I heard that Chrysler and GM were forced to "close" some of the dealerships that sold their vehicles. I know our choices are limited as to where we can now take our Dodge that is under a "Chrysler" warranty. It didn't have anything to do with "streamlining", this was an option that the government made them take.
I have several friends that work for GM here in Lansing. They are a little ticked off about how this "Clunker" program worked. They agree that the program should not have been used on Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, etc. This was a "program" that was going to "benefit" Americans and the American economy, not to be shared with foreign companies. They are also concerned with where the money GM is going to get to front the reimbursements to the dealerships until (or if) the government comes through.
Was this a good idea? Sure it could have been, but is it going to be something that will help the economy? No, because you can only rob Peter to pay Paul for so long. Someone is going to have to pay back all the money that was used on this program, and that somebody is going to be all of us. There is no such thing as a free ride. I am shocked as to how many people cannot see, it doesn't matter who you voted for or what political stance you take, what matters is basic math.
Look at all the quick and easy mortgages that was available awhile back. The ones that ended with the shocker of the increase in foreclosures. To me, it appears as the only boost our economy is going to feel is an increase in repos. Then what are these people going to do? You won't be able to find a decent "clunker" for a few thousand dollars - I have already seen the increase in the costs of "clunkers" in our area. We're looking for a first car for our teenage son and people are wanting a small fortune.
As far as the government and health care reform - take a look at Medicare and Medicaid. These programs are ran by the government and everyone knows how well they run. Again, this is not about where you stand politically, but look at how poorly for years these programs have been and now they want to "take over" the health care systems? Honestly, there is not point in complaining about it though, it will pass and our country will be even further in the hole. I live in Lansing, and I know that there are programs throughout Michigan's counties for health care assistance. What about the local health departments, these are all on a sliding scale - why do we really need any more government control?
Again, none of this has anything to do with your political stance, but look at it from a personal angle. When you balance your check book at the end of the month, are you able to end it in the red as our government is doing or do you try to keep it in the black? Are you living paycheck to paycheck like most of us do? Are you going to be able to afford paying for your neighbor's $4500 car credit they received, not to mention the entire country's? Are you going to be able to cover everyone's health care, including your own? The government is a not for profit entity, so their money comes from somewhere and that is from Americans in the form of TAXES.
