Pros:

1) No maintanence - something breaks and you call the landlord. They'll send someone to fix the problem and it won't cost you anything.

2) Landscaping - taken care of by the landlord. No mowing, weeding, fertilizing, etc.

3) Flexability - if you need to move quickly, you have some degree of flexability to do so. You can relocate as you wish/need to.

Cons:

1) Maintaince handled by the landlord - something breaks and you are dependant upon the landlord to arrange for repairs when they want to. It may take weeks or even months (or forever) to get repairs made or to have a broken appliance replaced. That is if they feel that the repair is warrented regardless of what you think.

2) Lack of flexability - don't like your neighbors or the way the property is being maintained, moving may not be as easy as you like. May have difficulty finding a new residence that is in your price range (depending on the market) or that will allow pets.

3) Rent prices rising - even in areas with rent contol, rental fees have increased dramatically. There are many tenants in NYC that have found their rents doubling or tripling depending on market value. Rent control being phased out in many cities.

4) Nothing to show for it in the end - you pay rent all your life and in the end, you own nothing. Sure you may not have any debts, but your don't have any real material assets either. Own a home/condo/coop and at least you will be recouping some of what you've paid out over the years.

I've been on both sides of this fence and while I do understand that there are plenty of people who have no desire to deal with the maintanence issues that go along with home ownership. It's not the right thing for many people, but there is a reason why so many people strive for and work hard in the hopes of one day owning their own home. I make my payments and the name on the deed is my own. I know that in twenty years when I'm looking to retire that if I'm smart, make my payments and don't drain the equity I'll be able to sell my house and have money to live on.

So buck up, pick up a home repair book, be prepared to spend a few weekends doing chores and projects (and mowing does not take up one's entire weekend - I can do mine in an hour or so), and enjoy it. Deal with the problems without losing your sanity. Owning a home can be as miserable or as wonderful as you make it.

I supported Clinton from the day she first announced her candiacy and still do. I was deeply impressed by her willingness to keep fighting even when the cause seemed completely lost. We so rarely see that kind of fighting spirit in the Democratic party (where rolling over has become an art form). And please don't tell me that it was out of ego or so delusional craving for power - no one runs for president without honestly believing that they are the best for the job and want the authority that goes along with the office. Whoever says that they aren't after the power is lying. Call me a cynic if you will, but you won't see any beta-type personalities living in the White House.

She managed to keep pace right behind Obama, winning primaries long after the media declared her candiacy dead. It says a great deal about how her supporters have felt about her - that they still voted for her even when they were being told by all sides that the race was over and that she lost. It can't be ignored that of the last 3 primaries, she won 2 of them. In the end, Obama squeeked through and won the normination, but when you consider that nearly 50% of the party still supported Clinton at the very end it does hint at very deep loyalty towards Clinton and a lot of misgivings that many Democratic voters have for Obama.

Having said that and sadly accepting that Clinton will not be our candidate this year for President, I will support Obama's nomination. I do, however, do not want to see Clinton accept the VP spot as some sort of consulation prize. She has so much more to offer and I would much rather see her remain in the Senate where she can continue doing the good work that she has been since elected and focus her energy on trying to get a universal health care policy passed. And if Obama does not win the election this year (which I hope he does), she will be in a position to make another bid for the nomination. Otherwise, she can work in gaining a major leadership position in the Senate.

There are many who have failed in their bids to become president who discovered that they have full political careers afterwards. Ted Kennedy has become iconic in the Senate after losing his bid. Al Gore went on to become an international leader and respected figure on environmental issues. Life doesn't end because you don't become President. Hillary has a long and bright political future ahead of her and her fate does not rest in Obama's hands.