Philly sheriff won't enforce foreclosures

It was about time someone stood up to greedy banks!

Philadelphia Sheriff John Green surprised many recently when he refused to conduct a foreclosure auction. But his stance has a strong precedent.

Some years back, an Ohio sheriff exercised his option to refuse to enforce foreclosures. This too raised eyebrows. But supporters of the lawman's policy quite sensibly argued that the sheriff was elected by the people and was simply representing the people's interests.

I've said it before: Declining to enforce foreclosures is a legitimate choice that sheriffs have.

Now Philadelphia's John Green is taking a similar approach. The longtime sheriff is stepping up to make sure the city's people don't lose their homes to banks that took advantage of them.

Banks have expressed much chagrin over Green's stand. Big Business was so used to getting its way that their heads are exploding now that they've been rebuffed.

The sheriff's policy has helped make Philadelphia stand out in its response to the nationwide foreclosure scandal. The policy also helps keep neighborhoods stable and maintain a stronger sense of community.

In a nonbinding resolution, City Council had approved a foreclosure moratorium, which would benefit thousands of residents monthly.

When even Ed McMahon isn't safe from the foreclosure crisis, you know times are tough, and something has to be done.

(Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121271135166050537.html)