Bailout for SUV Owners

   Here we go again. Congress is considering another bailout. This time, it's for individuals—SUV owners. Want to get rid of your poor choice, gas guzzling, environmentally damaging vehicle? Well the U.S. government is considering legislation that will pay you up to $4,500 dollars towards your purchase of a new fuel efficient vehicle or $3,000, either to buy a used vehicle or use for public transit. Your traded-in SUV would be crushed.
   On one hand, this is legislation that will get gas guzzlers off the road. On the other, we can't help but shake our heads and wonder if Congress remembers whose money they are using. All taxpayers, including those of us who had an environmental conscience and never bought an SUV, will be paying for the mistakes made by lemmings who rushed out to buy SUVs when Detroit's marketing boys told them what to buy. Then again, if we don't pay, we'll all face the environmental cost.
   One can only hope this is a lesson learned with legislation to follow. Remember, Detroit made electric cars when California legislation forced them to, but refused to sell them. They were leased. When legislation changed and the leases ran out, the cars were collected and destroyed. They continued to roll out SUVs, claiming no one wanted to buy their electric cars. They ignored the pleas of those who had leased them. 
   Why? These cars were environmentally friendly in more ways than one. They didn't require oil changes, air filters, and oil filters. Wear and tear on the brakes was minimal. Detroit didn't want to lose income from parts and service charges.  They wanted to push their SUVs. Environmental awareness is back in fashion. It is up to us to keep it that way.