Save the planet—buy a Ram truck

You may have heard that we are forking over subsidies of up to $4500 so folks driving old gas guzzlers can buy–-new gas guzzlers! This latest bit of Congressional folly was brought to my attention by a full-page Chrysler ad that showed two hulking trucks and an SUV. At first I thought they were candidates for crushing, but no, they’re what we’re subsidizing to put on the road! Chrysler will double the federal subsidy if you buy a 2009 Jeep Cherokee or Commander, or a Dodge Durango or heavy-duty Ram truck.

Ram trucks typically seem to get about 18 miles to the gallon on the highway, 13 in the city. A Grand Cherokee by contrast is a greenie’s delight: up to 21 mpg highway, 16 in the city. Blue skies! – Dan Ford