The mortgage interest deduction is a pro-growth policy, but in some cases it promotes too much of the wrong kind of growth. What would be more helpful, targeted, and fiscally responsible would be a limited deduction. You could only deduct an amount in proportion to the median home price. This would encourage people to live in houses that are more modest in size and environmental impact.

Food security is going to be a big issue in the near future. Food security will deteriorate due to fuel costs, climate change, and economic volatility. The US no longer stores food: national stockpiles were abolished by Clinton. Most communities would run out of food in three days, if no external supply is available.