A comparison of the workings of the homeowner deduction provisions in the federal income tax, an indirect housing subsidy program, with the more direct housing programs administered by HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) demonstrated that the latter generally bare badly by contrast. The homeowner indirect subsidies are an example of an "accidental" social program of considerable impact, complexity, and effectiveness, with Absolute Ignorance as its creator. It certainly bears study and examination by policy artisans, even if it doesn't warrant emulation. (EH)