Video: The (Vaguely Disturbing) Death of a Clunker

[cobra de capell]

the money is going to go out somewhere

Unfortunately it is going out to something, so I agree. On the other hand, giving out funds that we need to borrow seems more than passingly strange - each one of us should have been able to make the decision as to what to buy or not buy - if a tax cut was implemented versus a hand out for new cars.

It will be interesting to see what percentage is going to buying new American built cars and trucks. Also, it's not working part of this program that is a problem, it's the impact on those in the used car and parts markets - not good.

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by cobra de capell

It will be interesting to see what percentage is going to buying new American built cars and trucks.

A good friend in the auto retail business says that Toyota and Honda are reaping the biggest benefits.

Knee-jerk reaction is "well, that sucks"...until you realize they both are selling cars built by American workers.

I think if you're going to piss away stimbucks, there are far worse programs on the table. This is at least creating commerce.

[Dan40]

Originally Posted by computerworks

A good friend in the auto retail business says that Toyota and Honda are reaping the biggest benefits.

Knee-jerk reaction is "well, that sucks"...until you realize they both are selling cars built by American workers.

I think if you're going to piss away stimbucks, there are far worse programs on the table. This is at least creating commerce.

Yes there is far more waste and fraud in other "Stimulus" deals. But the Cash 4 clunkers is just trading pockets or worse. For every dollar it puts into manufacturing [i.e. UAW UNION{voting block} JOBS], it takes some larger number of dollars out of the automotive aftermarket. And the automotive aftermarket includes COBRA builders, repairers, and suppliers. It hurts the poor by reducing the number of used cars available and ARTIFICIALLY jacks up the price. Costing both the used car seller and buyer more money. Meaning the bottom end gets forced out of the market place.
ALL this for the continued buggering incest between Gov. and the UAW and done with borrowed money that we and our kids and grandkids don't and won't have.
What you say, "There are worse Government programs." is crushingly true. But there is no part of C4C that is good.