Stimulus scheme deceitful

Two recent columns praise cash for clunkers as a central planning masterstroke that is “actually doing something for the economy” (Froma Harrop) and “that’s a good thing” (Bert Caldwell). Left unexplained is why this transfer of assets is fair to Americans who aren’t buying cars now, and exactly how a government that is over $1 trillion in deficit can afford it.

Harrop sneers at “finger-wagging over the cost of the program,” but when we see blatant vote-buying by Congress, isn’t that the least we can do?

Caldwell refers to the “stimulus plan,” but there is no plan, merely an understanding that the auto company PACs, unions and dealers will contribute to re-election campaigns of politicians.

Unlike your columnists, most Americans understand that government can’t somehow spontaneously generate money. They know that this and other deceits will come out of their hides in the form of lower purchasing power for their hard-earned dollars. Here’s what our rulers could do now to encourage savers and investors and incentivize productive people: (1) Stop waterboarding the currency and (2 kick their delusional addiction to “managing” our economy.

Robin Corkery

Spokane