Have you ever heard of this bill?  Me neither, until yesterday. 

I was informed about this daft piece of legislation, which, if passed, would provide government vouchers ($1,500 - $4,500) for people to trade in their gas guzzling car and/or truck for a more fuel efficient vehicle.  Here's the rub.  The gas guzzlers would then have to be destroyed so they could never be used again. 

Wow!  Okay, let's destabilize a market on so many different fronts. 
 1. Used car dealers would suddenly have difficulty obtaining vehicles for their lots.
 2. Firms dealing in salvaged parts would suddenly have a lot less business.
 3. And most importantly, poor individuals would suddenly have much less access to critical transportation.

Oh sure, initially there would be a run on the old Crown Victorias and Regal 88s, because savvy consumers could pick up these relics for a song and use the vouchers to purchase another vehicle.  Of course, all of this will be paid for with tax dollars.

And despite all the negatives listed above, there's one consequence that pains me most of all.....  With all the gas guzzlers now being crushed, how in God's name can we ever hope to see another good demolition derby?   

Sometimes it hurts too much to cry......