[DeTomaso] Federal "Cash for Clunkers" Program

[Dan Mixon]

Here's a suggested message to send to the House Speaker:

I am writing to urge lawmakers not to include a "Cash for Clunkers"
provision in the economic stimulus bill. Owners who turn in vehicles for
crushing would receive a "minimal" payment to purchase a new car. This is a
misguided attempt to spur car sales and claim that the country's air quality
or fleet fuel mileage is being improved. 

. "Cash for Clunkers" programs threaten enthusiasts nationwide with the loss
of valuable parts and parts-cars for repair, restoration, and customization
projects. The programs also risk destroying classic, historic and
special-interest vehicles, our American heritage.  

. Cars turned in for scrappage often barely run, or are rarely-driven second
or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy or
emissions. 

. "Cash for Clunkers" programs will reduce the availability of affordable
transportation and repair parts used by low-income drivers. It will also
compete with the Salvation Army, the Purple Heart and other charities that
rely on vehicle donations to raise money. 

. "Cash for Clunkers" ignores better policy options. If Congress wants to
act, support for repair and upgrade is a better choice and a win-win for
consumers, dealers, manufacturers and repair shops. Significant emissions
and fuel economy improvements can be achieved in older vehicles through
relatively simple and inexpensive means: repaired/replaced exhaust systems,
tune-ups, etc. 

. We hope we can count on you to reject "Cash for Clunkers."  Thank you for
your consideration on this very important matter.

-----Original Message-----
From: detomaso-bounces at realbig.com [mailto:detomaso-bounces at realbig.com] On
Behalf Of Rod Kunishige
Sent: Sunday, January 04, 2009 6:45 PM
To: DeTomaso List Forum Posting
Subject: [DeTomaso] Federal "Cash for Clunkers" Program


 
 
I am surprised that Mark's posting did not generate some comment.  
 
California has a history of trying to rid all old cars under its smog laws.
It attempts to do so every year.  This Federal proposal will encourage
destroying all older cars through the Federal funding of the effort.
Simply, all of the States including the one our Speaker hails from is in
need of money.  And, this is a "freebie".
 
Consider the one that California setup to catch smog cars because it could
not fund it in its budget.  Here it said that both Sheriff and Police may
setup roadblocks to catch smog violators and that all of the fees generated
will go to the roadblock agency.  Prior to this law, only the Highway Patrol
may setup roadblocks.  Free money to local law enforcement.
 
My 1989 GMC is on one hit list and requires "test only station" tests every
other year.  This adds another $60-75 to the cost over normal test sites.
There is no mention of the years of coverage but I know that Calif. has
targeted cars over 10 years old.  Other countries have laws that force
destruction of high mileage cars.
 
Watch this one, it may eventually bite us.  I want to keep my old car and I
don't trust government to not move from just encouraging action to one of
dictating it.  Do you recall the 55 mph max law?
 
Rod Kunishige
 
 
> From: "Mark McWhinney" <msm at portata.com> Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 Message:
8Washington lawmakers are drafting a large economic stimulus package to help
create jobs and rebuild infrastructure. They want to include a nationwide
scrappage program which would give U.S. tax dollars to consumers who turn-in
older cars to have them crushed, as a misguided attempt to spur new car
sales. The lawmakers need to scrap this idea. The stimulus package is being
drafted right now. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) wants to introduce the
bill on January 6 and have it approved by Congress by January 20, so that
President Obama can sign it into law after he is inaugurated. Contact House
Speaker Nancy Pelosi IMMEDIATELY To Oppose Cash for Clunkers!Call:
202/225-0100Click here to send an electronic message:
http://speaker.house.gov/contact/.
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