Thoughts and words from the heart: The Airbnb/VRBO Dilema

We live in trying times where first world sacrifices are painfully plausible. Especially now, for my husband and myself. We have a tiny, one room casita in our front courtyard. Ten years ago we decided, with the encouragement of our son, to rent our guesthouse on a relatively new app called airbnb. I was very hesitant, however, my husband convinced me. We downloaded the app, set a price and the rest is history. When I read how airbnb began, I loved the quirkiness of its founders and the laid back approach of how everything worked. Now, in these turbulent times, we may have to decide to say goodbye to airbnb if we want to help change this toxic situation our country is now facing.

We have an incredible reputation on airbnb with almost one thousand reviews and a 4.98 star rating. There have been many changes to, what I call, my dollhouse. New floors, an added window, an added kitchenette, a bathroom redo, and an added, outdoor courtyard exclusively for our guests that looks like a European outdoor dining area. Airbnb manages our rental activity at 3%. That's low. (VRBO charges 10%.) Basically we've been working for Airbnb for ten years and they have served us well. Because of organization, we've paid off our house, and our now able to add a nice supplement to our meager Social Security benefits. We, indeed, are a ma and pa business.

When I read that airbnb supports this cold hearted administration and all the crazy, cruel things they're doing, my heart sank, but I quickly looked away. What really disturbed me were the hateful comments that the left were ssying about people like me. They too were cold hearted snd quick to be self-righteously judgemental. Frankly, it makes me angry, really angry because their anger and judgments cost them nothing. They don't seem to have any problem saying people like me are the problem. So, I thought f#$k it, we're staying with Airbnb.

However, from the beginning, I saw an exasperating change occur on the airbnb platform. Corporations were buying homes that could have been affordable rentals for familes, and turning them into short term rentals listed on airbnb. At first the change seemed to happen slowly, then every time I'd look at reviews of guests, it was from a "host" with several units and properties.

People who judge others who don't immediately adhere to their ideological standards, become just like the thing they're against. They don't put themselves in our shoes and they have no idea that it's a big decision for people like my husband and myself. And not just us. There are people less fortunate than we are who have much more to lose. Yes, sacrafices need to be made, and a lot of times it's painful. So, for God's sake, give us time to chew on, let alone swallow, the cost of our decision.

Recently I read that Joe Gebbia, a former founder of airbnb who owns 7% of the organization, just joined with musk and the new DODGE team. But I can't seem to find information on Brian Chesky, who owns 10% of Airbnb. In my search, I did read that three years ago, Chesky supported the Obama Foundation with a $100,000,000 pledge.

From The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "May 2022, Chesky pledged $100 million over 5 years to the Obama Foundation to launch a scholarship program for students pursuing careers in public service. The Voyager Scholarship aims to support students in their junior and senior year of college with up to $50,000 in financial aid, a $10,000 stipend, and free Airbnb housing to pursue a summer work-travel experience; a $2,000 travel credit every year for 10 years following graduation; an annual summit; and a network of mentors.[41]"

According to opensecrets.org Brian Chesky seems democrat because he donates to democrats:

$4,384.00 New Jersey Democratic State Cmte (D) F

Money to Parties CHESKY, BRIAN

SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103 CEO 11-04-2014 $2,402.00 New Jersey Democratic State Cmte (D) F