Hi Folks,
This is a situation that we should all be aware of, of things that are
happening in the name of "greenness":
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2009/04/21/ .
I don't think I'd replace my MG TD no matter how much money the government
gave me. It's not about that. This kind of legislation is simple meddling with
our freedom. They want to make us feel bad about using too much energy and
polluting so much, driving collectible cars? How about the amount of energy
that is put into manufacturing new cars? From the mining to the sheet metal,
from the raw plastics to the dashboard and bumpers, all the energy, waste,
pollution, and cost that goes into tooling up and manufacturing a new car is
huge. Witness that it's tough to find a decent new car for less than $15,000.
There'd be a tremendous cost (burden) to many a family if they were required
by law to buy a newer car. The cost of living is reduced by driving an older
vehicle.
There is also a big difference between an old "clunker" and a collector
car. I envision some pinheaded do-gooder sitting in his/her office in D.C. (or
Sacramento, Albany, or _________ fill in the blank) wringing hands over people
driving a 16 year old Chevy or Ford or a rusty old pickup truck with 200
thousand miles on it, smoking away as they go about their lives, trying to
make ends meet. On the other hand, those other terrible folks (us) are racing
around pointlessly enjoying their useless hobby and polluting their little
tiny world. (Forgive the acerbic flavor here.) As far as the people driving
"clunkers", they probably would retire the car at the first opportunity if all
the bills were paid and life was perfect.
I love a sunny top-down day with the wind in my hair, taking in the
scenery while toodling down a country road, getting smiles and thumbs-up all
along the way.
Pete Thiel
'53 MG TD
'91 Volvo 240
'99 Taurus
'00 Mazda 626
and various old motorcycles
P.S. Rebut or chime in as you wish, my intention is just as food for thought.
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