Wow, what a thread. I find it interesting how many people are like you Mary Ann, who want to live in a "free" society, yet when true capitalism and market enterprise rear their ugly heads and deprive you of the sweet deal you so desperately desire, you want to punish somebody for not allowing you your "fair share." Since when is holding onto inventory a crime? DeBeers, the largest diamond seller in the world, holds more than 80% of rough diamonds off the market in order to drive up scarcity and demand. We should lobby to force them to release all those diamonds so everyone can have one right? That is your argument, and I don't believe it holds water. If you want a house, go fight for it, be willing to pay more for it, pay cash, or continue renting. - Tue Dec 22 2009, 07:40