Just a few points. I don't know if anyone answered this yet, but it varies by state what tax, if any, is levied on the 4500. I see this program as a success. If you want to compare it to Wal-Mart, compare it to the early bird specials they have right before Christmas, if you're willing to stand in line for 5 hours in the snow and get trampled by soccer moms, you can get a $15 flat screen, but once they're gone, they're gone!!


I drive a Ram, it's a 2005 but drives and looks as good as a brand new one. I ran over a water pump shed the other day, not a scratch on it! It doesn't get great gas mileage, but a little 6 inch above the ground go-kart car would fall apart in about 6 months out where I live.

We took advantage of the First Time Homebuyer Credit. Freaking awesome. It's paying for my wedding in Jamaica!!! BO, you are so invited!!

A "success" at doing what, exactly?

I can see that it successfully wasted alot of wealth, but I don't see that as a good thing.

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We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

It did what it intended to do. That's a success. If you don't think the intent was a good thing to begin with, that's a different discussion.

Until the last couple of days, I really haven't paid attention to it, but I definitely see where the argument could be made for wasting weatlh in light of the fact these cars are simply destroyed.

Had a dealership owner on the radio this morning talkig about the program (he actually owns a nmber of local dealerships. He had an interesting comment, said he had never seen so many cash sales.

I had to laugh.

Its the old pay me now or play me later.

They will be paying back that $4500, with interest and if not them, theire kids will.

Sugar high, no stimulus, no jobs created. Bad idea.

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Socialism doesn't create a rising tide that lifts all boats. It drains the lake and teaches the boat riders not to help themselves by rowing.

Jesus loves you, allah wants you dead

"Every government interference in the economy consists of giving an unearned benefit, extorted by force, to some men at the expense of others."

Ayn Rand

Good analogy. But now, what if, Wal-Mart was still getting $450 for each of those TV's, and the government was subsidizing the other $435? What would K-Mart and Target think about this? How many plows could I sell this fall if my customers only had to pay half price while the government subsidizes the difference? Why did Obama choose to subsidize revenue for the auto industry but not for the snowplow makers? This is about subsidizing Obama voters in the UAW, and nothing more.

My service truck is a 1999 Dodge Ram 3/4-ton V-10 with 200K plus mileage, over 1,000 pounds of equipment permanently mounted on it, and pulls a 6-ton trailer nearly everywhere it goes. For many people, the pickup simply cannot be replaced - and I suspect - many more people than a guy like Obama can understand.

Current and future taxpayers are funding your wedding, not the government credit. Your future children will be funding your flight.

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The (almost)Great SupPackFan Quotes:
"The more times you drive over a cat - the flatter it gets!"
"Differentiating legal and illegal immigration is as critical as separating child adoption from child abduction."

Drive Bias

Yep, perhaps the intent is more screwed up than alot of people realize, but this plan did what it set out to do.

Well, he drinks Bud Light, so not all hope is lost.

Well since I am a current taxpayer and will be a future taxpayer as well, you can try your guilt trip on someone else.

Tell that to GM who invented the term "Planned Obsolescence" in cars.

But the plan in itself is creating wealth in the short term. To get a boost. It might not create more jobs. But it ensures that you don't lose some. Which is just as important.

no it doesnt.

it helps move some inventory backlog by reeling in some sales sooner rather than later.

__________________
Socialism doesn't create a rising tide that lifts all boats. It drains the lake and teaches the boat riders not to help themselves by rowing.

Jesus loves you, allah wants you dead

"Every government interference in the economy consists of giving an unearned benefit, extorted by force, to some men at the expense of others."

Ayn Rand

My main beefs with this are:

1. What makes the federal government think that it has the constitutional power to implement a system like this? (Personally I would have no constitutional quarrel with a state implementing a program of this nature)
2. How are we going to pay for this?

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"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, ... That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men,"
-Declaration of Independence

Two truths that many Americans seem to have forgotten:
1. Men are endowed by God with inalienable rights.
2. Government's purpose is to secure man's God-given rights.

Also, no one is talking about the fact this progra is benifiting ONE industry over the others.

Is there a cash for clunkers for refrigerators, washing machines, sneakers, bicycles, or even houses on the way?

How about water heaters?

They can all save fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions no?

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Obama, Making it Rain Beotch!!

Yes, you can tax credits for making "green" upgrades to your home.

2009 Top Green Tax Credits and Deductions | Pays to Live Green

My apologies, I did not think anyone in this country still felt guilty for getting taxpayer funded subsidies. You are not concerned about becoming a victim of the predatory lenders?

__________________
The (almost)Great SupPackFan Quotes:
"The more times you drive over a cat - the flatter it gets!"
"Differentiating legal and illegal immigration is as critical as separating child adoption from child abduction."

Drive Bias

When you're a tax payer yourself, no, you shouldn't feel guilty for utilizing a program you are paying for. How about instead of whining about the tax dollars you pay, use them. It'll make you feel better. Did you return that $600 check the government sent you?

Um, no. I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but even I know you shouldn't take money from someone willing to finance 100% of your purchase.

I did not get a $600 check. Let me ask this - if government subsidy programs are only returning tax money you already paid, why don't they just eliminate the programs (along with all the overhead), allow you to keep more of the money you earn, and pay 100% on your own?

__________________
The (almost)Great SupPackFan Quotes:
"The more times you drive over a cat - the flatter it gets!"
"Differentiating legal and illegal immigration is as critical as separating child adoption from child abduction."

Drive Bias

We're already a trillion in the hole this fiscal year. I'm pretty sure this billion is China's money, not taxpayer.

__________________
Socialism doesn't create a rising tide that lifts all boats. It drains the lake and teaches the boat riders not to help themselves by rowing.

Jesus loves you, allah wants you dead

"Every government interference in the economy consists of giving an unearned benefit, extorted by force, to some men at the expense of others."

Ayn Rand