Cash for Clunkers

Wonderful proof that governments cannot create, only destroy.

Osama pushed this "cash for clunkers" program that gives $4500 of tax money to anyone who agrees to turn in their probably still useful vehicle, if it meets standards that vary seemingly by the hour, to be destroyed. The engine will be ceremonially ruined by replacing the oil with a sodium silicate solution, which effectively prevents any of the internal engine parts from ever being used in another car.

This program has the effect of driving up immediate demand for new cars - small, high-mileage cars that have the least profit margin for the makers, of course. In a couple of years when the present depression is approaching its' nadir, there will be a lot less demand for new cars, because many who would be looking then will still have the one they bought this year.

Don't be concerned about the effects on salvage yards, auto repair shops, and used-car dealers - all these people's jobs will be replaced by 'green' jobs, jobs that at present average 40 hours or less in TOTAL.

Of course, with the usual efficiency we've come to love in Washington, the program is already out of money, and CONgress now wants to stiff us for another couple billion.