http://www.fitsnews.com/2009/01/19/cash-for-clunkers/ Unfair ... Imbalanced Sun, 21 Mar 2010 02:22:20 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 http://www.fitsnews.com/2009/01/19/cash-for-clunkers/comment-page-1/#comment-63310 Madison Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:01:46 +0000 http://www.fitsnews.com/?p=12256#comment-63310 As with most government programs, the success of the "cash for clunkers" program is not measured in how well the consequences of the program align with the stated goals of its advocates. Nor is it measured by any economic impacts the consequences might cause. Instead, just like the example of the public library in George Dance's recent article about Booze and books, the success is measured by participation or usage, not by any measure of the value provides or harm it does to our economy. The trick is to define the program specifically so that it has a known demand so the usage is high. Media spin and politics will make sure the right people hear the program was successful and beneficial. I heard a bit on NPR just today about the downstream benefits that recycling all these old cars has. Ridiculous of course, but the perception amongst the voters is far more important than the actual results and consequences. Certainly there will be follow-on programs, cash for major appliances, cash for tools, etc. As with most government programs, the success of the “cash for clunkers” program is not measured in how well the consequences of the program align with the stated goals of its advocates. Nor is it measured by any economic impacts the consequences might cause. Instead, just like the example of the public library in George Dance’s recent article about Booze and books, the success is measured by participation or usage, not by any measure of the value provides or harm it does to our economy. The trick is to define the program specifically so that it has a known demand so the usage is high. Media spin and politics will make sure the right people hear the program was successful and beneficial. I heard a bit on NPR just today about the downstream benefits that recycling all these old cars has. Ridiculous of course, but the perception amongst the voters is far more important than the actual results and consequences. Certainly there will be follow-on programs, cash for major appliances, cash for tools, etc.

]]> http://www.fitsnews.com/2009/01/19/cash-for-clunkers/comment-page-1/#comment-45822 reprobate Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:15:20 +0000 http://www.fitsnews.com/?p=12256#comment-45822 Actually, this is just a sneaky way of "normalizing" relations with Cuba. The Dems are going to collect these junkers and ship them to Raul, free of charge. Them Cubans needs Parts! Actually, this is just a sneaky way of “normalizing” relations with Cuba. The Dems are going to collect these junkers and ship them to Raul, free of charge. Them Cubans needs Parts!

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