Hindsight?

When did this ever seem like a good idea? Let's run down the high points:

First, in an ailing economy where you can't be certain you'll have a job tomorrow, let's encourage people to go out and borrow $30,000 for a new car.

Second, let's reward people for being irresponsible. Because if you already have a fuel efficient car, you don't qualify. But if you have 12,000lbs SUV that gets 5 gallons per mile, you can come trade that sucker in and get government money for it. In the words of the Guinness ads , "Brilliant"

Third, let's tell everybody how much oil this is gonna save. Well, not how much, just that it will save a bunch. What do we mean by a bunch? Oh, let's not get all caught up in figures and stats. Huh? You insist? Ok, it's about 5 hours of our yearly consumption.

Fourth, let's get the government involved in subsidizing cars . Forget the fact that this has absolutely zero to do with anything the government should be involved in. Also, forget the fact that this will only create a temporary surge in car buying as folks who may have decided to wait until next year simply move up an already looming purchase. Forget all that.

Seriously, when did this ever seem like a good idea? Quick poll : How many of you under the poverty line out there are now enjoying your new " cash for clunkers " car? A few, maybe, but not many.