Who’s idea was it to waste all of these perfectly good cars, tires, electronic components, and accessories in the name of doing what the government want?
In an era when “green” seems to be quite in vogue, why would we just ruin perfectly good, drivable cars that until the moment they are traded in at the dealership - and then destroyed - are fine serviceable vehicles?
If the government arbitrarily decides that no one should drive a lower miles per gallon vehicle than some bureaucrat thinks should be the new standard - and that they are willing to pay out $4,500 (of our money as taxpayers) to stimulate sales (ostensibly to get them off the street) - why obliterate something of value?
Are there no poor people without adequate transportation? Are there no college students or struggling young married couples that could use an inexpensive reliable car? No seniors that need a dependable car? Are there no nations in the world where we could export these cars – or any of their components? Do we not need an spare parts? Oh, I guess we really won't after we wipe out all of a certain model car.
When the government gives the dealers the $4,500 dollars (which only applies to a limited number of eligible cars for each dealer anyway), why must the dealers destroy the cars? If that is really the intent, then the cars have zero cash value and really could be given away to people who otherwise not have adequate transportation.
OK, so they don’t get 100 miles to the gallon. If they aren’t traded in and destroyed, they will still be on the streets anyway getting whatever mileage they already are getting. And remember on a few cars are eligible anyway - just the ones Government Motors has targeted.
Oh, by the way, the dealers aren’t just allowed to send the cars to the crusher. They actually have to blindfold and executethe cars by pouring a chemical into the motor and running it without oil until it breaks. Then they can have it towed and crushed. It must not be in working orderl when it leaves the dealer. This is sick. What a waste.
Another great way the government has manipulated the free market economy. The government is now exercising more control over what people will drive, what cars are available, what our choices are, what will be manufactured, what parts will be inventoried, and what parts and supplies will be available.
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I am surprised that the environmentalists aren't all over this program talking about the landfill aspect of it.
This is just a way to get the auto industry moving again. It isn't saving any energy. Look at how much energy it took to build that old clunker, and now retire it prematurly. I am also surprised by the enviro people that they haven't sqwaked about it.
I have wondered what the 'greenies' are going to do when all the batteries in the hybird automobiles start dying...what is going to happen the the spent batteries? Landfills? Underground caverns? I guess we can send them to the moon...our next trashpile?!!!!!
Welcome to a new world. To the comment on batteries, the government is also backing a car that has 600 (six hundred) computer batteries to run the car. You know how long the batteries last....and you know how much the batteries cost. Simple common sense is being missed by the public support of such programs. Times will change....in time.
Hi Steve
This is a poorly thought out big spending bill, We wasted one trillion dollars of tax payer hard earned dollars. That my money and your. Washington is totally ddisconnected with the American voter.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Kim,
Anytime the government starts messing with free enterprise - there are consequences. This is a 200% unnecessary program. :)
Steve
William,
What's are some of the most popular cars ever built? '36 Ford, '49 Merc, '57 Chevy, '64½ Mustang - among others. Clunkers? Really? :)
Steve
Anne,
Great question. Most people don't stop to think that it takes more energy to produce the electricity to recharge the hybrid cars than it ever would just to drive a gasoline car. :)
Steve
Tim,
And a car totally run by computers? I can even rely on one computer to get me through the day. :)
Steve
Lou,
Big time waste but I don't ever remember this getting much discussion. :)
Steve
Steve - Such a waste of good cars... If you really wanted to do it right, ship them to some less developed country.
Ryan,
There are so many things that could be done. That's one, Having a lottery with predetermined eligible recipients in this country would also. :)
Steve
I thought the program sounded pretty silly when I first heard of it. Now, their saying they are out of money, I just wonder how much manipulation has been done by dealers to get the sales.
Steve,
Are the feds really out of money or just sayiong that to get more - which has already been promised? :)
Steve