Cash for Clunkers Redux - How Stupid Can They Get?

[Davc]

I hope you all remember to call your Congress Critters today and express your appreciation for the wonderful job they all do in taking care of us!

[joanmcq]

Here in CA there is a 'cash for gross polluters' program, where if your vehicle fails smog by a large amount, you get $1,000 to 'retire' it, ie, take it to the junkyard. It has to make it there under it's own power and have a certain amount of stuff left on it, like most of the glass, at least one bumper, headlight and taillight.

So I got $1,000 in exchange for a truck I paid $600 for 10 years ago. Everyone breathes better, including me since it did blow exhaust into the cab. I get rid of something I would have been tempted to keep because everyone needs a truck occasionally, like to go to home depot.

My mortgage got paid on time, I paid for tickets to a music festival, and have a cushion, especially since my roommate's unemployment ran out and I just lost my dayjob. Pick n Pull has more merchandise to sell...or scrap.

The insurance company gets a little bit less money, but I have more to spend on groceries and cat food.