In case you didn't know, the US government has put up almost three billion (with a B) dollars to pay people up to $4500 to trade in their old "clunkers" for new cars to support the auto industry. The catch was the engines had to be destroyed and then the cars had to be crushed. Never mind if the so-called "clunker" was running just fine.
So lots of maybe crappy, but still running cars went to the crusher to be made into who-knows-what in China. But the program also helped to gut a generation of the old car hobby: Corvettes, Porsches, Maseratis and lots of lesser but still desireable iron was also destroyed.
As a lover of old cars I am highly miffed. Go to YouTube and watch a few engines being destroyed. Perhaps you'll think, like me, that this is a ridiculous waste. Also, beware of the written comments and the vocal comments on the videos. The language is atrocious but the sentiments are much the same. Cash for Clunkers is a scandalous waste of taxpayer's money and good vehicles. Only in America. I hope.
Update: Henry Payne of NRO writes:
Initially hailed as an economic shot in the arm for the auto industry, the program has become a poster child for government incompetence. It is now in violation of federal law.
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