Tapscott: Cash for Clunkers Will Become Permanent

When it comes to federal teat suckling, Mark Tapscott’s got the inside line. I don’t mean Edmunds and I don’t mean he does it personally; Mark knows a lot about how the beltway boys reach into the taxpayer’s trousers to play pocket pool. So, while Tapscott joins the MSM (and TTAC) in announcing the bogus Cash for Clunkers program’s pre-mature hiatus, he’s out in front re: the C.A.R.S. program’s long term fate. Mark says the bill was secretly written with permanent marker. In other words, the billion dollar (for starters) Cash for Clunker boondoggle’s a keeper. The writer gives five—count ’em five!— reasons for car dealers to be perpetually cheerful about automotive euthanasia . . .

First, anytime Congress and the White House see an opportunity to take tax dollars and give them to somebody who can vote, they will do it . . .

Second . . . [it’s] an irresistible opportunity for the Washington politicians and bureaucrats to expand their power and perogatives over the rest of us . . .

Third, the timing is perfect . . . In just four days, Cash-for-Clunkers has given new life to the whole idea that government spending is the way to stimulate the economy. People are more receptive now than they will ever be to the idea of making a temporary measure permanent.

Fourth, Washington money is like crack cocaine . . .

Finally, the media won’t tell the whole story of Cash-for-Clunkers. Reporting on it will emphasize two things – Happy dealers and buyers getting new cars and trucks, and worried dealers wondering what will happen when the program ends.

What won’t be reported will be the actual cost of the program to the taxpayers, the transitory economic stimulus it provides, and how the most severe consequences will be felt among low-inomes people who must depend on used cars and trucks for their transportation.

No argument here.