Friday, July 31, 2009

Roll-onomics

Today's NYT reports that the BobOnARoll auto industry rescue plan has been a resounding success. We need to keep funding and expanding this successful initiative.

Though not precisely structured as recommended in my Dec 8, 2008 blog, the government's 'Cash for Clunkers' financial incentive to get consumers to buy new, fuel efficient vehicles is right on target.

The program achieves two key objectives of Roll-onomics: one, incentivize consumer purchases of durable goods to revitalize consumer spending generally and increase activity in the manufacturing sector; and, two, target this activity to industries we have been or might need to bail out to ensure their survival.

The beauty of the auto plan is that it puts money in the hands of the people who will spend it and allows for a lot of choice and flexibility within broad yet specific environmentally sound guidelines.

Additional plans to consider now are household durable goods---washers, dryers, air conditioning and heating systems, insulation, etc. Homeowners must buy from companies manufacturing these items in the USA, and product specs must conform to strict eco-friendly standards.

Let's Roll.


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