I have a weakness for muscle cars.
A Ford Hybrid Escape just doesn’t do it for me. Over the years I’ve spent a fair amount of time wrenching a ’67 Camero, but these days it’s been on a mid-sixties Vette. Given my experiences and looking over parts receipts I can expertly state that vintage auto’s are primarily a money sink hole. None the less, it’s my sink hole and it’s how I elect to spend my hard earned $$.
But, along comes the BART riding ideals of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) who views the world through some hybrid reality-distortion field, imagining it as some sort of amazing green technology and will not rest until she has saved the planet for all of us!!
It’s a misguided attempt to spur new car sales and help create jobs by the Washington lawmakers. They have determined “we” need a nationwide automobile scrap program which would give U.S. tax dollars to consumers who turn-in older cars to have them crushed. On the surface it sounds like a reasonable idea, but the unattended consequences of the bill will threaten vintage enthusiasts nationwide with the loss of valuable parts and part-cars for repair, restoration, and customization projects. The programs also risk destroying classic, historic and special-interest vehicles that are part of our American heritage. Once passed how long do you think it will be before they amend the law to include vintage motorcycles?
Pelosi introduced a bill as part of the Economic Stimulus Plan and is looking for President Obama to sign it into law. If you oppose the use of U.S. Taxpayer $$ for “Cash for Clunkers” then I suggest that you contact House Speaker Nancy Pelosi IMMEDIATELY. You can call: (202)225-0100 or send an email HERE. To help guide any conversation below are a few talking points:
- I am [calling/writing] because I oppose the use of U.S. taxpayer $$ and 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 in our American heritage.
- Cars turned in for scrap 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.
Photo courtesy of Flickr.
