Comments by "dangerouslytalented" (@dangerouslytalented) on "Republicans Backpedal on "Cash for Clunkers"" video.

  1. They are not going to be going out buying Priuses, which are medium range cars. They will be buying tiny Hyundais and Toyotas and Hondas, cars that are half the price of Priuses, and actually get slightly better mileage.
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  2. Safety is a subsidiary benefit. Not the main one. Most of the clunkers we are speaking of were low quality when they came out of the factory. Relatively few would have antilock brakes and airbags.
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  3. It is also helping on safety too. Brand new cars have much more in the way of safety equipment and features than even 10 year old cars.
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  4. The technology is not there yet. One step at a time...
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  5. Cleaning solar panels is far less labor intensive than mining coal.
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  6. In approximately three years, most of the new cars that are sold in this program will be sold and these will become used cars. This is like a good dose of laxatives that are getting the shit out of the system.
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  7. The resale value on smaller and more fuel efficient cars is a lot higher as a percentage of the cost value. They last longer, and therefore long term, the savings are greater.
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  8. They also are very dangerous... Not for the occupants, but for whatever they hit.
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  9. That's true. American cities really have to start investing more in their infrastructure.
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  10. I don't know what it is like in the US, but I know here in Australia, insurance coverage is included in the price.
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  11. Enormous car payments are for people with enormous, expensive cars. We are operating here in the OTHER end of the pool, the one populated by hatchbacks, cars that get extremely good fuel economy. The money spent on car loans will be saved on fuel costs and warranty servicing and repair. Plus, these cars have good resale value.
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  12. The best way to fund cash for clunkers would be to put extra tax on fuel. That way there is a carrot AND a stick when it comes to fuel economy. Plus, it will mean people are using less fuel, and environmental concerns aside, it will mean sending less money to the Middle East.
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  13. The Republicans do not want to STOP us funding terrrorists... are you crazy man? Fear of the terrorists are all they have left.
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  14. It is a short term stint at stimulating the economy that: Decreases the need for foreign oil. Keeps the Big Three alive until the economy recovers. Puts safer cars on the road.
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  15. Even with the Democrats in power, America is a bit unbalanced, to the Right of politics. Take a look at the policies of the major parties of ANY industrialised nation. The Democrats policies are more akin to the Centre Right parties in these nations.
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  16. hmmm true... But if they are driving guzzling trucks for work, they will be able to get a tax rebate anyway, on top of the cash incentive, on top of the savings from buying less fuel. There has to be some way of getting all the inefficient cars off the road, do you have any suggestions?
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  17. They should put extra tax on fuel. That would also provide an extra incentive to buy more efficient cars. Fuel prices in most western nations are double, triple or even quadruple those in the US. Which is why European cars and Japanese cars get the best mileage.
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  18. and computers dont last as long.
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  19. Yes, but those who bought gas guzzlers had no idea that they would be rewarded. And these cars were normally bought second hand anyway, because those who bought them usually can't afford new cars. And the guzzlers are normally the ones to be cheapest on the second hand market. Personally I think that they should raise the price of fuel, and cover the cost of the program with THAT, thereby punishing those who choose to keep their guzzlers in the future.
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  20. Safety technology has gone ahead by leaps and bounds. Do you know how many airbags are in the average Hyundai or Honda? And an overpowered SUV or truck is not safer if you get hit by one.
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  21. Cutting the funding for public transportation is the stuipidest idea I have ever heard. A friend of mine did the maths when he bought a new car. Even WITH the five year loan, he would be paying less for a brand new car than for a gas guzzler with the prices of fuel that he was paying.
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