Efficient-car owners lose on ‘clunkers’ plan

The clunker program devised by our Washington clunkers, was supposed to reduce pollution. Why bother? We are past the point of no return.

Who does benefit? The people who have been driving macho, gas-guzzling hogs for years get $4,500 free to dump heaps they couldn't get rid of. U.S. car manufacturers and dealers get bailed out by selling an overstock of vehicles no one wanted to buy before the program. The foreign automakers get their pockets lined because half of the new car buys are foreign.

What does the person who has driven a fuel-efficient auto for years get? He gets screwed and gets to help pay the $4,500 others receive for owning the gas hogs and also help pay to bail out the auto industry. What's next? A $2,000 rebate on old toilets that use too much water?

Eugene K. Dushek

Cedar Rapids