling and who intentionally causes $1,000 or more in damages; and
A first-degree felony for knowingly advertising the sale or rent of a residential property without legal authority or ownership.
Marx differentiates between personal effects (one’s house, car, clothing) and property that constitutes the means of production. Marx wrote of the destructive impact on the human condition of individuals owning the means of production (including land) wherein the few who are the “owners” can gain and hoard great wealth at the expense of the many. Wherever on looks in the world, where private property (means of production) flourishes, there is massive economic inequality.
It's outrageous how both communists and squatters think they have a right to what isn't theirs. Homeownership is a symbol of hard work and sacrifice, yet squatter can just swoop in and claim someone else's property. It's a slap in the face to those who have worked tirelessly to achieve the American dream. I’m glad that Florida is taking a stand with tough new laws to protect homeowners from these brazen intruders. It's about time we defend what's rightfully ours and put an end to this disregard for property rights.