13 June 2009 

Honorable Senator Warner: 

Honorable Senator Webb: 

Honorable Congressman Wittman: 

I am writing to you in regard to an article from the Wall Street Journal (Cash-for- Clunkers Clears Hurdle, 12 June 2009) that outlines the major points about the government-funded discount program called Cash-for-Clunkers.  I have determined that this proposal is a government subsidy to use taxpayer money to both “save” the car industry as well as to reduce the negative impact upon the environment.  If the value of this program is objectively evaluated you will find that this may become both a waste of money and have a negligible improvement upon the environment.

Over the past several weeks we have seen the outright demise of Chrysler as an American automobile company.  The failure of the General Motors Corporation was next but only after a hue and cry from Washington politicians that an immediate influx of taxpayer money was needed to “save” those companies.  The injection of tens of billions of taxpayer dollars was still insufficient to prevent the self-destruction Chrysler and GM caused upon themselves due to poor business decisions.  The ONLY way to force companies to make better decisions and remain viable, job-producing sources of American pride is to ensure they are competitive without government subsidies.  Americans voters are much more interested in capitalism vice the nationalized socialism that this program smacks of. 

Objective research into the existence of a global warming trend indicates that the man-made component is relatively insignificant.  I am sure that you are aware that the Earth was significantly warmer 1,000 years ago than it currently is today and this obvious and historical fact minimizes the relationship between vehicle emissions and any greenhouse effect.  What strikes me as most interesting is that no one is paying attention to the thermal output fluctuations of the Sun when discussing this issue.  Logic dictates, therefore, that the significant taxpayer burden for this program will do nothing to address the environmental issue but will have a significantly negative effect upon the American economy.

Although I am very much in favor of funding our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan I strongly suggest that you find a way to remove the Cash-for-Clunkers legislation attached to this bill.  As a voter I keep an accounting of what frivolous expenses are imposed upon me - the taxpayer - and the cumulative effect determines who I feel is most suitable for your current position.  Support for this legislation would in no way encourage me to look favorably upon you at election time.

Very sincerely,

James Hull