It was encouraging to read that local auto dealers are experiencing record sales as a direct result of the Cash for Clunkers program.

This is surely a much-needed boost both financially and in spirit for these dealers and their employees. With Congress passing further funding for the program it will continue a little longer, which I’m sure these dealers and consumers appreciate.

What’s disheartening, although not surprising, is to hear the remarks of U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly, who states that he voted against this program twice. Gallegly states that he thinks there are a lot better things to do with hardearned tax dollars to stimulate the economy than this.

What he doesn’t say is what those “better” things are. I’m sure Gallegly’s constituents would love to hear his alternative suggestions.

Gallegly further states that this isn’t helping U.S. automakers, yet the article correctly states that the Ford Focus is leading the pack in new cars sold under the program. Ford is a U.S. automaker, and some Hondas and Toyotas are manufactured here in the U.S. by American workers.

I don’t recall Gallegly speaking out against his GOP colleagues from Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia who legislated for huge government subsidies and tax credits to foreign automakers to bring their manufacturing plants to their states. Talk about propping up car manufacturers around the world. How does this help U.S. automakers?

I think Gallegly’s problem with this program is simply that it works. As a member of the party of “No,” he has a stake in denouncing anything from the current administration that is successful as it only sends his party further down the road to obscurity.

I hope all the individuals positively affected by this program remember next election cycle how Rep. Elton Gallegly voted noonce but twice against their collective best interest.

The Cash for Clunkers program has performed as advertised by getting some of the gasguzzling SUVs off the road and putting people back to work while funneling money back into the economy.

Truly a living nightmare for Gallegly and the GOP, who continue with the same tired sinking ship agenda of tax breaks for billionaires and mega corporations who pay no taxes while funneling money and jobs overseas.

Now if we could just get some cash for “clunker” representatives. Now there’s an idea. Dennis McKee Simi Valley