Quoted from benny salami

Here's some more clunkers to throw out Paterson, Obama, Tonko, SS Savage and Judy Dag!

Quoted from Kevin March

I was more thinking about all of Congress.  I was wondering, what do you think I could get for trading them in?  Or would I have to pay someone to take them away (not that it would be out of the question...)?

Quoted Text

‘Clunker’ cash OK’d; dealers need cars
BY DAVID ESPO The Associated Press

    WASHINGTON — Pedal to the metal, Congress sent President Barack Obama legislation Thursday night with an additional $2 billion for “cash for clunkers,” the economy-boosting rebate program that caught the fancy of car buyers and instantly increased sales for an auto industry long mired in recession.
    The Senate approved the money on a 60-37 vote after administration officials said an initial $1 billion had run out in only 10 days. The House voted last week to keep alive the program, which gives consumers up to $4,500 in federal subsidies if they trade in their cars for new, more energy-efficient models.
    Without action, lawmakers risked a wave of voter discontent as they left the Capitol for a monthlong vacation.
    “Cash for clunkers has been a proven success,” Obama said in a written statement issued shortly after the vote. “The initial transactions are generating a more than 50 percent increase in fuel economy; they are generating $700 to $1000 in annual savings for consumers in reduced gas costs alone, and they are getting the oldest, dirtiest and most air polluting trucks and SUVs off the road for good.”
    Senate supporters of the program hailed its effect on the auto industry — which had its best month in nearly a year in July — as well as its claimed environmental benefi ts.
    “The reality is this is a program that has been working. Consumers believe it’s working. Small business people believe it’s working. People who make steel and aluminum and advertisers ... and everyone who’s involved in the larger economic impact of the auto industry believe it is working,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.
    The legislation had its share of critics, though, most of them Republicans.
    “What we’re doing is creating debt. ... The bill to pay for those cars is going to come due on our children and grandchildren,” said Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H.
    Officials said the program’s initial $1 billion probably already has been spent, but a paperwork backlog prevented an accurate accounting. The additional $2 billion is enough to help consumers purchase a half-million more new cars, they added.
    The longer-term impact of the program is less clear.
    “Once these clunker rebates expire, it is over,” predicted economist Richard Yamarone of Argus Research. “Consumers are not going to keep buying cars. It is a temporary one-time gimmick, not a long-lasting tonic for the recovery.”
OUT OF FOCUS
    But while it lasts, the auto industry is humming, and the most popular fuel-efficient cars that are replacing clunkers are in short supply.
    Under normal circumstances, it would take Ford Motor Co. about a month to replace a Focus sold at one of Richard Bazzy’s two Pittsburgh-area dealerships.
    Today, with customers across the country clamoring to trade in old gas guzzlers under the cash for clunkers program, Bazzy says Ford can’t tell him when it will send him the bulk of the 50 compact cars he needs to replenish what he sold in the two weeks since the program began.
    “I do not have a definite, acceptable answer to that,” said Bazzy, who maintains he could sell 200 more Focuses if he could get them. “It’s killing me.”
    Bazzy, like many dealers for just about every automaker, is worried that he won’t be able to get cars to take advantage of the second installment of clunker cash that the Senate approved Thursday night.
    He’s got only two Focuses left and says Ford has told him it will ship only six more within the month. He’s complained to his regional manager to no avail and said the clunkers program has cleaned out the Pittsburgh region’s inventory.
    Annette Sykora, who runs two Ford dealerships near Lubbock, Texas, is running into the same problem. She was conservative, keeping her inventory lean because of the depressed market. Like many dealers, she didn’t expect the high showroom traffic and demand from the clunkers program.
    She’s happy for the increased business, even though she’s sold all six Focuses she had. She’s also out of midsize Fusions, and after today, will have no more Ford Escapes or Mercury Mariner midsize sport utility vehicles. ....................>>>>...............................>>>>................http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r00600&AppName=1

Quoted Text

‘Clunkers’ just another bailout for big business

    “Cash for Clunkers” is a back-door bailout for the auto dealerships. Remember, it is and will always be our money.
    We are in the midst of the greatest depression since the Great Depression, yet the powers that be would have you believe it is good to throw the future generation’s money at a problem that will not go away.
    Nay, it is just the beginning of the new realities. The adjustments that come will be painful, the shoes about to drop cannot be stopped or padded to prevent their finalities.
    The bailouts are unprecedented, and now are named differently, repackaged to deceive and malign our perceptions. The “cash for clunkers” is a disgrace; the “bailouts” for the financial [companies] are all but favors repaid to friends.
    It is time we, the people, rise up. It is time to wake and realize the follies of all of our deeds. Yes, it is time to look in the mirror, admit our mistakes, take accountability and start to repair what has been broken. It is up to us, not the government, big business or special interests.
    Only we, the people can repair it. It is now or never. Any ideas?

    RICH SWEET
    Rotterdam

Quoted Text

The Cash For Clunkers program is adding to the activity at treasurers' offices all around South Dakota. First, people were asking for proof of ownership, so they could show they owned their vehicle for a full year, allowing them to cash it in. Now, they'll be returning to register their new vehicle.  And when they do, new owners need to bring every bit of paperwork provided to them by their dealer.

"That means they need their title, their damage disclosure, their bill of sale and the dealers have 30 days to get that to them," Minnehaha County Treasurer Pam Nelson said.

But many of those cashing in on the clunkers program are surprised when they get to the treasurer's office windows. That's because the government's rebate of up to $4500 dollars for every clunker is taxable.

"They didn't realize that would be taxable. A lot of people don't realize that. So they're not happy and kind of surprised when they find that out," Nelson said.