Motormouth Online

Few of us understand the financial crisis we faced near the end of last year. Only glimpses of the potential total worldwide financial meltdown were known as the outgoing Bush administration rushed through emergency bailouts through congress. Make no mistake about it; this was an embarrassing moment for the outgoing Republican administration and congress. Many had grown weary of this administration "crying wolf," as they had when they manufactured fear of Iraq. Yet just as we know that Saddam Hussein was not responsible for 9-11 and that fear over weapons of mass destruction was unfounded, we now know that the economic sky was indeed falling and the wolf was really at our financial doors. Mere hours existed between action and total worldwide financial collapse. To say that this was the most severe economic crisis since the great depression of the 1920's is not an overstatement.

It is right not to focus on the past as we try to build the future, but we cannot hide the truth that this crisis was a result of the former Republican administration. Neither can we overlook the fact that the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate were complicit, negligent and co-partners in creating this disaster. Wherever the blame is placed the only one who cannot be blamed for our economic woes is the current President Barrack Obama. In office less than nine months, speculation of his failure to right the ship might be fair, but blame for the crisis is not. I understand politics - maybe a little too well. It is one thing to predict failure, but it is quite another to work actively for failure. I'll be the first to say that I'm not sold on all of the stimulus spending. I share concerns about increasing our debt. I'm outraged by corporate pay to CEO's responsible for much of our problems.

Yet we must give credit where credit is due. One program has been an undeniable success. Cash for Clunkers, while fraught with complications has worked as planned. To say different, is to keep ones head in the sand ignoring facts and statistics. Only the most partisan hack continues to attack this program. These voices are rapidly being silenced because auto dealers, a traditionally reliable and powerful Republican grass roots constituency, like the program. Local dealers have the ear of every Representative, Senator and local political official, so while there have been problems it has certainly stimulated auto sales.. Cash for Clunkers alone cannot save the auto industry but it has given a tremendous boost to this struggling economic segment.

Many people miss the fact this program has provided traffic and interest in buying across the board. A renewed optimism and increased consumer confidence may be the best part of this stimulus bill.

As of Monday August 10, 2009 C.A.R.S. has over $1.15 billion dollars worth of applications submitted. The new problem is that dealers are out of cars.

• Top 10 new vehicles purchased

1. Toyota Corolla

2. Ford Focus

3. Honda Civic

4. Toyota Prius

5. Toyota Camry

6. Hyundai Elantra

7. Ford Escape

8. Dodge Caliber

9. Honda Fit

10. Chevrolet Cobalt

• Top 5 manufacturers of purchases

1. General Motors: 18.7%

2. Toyota: 17.9%

3. Ford: 16.0%

4. Honda: 11.6%

5. Chrysler: 10.6%

• Top 10 trade-ins

1. Ford Explorer (4wd)

2. Ford F-150 (2wd)

3. Jeep Grand Cherokee (4wd)

4. Jeep Cherokee (4wd)

5. Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan (2wd)

6. Ford Explorer (2wd)

7. Chevrolet Blazer (4wd)

8. Ford F-150 (4wd)

9. Chevrolet C1500 (2wd)

10. Ford Windstar (fwd)

• The government says the program has exceeded expectations in removing gas-guzzling vehicles from the road.

Average mpg of purchases: 25.3

Average mpg of trade-ins: 15.8

• Top 5 states by vouchers requested:

1. Michigan: $44.4 million

2. California: $39.9 million

3. Ohio: $37.7 million

4. Texas: $35.0 million

5. Illinois: $33.7 million