Reader E. H. sends in this note on the absurdity of “cash for clunkers.”

The hapless Democrats believe their “cash for clunkers” bill, promoted to help the environment, will save the auto industry, too. Somehow a $3,500 voucher will entice me to trade in my van, which is paid for, to assume a $20,000 debt on a new vehicle which will get as little as 2 mpg better mileage. The $3,500 voucher will be nullified by the depreciation on my trade-in, which will be practically worthless since the bill requires the dealer to scrap it. Also, this wasteful scrapping of a serviceable vehicle is being pushed by Democrats who also complain we use too much of the world’s resources. And where did the Democrats get the idea for this bill? From GM, a company suffering from too many of its ideas already.