A closer look
United States politicians implemented the Cash for Clunkers program in 2009, offering citizens up to forty-five hundred dollars to trade in their older, less fuel-efficient vehicles for destruction. The government physically mandated that the engines of these perfectly functional used cars be completely destroyed with liquid sodium silicate, massively reducing the supply of affordable used vehicles on the market. While it briefly boosted sales for massive auto manufacturers struggling through the recession, it absolutely devastated the secondary market, making it nearly impossible for low-income families to find affordable transportation for years to come. This remains a stellar example of macroeconomic policies designed in wealthy boardrooms that sound great on a spreadsheet but aggressively penalize the poorest citizens in practice. At least the auto executives got their bonuses while the working class walked to work
