The program was not launched before not because of some insidious evil Republican plot, but simply because the government/unions did not own 2/3 of the US auto industry until very recently. It is now in the government's best interest to get as many people buying new cars as possible.

Quote Originally Posted by Shaggy Hiker
Nobody is forcing you to buy a new car.
The purpose of this program is to remove as many used cars from the market as possible. As used cars become increasingly difficult to find their prices will inevitably rise making new cars more attractive to the buyer.

The government will not need to force people into buying new cars - the market will force them to. It's quite a brilliant plan, actually... As long as you don't believe in free markets.

Quote Originally Posted by penagate
As far as I can see the program will barely run long enough to crush any clunkers, let alone all of them.
Never fear, billions more $$$ are on their way...

"Cash for Clunkers" is a textbook example of why they never teach basic economics in public schools.