Why do we have to bail out the government, Big Auto, stock scandals, and others when it is general knowledge that Credit card co's scam us? I had 3 major cards at 6% that told me I was late, and on my ist time raised my interest from 6% to 20+%. I told them I sent the payment a week and a half ago, but no help! Yes. I set up from there on to pay online. But too late! Why do we have to get the phone calls from these scammers, and still pay Obama"s $850 bailout?

Jim /Austin

Ross Perot was right. Do you people hear that "giant sucking sound" ?

Another STUPID idea, which means it will become law.

If you want to save fuel, just drive less.  Being forced to buy a new car just to save a gallon or two of gas?

Who is going to have to pay for this? Oh wait, I think I know who.

What is next? Being forced to wear smaller clothing to save on food bills?  

It is really getting crazy out there people.

All these people getting laid off, jobs being replaced by companies moving overseas, does everyone realize that alot of peoples credit is going to be marred.  I think the banks and everyone involved are going to have to lower their standard on credit in order for the economy to come anywhere around.  These marks caused by the economy should not be held against us.

How Ridiculous indeed! Let's look at this- the credit markets are pretty well frozen, massive amounts of people are in foreclosure, laid off, clsoing their small business, or seeing their spending ability drop drastically- Therefore, they cannot get a car loan, are unable to show any income, or have been late one month on their credit cards and have had: a late fee charged to them, their interest raised to the default level, their credit score drop when the late payment hits it and their balances lowered in drastic amounts- further lowering their credit scores... Those lucky (and that is all it is) not to be in a budget crisis still must deal with the credit freeze- unless they plan to pay with cash! I do not know who came up with this silly bill--- a great number of Americans will be totally unable to participate in this "incentive."

I have to say this is a rather stupid idea. The price of used cars will go up and more people will be tempted to sell what they can't afford to lose, an affordable means of transportation. On top of all this, I'm extremely disappointed to have learned that our economic system was based off the Automotive Industry... it almost seems foolish that there isn't something in place to prevent this type of crisis from happening. Here's a good plan to fix this problem... 1. Start paying people more money 2. Stop the bailouts for these companies that don't have a wise plan to use it 3. Don't try to pass a law that is just benefiting the rich people in this country.

Haven't made up my mind on this idea yet - although some of the prior posters made good points, but I'd like to comment on this:

"5,500 is rediculis on a 45,000 on a newcar for the rich."

Are you thinking of buying a Mercedes? A new Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla is around 17K out the door, and they aren't even the cheapest new cars. If you want a small American car, it's even cheaper, but Toyotas and Hondas hold their value much better. Sure, if you want to buy a Mercedes...

I just love it when people say how a used car is always a better deal or how new cars lose 20% a year. A used Mercedes or a used SUV may cost more than a new Honda Civic. And my Honda Civic's value barely declined by 20% in 3 years not 1 year.

 How many of the big three car company products are actually made in America? Do a little research and you'll be very dissappointed. My toyota tacoma was assembled here in the  USA. I hate the truck and wish I had never purchased it , but it wasn't made in Mexico or Canada lkie all GM trucks except for the bottom line W/T. Allll Dodge trucks  are made in Mexico so let them fall.

  Is it just the average person here in the USA that can see how poorly all the companies and this great country have been run or what. So give them their big bailout checks so they can get thier big bonuses and they will fail anyway. Who is being held accountable for their mess. WE are. What a shame.

Back in the 50s/60's Volkswagen made a little car with a small price tag, and got over 40 mpg  was a huge success for many years.   Now with all of our technology and our advancements.  U.S auto makers are having a hard time even coming close to 35mpg and all of their new cars cost over $30,000. No wonder why they need bailing out.  I might be willing to trade in my 10 year old Dodge Conversion van (12 mpg) for a  car made in the us that costs under $15,000 and gets 60 mpg.  I know it is possible for them to do it.  But then again in my financial situation I would never be accepted for a loan nor will I be able to pay that anyways so it looks like my gass hog will be on the road for a long time.  So the government might as well go back to the drawing board and rethink this  idea.  I have an idea.  Get the credit and financial institutions to quit giving late charges, finance charges, high apr's and additional fees.  that way people could use that extra money to buy other things.  and stimulate the economy.  also find other ways to keep the gass prices down untill we find ways to be free from the need to use fosil fuels.

Please read this and think about the point I'm trying to make!

My example is the work truck used by the commercial/construction industries.  Most converted to diesel because it was more efficient and the fuel cost less, consequently providing an incentive to their use.  Many heavy, commercial grade users experienced mileage over 20 mpg, which was roughly double that of a comparable gasoline truck.  

Turn the clock ahead, and the wisdom of of people purportedly supporting the environment resulted in emissions changes that cut their mileage in half.  Our goal of 'no emission vehicles' is almost realized, yet at the cost of using twice as much fuel for the same amount of output...  This also has driven up the cost of these trucks in terms of research and development.

This is a paradox, but you see how one initiative creates another problem that must be legislated to solve, adding one more layer to the problematic onion.  

We keep chasing our tail and wil never fix the problem without some common sense.