Thursday's Random Thoughts

GET YOUR (GENERAL) MOTORS RUNNING: It's so rare when our government does something that seems to work for everyone.
The Cash for Clunkers program may prove to be one of the best programs for the masses that has ever come out of Washington. But as it is being hailed as a huge success, it leaves me with one question: Why didn't they tie the program into the stimulus packages for the automakers?
I know that the bill was originally proposed by California's Dianne Feinstein (and others) to get inefficient cars off the road. But with all the screaming about why didn't we just let the automakers fail, why didn't we let the market decide and stimulate the economy at the same time?
Because, let's look at it. People are able to get new cars that will save them money. The car companies get more money pumped into their books, and allow them to keep running for a few months. And the government looks like it's doing something to help everyone. Every one's happy.
What gets me is that people are almost surprised by how much of a success the program has been.
Did they think people were going to turn down free money for a new car? Did they think everyone wants to continue driving their old gas guzzler?
So, Congress, getting ready for their month vacation (when's the last time you had a month vacation?), had to hurry and pass legislation to keep the program running. Because, you know, there's more people out there who want to have fuel-efficient cars and are willing to get into debt for a few years.
I love that the Senate was sitting around wringing its hands about extending the program. I realize they have many things to consider when passing a bill that's going to give away $2 billion more, but when the will of the people is screaming, don't you listen?
Of course, considering my car situation, I was looking forward to possibly taking advantage of the program. But it won't happen.
To have your car qualify, they use the government's fuel mileage standards. And my 1995 Chevy S-10, with 240,000-plus miles on it, still gets more than 20 miles per gallon, according to their calculations (and yeah, it's pretty close to that, so I can't complain).
So, instead of getting a new car, I'm putting more money into keeping my car running. And I don't mind, especially if it's able to hold on for a few more months. We only have a small amount left to pay on our other car, and once that's done, it'll give us time to pay off our other debts and allow us to save for a new car when we're ready.

TEAM AMERICA: President Bill Clinton's mission to North Korea was a success. He brought home the two American journalists who were being jailed there. Happy ending to a story that hit pretty close to home for those of us still plying the trade.
Can't we just leave it at that?
Why do we need to read subtext into it? Why can't we just be happy that two women, who's only "crime" may have been walking a few yards too far across the China/North Korea border, have been returned home to their families?
Nooooo. Couldn't just leave it at that.
OK, we get it. Kim Jong Il gets to look like a hero to the world, with Bill Clinton sitting and smiling next to him. Gee, he did something right and we're supposed to be upset for the reasons he did it?
And Clinton? The man is a politician, and he's good at it. If we were talking about politics in sports terms, he'd be a first-ballot Hall of Famer ... and not just because he was President.
The man talks circles around the issues. He's got that perfect politician smile. You know, the one that says "I love y'all, and y'all love me, but y'all ain't gonna believe it when I raise your taxes." Anyone who can argue about how to define the word "is" ... what can you call them but politician?
So, think what you want, but the man was just playing his game. And not very many people play it as well as he does. He came home with the prize without compromising President Barack Obama or any other policy (that we know of).

99 MEMORIES: This week's Kings Classic was actually a game I attended ... Wayne Gretzky's first game as a Kings, way back in 1988. And it conjured up some good memories, from Roy Orbison singing the National Anthem to the place practically exploding when No. 99 scored the Kings' first goal.
But one thing that stood out from rewatching that game: The fans singing the "Na Na Hey Hey" to the Red Wings with five minutes remaining. In a regular season game. The FIRST regular season game.
Used to be us Kings fans would sing that near the end of every home game. Then, somewhere along the line, it morphed to only when the Kings were going to win a playoff series. Now, it's gone.
Admittedly, there hasn't been much chance to sing it lately for the Kings. But beyond LA, I really don't hear it as much in hockey arenas any more. Did we get tired of taunting opponents? Or are we trying to be good sports?
Who knows the answer to that one. But maybe us Kings fans will get a reason to sing it next year. Ah, one can dream.