I was very interested in this Cash for Clunkers being talked about on the news so I did a little research. It would appear the government is willing to help some of the citizens by giving up to $4500 for an vehicle 1984 or newer that does not have a good miles per gallon rating. Those are the “clunkers”. Under 18 miles a gallon is not beneficial and retiring that vehicle would be a wonderful idea. Unfortunately, there is a hitch to this plan- you MUST purchase a new vehicle, not a used one. I don’t feel this is fair since most people who do own an older gas guzzler are not in any way, shape, or form to purchase a new vehicle. We have one we could trade in and get this wonderful rebate, but I doubt if we could get a loan since Alex is laid off and unemployment benefits would not qualify as a “job”. I am sure there are millions of Americans in the same boat we are..unable to get what the government deems a “good” deal. Also vehicles dating back further than 1984 are not considered in this program. Doesn’t seem right, does it?
Obama is supposed to sign this when he signs the “Supplemental War Spending” bill since this is an attachment to that bill. How long that will take depends on what else is going under this bill. Why this must be an attachment and not it’s own bill is beyond me. The government will be giving the car dealerships the information for this program. While it will help car dealers, will it really help most Americans? I doubt it very much. Most are too poor or have too much bad credit to get a loan for a new car. Seems once again we are on the outside looking in.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Earl H. Roberts // Aug 28, 2009 at 9:36 pm
I think Rosie has the wrong outlook on this.. The way I see it, the Democrats have simply moved the poverty line of scrimmage up to include all those people who are broke before the month is out. Anyone that can’t afford to trade their clunker in have been shifted down the poverty line of scrimmage into a new group known as HOPELESS, sorry Rosie. You never had a chance.
2 Rosie // Sep 3, 2009 at 6:06 pm
oh, yes! I do agree! Those of us who are unemployed, under paid, and always broke never had the chance. Did this program stir the economy or just make the rich laugh all the way to the bank? Most banks won’t loan money for this sort of package deal to people like me. I don’t have the proverbial pot to pee in! So, my 1998 car is still in the driveway along with Alex’s 89 truck. We had to junk the old Mercury due to too much rust and no money to repaid her. I will eventually move on up to another vehicle, but I know I will never be able to afford a brand new one since the prices are as high as they are and climbing. Unless I am fortunate enough to hit a large lottery (fat chance in hell, I’m afraid) I will never enjoy the luxury of new car ownership. What got me aggravated was some of the clunkers they crushed were still decent vehicles that peons like me could have bought reasonably priced. That hurt big time!
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