The government's "Cash for Clunkers" program was supposed to give the auto industry an economic boost, and increase the average fuel efficiency of the country's vehicles.  If you are looking solely at the fact that the original $1 billion for the program was used up quickly, you might come to the conclusion that the program is a success.  You might also consider it a success if you feel that each vehicle traded in for a more efficient vehicle will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and improve the environment.  The problem is that things don't always seem as they appear.

     The nickname for the program is really a misnomer, since cars don't have to be "clunkers" in the traditional sense.  In reality, they just have to be gas guzzlers.  In fact, many of the cars I saw on the news seemed like perfectly good automobiles, but of course, fuel efficiency is the key, not appearances.  That's why it is surprising to take a look at the list of eligible fuel efficient vehicles and find the Hummer H3T on the list.  Don't get me wrong, I love Hummers, but isn't it a little inappropriate to use taxpayer money to give people rebates to buy fuel efficient vehicles, then include a Hummer?  If you think this is an aberration, just look at the list of eligible vehicles: Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500HD, Dodge Ram pickup 1500 and 2500, Ford Explorer, Ford F150 and 250 Super Duty, GMC Sierra 1500, GMC Yukon XL, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota Tundra.

     Are you surprised to see that the government is encouraging the purchase of "fuel efficient" vehicles that have motors that are v-8's and up to 6.0 liters?  Sure, there are some people buying Smart For Two's or Mini Coopers, but there are also lots of people buying Hummers or Yukons.  What were they driving before?  A tank?

     The environmental impact seems questionable, but at least it will help U.S. auto companies.  Well, maybe not.  For those taking advantage of the CARS program, the biggest seller was the Ford Focus, followed by the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, and Toyota Camry.  Four out of five of those cars are made by Japanese companies, three from Toyota.  Supporters will correctly point out that many of those cars are made in the United States by American workers.  That's true, but the bottom line is that most of the sales are flowing to foreign owned companies.  That's a great way to help Detroit!

     The "Cash for Clunkers" program was ill conceived, and poorly executed.  The worst part is that it further encourages people to look at the government as Santa Claus.  What's next?  Will we get government rebates to buy televisions, washing machines, blenders, or tables?  It sounds crazy, but with this administration, nothing would shock me.