Back in 2009, the “Cash for Clunkers” federal program was supposed to be a boon for the environment and the economy. During a limited time, consumers could trade in an old gas-guzzling used car for up to $4,500 cash back towards the purchase of a fuel-efficient new car. It seemed like a win for everyone: the environment, the gasping auto industry and cash-strapped consumers.
Though almost a million people poured into car dealerships eager to exchange their old jalopies for something shiny and new, recent reports indicate the entire program may have actually hurt theenvironment far more than it helped.
According to E Magazine, the “Clunkers” program, which is officially known as the Car Allowance Rebates System (CARS), produced tons of unnecessary waste while doing little to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
The program's first mistake seems to have been its focus on car shredding, instead of car recycling. With 690,000 vehicles traded in, that's a pretty big mistake.
Well.... I am stunned. Of course, given how accountable our Gubmint is to screwups, I do expect a forthright and well publicized apology any time now.
In three... two... one... never.
I'm still waiting for them to tell us the truth....
ReplyDelete- Your healthcare costs will soar due to our idiotic program
- Your social security is phantom and you will be getting zippo from us when you retire
- We are money sucking morons that want to spend ever last cent because we are geniuses
- We know best on how to spend your money....so give us more
- You make too much money - give it to us
I could go on....
Thanks for posting, Czabe. I read this article last week and just cringed at the fact that the only success of this program was that it made people "feel good" about "doing something" - even though that something was something they should have felt bad about.
ReplyDeleteCzabe: I heard they tweeted their apology, but I've been off twitter since last summer.
ReplyDelete