Asking the Spirit of Reagan for Help
by Jeffrey JenaDear Mr. Reagan,
I have a conservative dilemma and I am not sure what to do. When I have questions like this I usually ask myself, “What would Reagan do?” This is a tough one but I know you will have an answer for me.
I need a new car. My 1999 Ford Explorer has been an awesome friend and dependable ride but like my cat who was 16 when he went for the long ride, the Ford is nearing the end of the figurative and literal road. 183,374 miles when I pulled into the driveway tonight and I am not sure how many more she’s got in her. Just between me and you she’s not as fit as she used to be. She’s leaking oil and drinking more than she used to. She has begun to show her age, a few wrinkles and dents. I have to be honest I’ve been seeing someone younger. She Asian, all shiny and low maintenance.
Here’s the problem, if I get the car I want and trade in my Explorer I’m eligible for the new government CARS program. CARS is part of the Obama stimulus/green earth/socialism/behavior modification plan. In case you aren’t up on the plan here’s how it works; if you have a gas hog like my SUV and are willing to get into a smaller more “earth friendly” automobile Uncle Barack will kick in $4500 bucks plus you get the scrap value for your “clunker.” “Clunker” is new speak for any vehicle that gets bad gas mileage, is uncomfortable, larger than a Yugo, or could possibly run over a Prius and drag in along in its undercarriage. Under the CARS program your trade-in has to be sent to the crusher so no other unfeeling conservative will be able to buy it and create more global warming. The idea is cars sales go up, greenhouse gases go down and we all get to drive underpowered plastic cars.
I didn’t decide to get a smaller and more fuel efficient car because of this program. I already had plans to buy this new car. I had been to the dealership and had already begun grinding the salesman and sales manage on the price. I was just waiting to see if the manufacturer was going to offer and additional incentives on the first of the month when Obama decided to splash a little of his stimulus cash around in the new car market.
Here is my question Mr. Reagan; as a good conservative I don’t believe in handouts or welfare. I think the government is spending us into socialism and pushing us towards rampant inflation. At the same time the money Mr. Obama is handing out to buy cars is my money! Should I take the $4500 from the government or should I stand on principle and leave the $4500 discount on the table?
I know you will give me the right answer.
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
| 
Follow Us on Twitter
Subscribe via RSS
Tips & Feedback
82 Comments
The money is dirty, from a Don Corleone type guy.
How about just asking God for help… Giving us not only the right answer but the only answer
I'm in the same quandry Jeffrey. I've got an older Lexus that gets 8 mpg (high test too) Should I use their deal to get a deal, or should I hang tough and ride it until the wheels fall off – for which I will probably be fined for littering. My gut tells me I can't do it. If I take advantage of something that I completely disagree with, that makes me a hypocrite, making me just as bad, as those Prius loving coneheads. If the past six months has taught us anything, it is to stick to principle or we will be forever lost.
Let us know what you decide.
Forget the "bribe", because your children and grandchildren are paying for it. And buy another American car, because it's your childrens and grandchildrens job you're saving.
Jeff, take the money. The more people that do that, the quicker we break the bank and the quicker whole system falls apart. If you don't make liberals pay the full price for their stupid programs, they will keep putting more and more of them into place.
just try and get through this program,,,
All dealers have recieved missives from NADA informing themof the authoritarian nature of this bill- you must be able to certify the actual mileage differential between the car you trade and the car you buy; it must go to scrap even if it's perfectly serviceable transportation for those less fortunate, and the kicker- the dealers are completely responsible and subject to government audit.
Plus, the states have the ability to determine if they will tax these 'benefits'…
Big Brother at it's finest.
just try and get through this program,,,
All dealers have recieved missives from NADA informing them of the authoritarian nature of this bill- you must be able to certify the actual mileage differential between the car you trade and the car you buy; it must go to scrap even if it's perfectly serviceable transportation for those less fortunate, and the kicker- the dealers are completely responsible and subject to government audit.
Plus, the states have the ability to determine if they will tax these 'benefits'…
Big Brother at it's finest.
These incentives they're throwing around are designed to coerce you into behaving as they want you to behave. We used to be free from coercion. They want to control your actions by dangling YOUR OWN MONEY in front of you.
Leave the discount. Its the principal of the thing. You should not be bought so cheaply. Principals aren't for sale. Buy whatever car you want be it a Toyota, Honda or what have you. I myself would go for top knotch German engineering of Mercedes Benz or Porsche species however we don't have the kwan. But if we did, thats what I'd be driving…heh heh heh.
I don't know. This is not as simple a question in our house. Maybe you could overhaul the car and keep it for 3.5 more years. How much were you planning to spend? Are you going to borrow? Also, a new car off the lot or pre-owned–I think pre-owned can be a better investment.
Not enough information, at least for me.
I have a feeling, though, from your letter, you want something and you will take the deal.
I have to say TAKE the money and run… it will eventually help the economy…I am very bias in this, and the reason why I work for GM and we need the help, but buying a ASIAN CAR… how could you??? buy AMERICAN!
Do not buy a GM or Chrysler product. I've been a loyal GM customer, but no more–my next new vehicle will be a Ford or Toyota.
And, no, I wouldn't take the $4500 handout.
Buy a Toyota – many of their models are built in America. Even Ford outsources a lot of labor to Mexico and South America.
In 14 manufacturing locations across North America, team members are producing 11 vehicles including the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, Sienna, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra, Venza and the Lexus RX 350.
From: http://www.toyota.com/about/our_business/operatio...
If I buy a Toyota truck, it is probably made in Tennessee by American workers–workers who are not members of the corrupt and self-serving UAW.
If I were to buy an "American" Dodge truck, it would probably be assembled in Mexico. The name on a vehicle has little to do with where it is made anymore, or who owns the company–those Mexican-made Chryslers are now under the ownership of the Italian company Fiat, thanks to the Dear Leader.
And, no, using $4500 in taxpayer dollars per vehicle does not help the economy–it takes money from those who would otherwise invest those funds in the private sector, and create jobs.
It was a joke about buying american….. I work for GM and know what is what…. srsly, I would use the money and it does stimulate the economy…. the dealership/salesmen/servie men/women.. it help a little but some help is better then none!
If people need the "handout" so be it…. srsly, people are to at odds over this and it will help a little with this god awful economy…plus to let you know Toyota or Ford are not in any better position then GM….. read about it, and GM haas taken the brunt of the negative press….
This is actually a difficult decision. Common sense says you should take the deal but that will also cause more harm than good. The harm will come from the fact that you will have to violate your own principles. I am in a similar situation and am having to live with the consequences. I am on disability and I do not like it one bit. The details are unimportant but let me tell you this it is hard to stand up for what you truly believe while on the other hand being totally dependent on the Govt. for your survival. It is a constant and daily battle to remain true and not be a total hypocrite. I am gratefull that the disability payments allow me to survive, but the program is constructed in such a way as to totally undermine any self worth of those recieving it.
Just make sure you don't drive your old SUV clunker to the dealership. The sales guys will see you coming a mile away. Wait until you hammer out your best deal, then bring up the $4,500 when you're sitting at the desk, right before the pen hits the paper.
That is an insult. To all fine gentlemen like Don Corleone. He and his would never stoop to the depths that this government has. They had honor in their enterprise, and in their enforcers. This government has none.
My apologies to all Don Corleone type guys.
Hypothetically, if you could ask Mr. Reagan, he would say, “stand on principle refuse the blood money.”
what? gm doesn't have a vehicle that you want to take home? after all, it's "your" company. and if you own the company, isn't the $4500 really your money anyway? problem solved!
Ford and Toyota did not take billions in tax-payer dollars in exchange for selling out to the UAW. I will do nothing to help GM, Chrysler, or the corrupt UAW that now owns a portion of both.
I bought a 2010 Ford Fusion SEL, mid size sedan, in April. Gets respectable gas mileage in the 30 range. Traded in a 1999 Olds Intrigue for it. Didn't get any clunker money. I will not buy from BO Motors or buy a car that the government says I have to buy. Have you seen those little tiny cars? Ridiculous!! I like my sweet comfortable ride especially since it is the car I wanted and not what BO is trying to force on me. Ford didn't get bailout cash either. GO FORD!
I was in the same quandary a couple of weeks ago. While on vacation my wonderful(30mpg) 1999 Malibu decided to take it's own vacation. I was half way to my destination and faced with a huge repair bill-$1100-which didn't get the job completely done. I had the repairs done and continued on my way only to have it act up again. I managed to limp it to my final destination and brought it to a repair shop. Another $1200 would put my car right, but the question was, do I want to put that much money into a 10 year old car with 235,000 miles on it or should I just buy a new one. I had promised myself when Obama became CEO of GM I wouldn't be buying another Malibu-even though I love mine. I decided to get mine fixed and see if I can keep her running for another couple of years-keep your fingers crossed for me! In good conscience I can't take bribes and I don't want to support Obama's socialist policies if at all possible.
Americans build "foreign cars" here in america, toyota has a plant in texas where ALL the tundras are built, a camry plant in kentucky, and a corolla plant in cali. Chevy, Ford and Chrylser build cars and trucks in other countries like canada and mexico, so who's jobs are we saving? Oh and americans sell the "foreign" cars and work on them here in the US what about their jobs, are they not good enought because they don't sell or work on or build some piece of crap "US" car
that is kind of funny. I was refering to legbreakers earlier today. Apparently GM is using some of these guys to convince employees how advantageous early retirement will be.
how long before FORD will be excluded from governmental fleet bids? Will the government allow companies in which they have no interest recieve contracts?
Take the money. You will get it taken back by the feds before -Zero leaves office anyway. My A/C just went out in my house and I am taking the $1500.00 tax credit on the new one. Got a top of the line unit compared to middle of the line for less money. Well when the bottom line comes around next tax season. Well unless -Zero repeals the write you never know with that Hoodlum.
Stand on principle my friend. NO TO GOVERNMENT HANDOUTS!
Ford is doing pretty well considering the current economy. I see alot of folks wanting to buy from the guys who didn't take the bailout. I am trying to do my part to support capitalism with the dollars I still have. I will fight socialism/communism/progressivism to the bitter end.
If he even knew where he was, he would tell you to be richer, so you would not have to worry about $4500. Remember, wealth is the only true measure of an American.
Go Midnite! The only way to keep capitalism alive is to support the capitalists!!!
I've never taken a dime from the Guh-mit, not even a student loan. They can take their $4,500 and shove it. And since they now run the auto industry, I will never, ever buy another American-made car again, ever. F'em.
I have a Mercedes, an Audi and a Cadillac. There is no comparison in the quality. They have all been meticulously maintained but the Cadillac is a piece of junk compared to the German cars. Let the Guh-mit subsidize the autoworkers unions all they like. They will just dig themselves a bigger whole. I'm finished with them, for good.
As for Americans and their jobs, they elected a Marxist President and a Socialist Congress. They will now have their Marxist/Socialist economics lesson. They deserve every bit of the pain to come. Again, F’em.
"piece of crap "US" car "
So you think Americans can't do good work. Does that mean your work is a "piece of crap", too?
I respectfully disagree.
Personal integrity matters. If you believe something is wrong in principle, it's wrong for you to do that thing.
By the way, I drive a Ford truck. It's the only American car company we have left.
You can't go with GM or Chrysler, they threw in with the pinko commie liberal democrats – Ford is at the top of my list followed by the Germans or the Japanese so long as the car is manufactured here. Buy what ever that vehicle make sure it is safe and suites your needs for the right price; under no circumstances should you get involved with the Federal Government unless they force you with either a real gun or an economic one; and remember even in that case you still get to vote with your gun. Remember they have a printing press and lots of guns; don't say I didn't warn you.
Sorry, man, but "Government Motors" stopped being an American company awhile ago.
That is, if you connect the concept of "American" with things like free enterprise…
Well, the UAW "owns" a portion of Ford as well.
No disrespect intended, as I certainly have no knowledge of your personal circumstances, but the majority of the people I know who are on disability are loving it. It's the new American Dream.
If Ty from "Extreme Home Makeover" would just show up and give them a house, they'd have it all.
But the decision to take a government handout THAT YOU DON"T NEED??? Why is that "difficult?
Shame on some of you people. Live true to your beliefs.
I'd bought my Ford before the whole "bailout" thing (I'm a Ford truck guy). But now I find myself driving a conservative status symbol.
Tom, I agree with what your saying….. I was kind of joking around about gm… I have worked for them for a period of time and have seen more and more government intervention in the company and it is slowly eroding the company away…. with GM saying that they will be on there own in a few years is a shame…. srsly
Take the money while it's still worth something. Once inflation sets in, that $4500 will be worth only a fraction of what it is today.
Since the road gigs are still paying what they did twenty years ago, the pay isn't going up anytime soon. So that $4500 won't be near the depreciation you'll take on next years billings.
Good decision. Be true to what you believe. Money is just not that important.
By the way, if you decide you still like the new "Obamacized" Chevys, by all means get yourself one. However, I think I'd prefer a car with an actual metal frame (how else do you imagine they're going to meet the new EPA economy standards?).
Take the money? Are you drawing food stamps as well?
"I have a Mercedes, an Audi and a Cadillac".
So…we're safe in assuming that you don't need the forty-five hundred bucks?
[...] posts and videos: Jim Blazsik: Ronald Reagan’s Funny Answer Jeffrey Jena, Big Hollywood: Asking the Spirit of Reagan for Help Hot Air: Quote of the day (Ronald Reagan Speaks Out Against Socialized Medicine) and Reagan [...]
[...] Be: Obama Channels Bill Cosby in NAACP Speech, Minus the Jello Pudding Jeffrey Jena, Big Hollywood: Asking the Spirit of Reagan for Help Frugal Café Blog Zone: Democrats Pass ‘Hate Crime’ Protection Bill for Pedophiles, [...]
[...] about Obama Washington Examiner: White House split on second stimulus Jeffrey Jena, Big Hollywood: Asking the Spirit of Reagan for Help MoneyNews.com: $1 Trillion Later, What Does Obama Have to Show? Nothing Jim Blazsik: The real [...]
"…remember even in that case you still get to vote with your gun." Yeah, right! "Law Enforcement" will make sure you don't get an opportunity to do that. THEY have body armor and SWAT and have no concern with calling in the military with tanks under false pretenses if they dam well want to.
Cool, another great bumper sticker, "WWRD?!
From someone who tore up her $600 stimulus check last year rather than cash it, don't do it!
I've got your back, man!
Part 1:
What people forget about this program is that it artificially inflates the price of a car worth less than the stimulus amount. If your car is worth less than $4500, then this program inflates the price of that car to $4500. It will stimulate demand for cars that fall within the bounds of the program, causing the price of cars in that range to increase. People who could afford a $1200 car suddenly won't be able to afford that car.
It also artificially stimulates demand for cars that satisfy the "new efficient car" criteria, causing the dealer to be able to raise prices on those cars.
Part 1:
What people forget about this program is that it artificially inflates the price of a car worth less than the stimulus amount. If your car is worth less than $4500, then this program inflates the price of that car to $4500. It will stimulate demand for cars that fall within the bounds of the program, causing the price of cars in that range to increase. People who could afford a $1200 car suddenly won't be able to afford that car.
How does it feel to be in front of the trend;)
Take the money. I'll pretend that I paid for part of the funds. Then splurge on a great dinner. Please eat politically incorrect food and indulge in adult beverages. What is left over, donate to a tax fighting, smaller government activist organization. Use the money to help stop this insanity.
Thanks.
Jeffrey, Since prehistoric times humans have built idols. You conservatives have built one in the image of Ronald Reagan. If you were old enough to remember his presidency you would recall a elderly, halting speaker who was an obvious cardboard standup for the powers behind the curtain. Bow to your Idol. It suits your intellect.
Regards
A WWII GI would make short work of you traitorous bastards and you love of the Germans and Japanese!!
I have a joke in my act
Do you know the difference between the IRS and the Mafia?
When you're dead the Mafia will stop trying to get money from you.
Jeff,
Do what Reagan would Really do-
"Get a Horse!"
Since the government is going to be taking this money out of the next generation's (which would be me) pocket for something no matter what, I would much rather be paying for someone who appreciates the money rather than assumes it's their right.
So as future government leech-e, go for it! Just don't buy GM! Try Toyota! They actually have more American-made parts in their cars than almost any of the Big Three and you won't be supporting unions.
Well, you could buy a new truck from that MO dealer, and get a free AK-45.
On, a side note, why do all my posts show up for a few minutes, then disappear?
Relax there, Shocko. You're missing the tongue-in-cheekiness. Don't take it all so seriously. You'll go mad.
I just wanted to say that it doesn't really matter that Toyota builds many cars here in the United States, the bottom line is that the money ends up in Japan not in the US.
Sell the vehicle outright. Take that cash and go in to a Ford or Japanese dealership. If a salesman knows you are going to use a voucher, he/she may screw around with the numbers more, figuring "what the hey…they're still getting a deal…of some kind". I'm not sure if Reagan ever had to buy his cars, one on one, dealing with a car salesman and 'the guy in the back room'.
In addition….just as folks got used to"rebates" , they'll get used to expecting regular yearly issuance of vouchers, which Democrats will be more than happy to supply. It's just not a good practice, on top of a multi-Trillion dollar debt.
"At the same time the money Mr. Obama is handing out to buy cars is my money! Should I take the $4500 from the government or should I stand on principle and leave the $4500 discount on the table?"
1. Estimate how much you will be paying this year in federal taxes.
2. Subtract from that amount the estimated monetary value you think you are getting from those taxes.
3. If the difference is greater than or equal to $4500, take the money with a clear conscience.
My dad was just forced to retire from GM. So I don't really have that GM bias anymore.
I might take the money and buy the car I want. It was the car you wre going to buy anyway right? I don't blame anyone for taking part in a program I don't like. There is nothing wrong with playing the game while disliking the fact it exists.
Of course you could donate it to a needy charity, and put the deduction on your taxes.
But yeah a bit of a quandry
JJ,
You already know what you are going to do, so do it and quit whining. I can't wait for the other shoe to drop….
I say do it. I know the money is dirty, but every dollar out of the coffers right now is a better argument against health care and cap and trade.
Always buy the car you want, not the car that gets the rebate. OTOH, can anyone tell me, can I go out and buy a cheap clunker and then trade it in and get the rebate? Or do I have to have owned it for a certain amount of time first?
I didn't realize you were a rich guy! Only the top 5% of the richest Americans will have their taxes raised. BHO PROMISED! So to claim the money is yours is true ONLY if you earn more than 250k. Besides, isn't there some type of income ceiling on the money availability?
If you take the money, you'll know, and she'll know she is a bought and paid for tart. DON'T DO IT!! You'll never be able to respect her.
I traded in my 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport last month for a "new" used (previous lease) 2007 Jeep Gran Cherokee, with every bell and whistle available. I didn't want any free money – there's always some kind of string attached and I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror without feeling guilty. Strangely enough, my "new" Gran Cherokee burns E85 fuel if I choose to do so, but i don't.
Wow. Is this a Trollese attempt at irony?
A "Tragedy of the Commons" dilemma. The trick is to be the first to grab the cash before it devalues or runs out, because there's no upside to forgoing the pay-off.
Q: What Would Reagan Do?
A: Support free markets. Be a capitalist, no excuses, no embarrassment.
Get the most money you honestly can for the old car, period. Sell it outright, take the government money, even donate it to charity and take the tax write-off if that yields the greatest economic benefit to you.
The relevant morals? The administration thinks it has the money it is spending, if the money alloted for this program is not used up then they will believe they have extra money they can spend elsewhere. Stupid but true, proven to be espoused by many Democratic lawmakers for a very long time on every level of government, and even some Republicans as well. If it is in your best financial interest to do so anyway, liberate that ill-gotten money from the clutches of government, distribute it among businesses and even charities that you want to see do well, if it will help them succeed despite government then it is extra good.
Support capitalism, get the most you can, then create your own "economic stimulus" as you know it should be done. That is what Reagan would do.
I'm not surprised that mostly all of the 0bama bumper stickers that I still see on cars are on vehicles of foreign make. What a bunch of hypocrites.
My grandfather was an artillery spotter in Germany during the war (including The Bulge). He has no problem with my German automobile.
It simple you take the money if you qualify. When Bush sent out "stimulus" checks did we not take the money. If you feel the money should go elsewhere then send it there yourself. That is what Reagan would have done.
Just remember you will have to pay tax on the $
Take the money and drive.
GOOD TO SEE ANOTHER BUCKEYE ON THIS SITE!!!! DON'T TAKE THE MONEY, AND REAGAN WOULDN'T;
BUT HE WOULD BUY FORD ONLY FROM NOW ON!!!!
MICHIGAN SUCKS!!!
Ignoramus. Never studied during school, why should you do your homework now, in the real-world?
Grow up.
You must be logged in to post a comment.