Why do we continually reward the behavior we seek to modify and in so doing penalize the behavior we aspire to?
Cash for clunkers was signed into law earlier this month by President Obama. It provides up to a $4,500 voucher for the purchase of a new, presumably more fuel efficient, vehicle for people trading in car rated at less than 18 MPG.
But what about those of us who have always valued fuel efficiency? For example, my 2001 truck is rated at 21 MPG. What do we get toward purchasing yet another fuel efficient vehicle? Bupkiss! We get to pay for the program just like we pay for the Wall Street bailout. Would it have been that difficult to provide the same voucher for all, or for more fuel efficient vehicles beyond a certain age? Or how about vouchers for anyone purchasing a new vehicle with an MPG rating at or above some specified level?
I am all for stimulating car sales and improving the nation-wide fleet's MPG. But the implementation of this program really leaves a person wondering whether our elected officials have a brain in their head. The more reckless you are in this society, it seems, the more likely your government will reward you. And those who think about things like fuel efficiency and conservative investing get to fund the reward.
So go do whatever it takes to stuff money in your pockets. Ignore any impact your decisions may have on society at large. Doing so seems to be the American value. And don't worry. When your actions in combination with those of like mind become to brudensome, Uncle Sam will send you a check.