I refuse to donate to RPAC or whatever they call it (our lobbying arm) because I think that most of their priorities result from self-interest of REALTORS rather than abiding by our Cannon of Ethics, which requires us to look out for the public above our self-interests.I agree with your take about inexperienced folks fouling it up, but I work with way too many long time real estate agents who foul things up because of lack of knowledge or integrity.  

If you remember the area by Howard Theater back then, look at it now. 

I built a Home Theater I used SoundProofCow (not sure if I can link them)QUIET BATT™ 30 SOUNDPROOFING INSULATIONQUIET BARRIER­™ MD SOUNDPROOFING MATERIAL (ROLL)then Fire Rated Drywall/Sheetrock 70lbs per sheetFirecode Core 5/8 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft.

Movie theaters survived Block Buster.

A mix of grass roots neighborhood uproar over party houses in residential neighborhoods and quiet lobbying from the Las Vegas resort operators.

And they do a good job lobbying for builders thats for sure. 

Cleveland is home to one of the best symphony orchestras in the world, we have a wonderful theater district, great museums and a vibrant local visual art culture.  

I vote for the 401(k) and increasing my total assets under my name as much and as rapidly as possible.Scott et. al,I worked in investment management for over 10 years at some of the top mutual fund companies in the world (Franklin Templeton Investments, BlackRock, RCM Capital, etc.).What you and everything on this board should know is that retirement plans, including 401ks, IRAs, etc. were a result of problems that occurred where employees were left with no pension and, more importantly, lobbying efforts by the large financial companies to pass the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.For a detailed explanation, see: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/business-e...This is very similar to many of the brokerage companies pushing people to day trade. 

There are a few--the following are members of the state lobbying organization, RPOA-M:Michigan Real Estate Investors (Near Oakland)Real Estate Investors of Wayne CountyYou can find both online.  

We weren't taking them to SkyZone or the movie theater, but it was still time well spent where they are learning important lessons.