KEN'S KORNER - SEPTEMBER 2009
A STIMULUS PLAN FOR TRUCKERS?
BY AUTHOR, EDUCATOR & DRIVER KEN SKAGGS
According to an August 11, 2009 ABC News story, President Obama is entering a “what’s in it for me” phase as he plans a series of town hall meetings. In an effort to turn public support in favor of their reform ideas, the Democrat Party is currently running an ad that asks, “What’s in it for us?” Remember when JFK said, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country?” My, how times have changed. We went from asking what we can do to help, to what we can take for ourselves.
These days it seems most people are taking instead of giving. It’s no wonder we are in a recession. There has to be a balance between give and take. We can’t all just take. Who will be left to give? The government is bailing out the auto industry, insurance companies, banks and more. They’re throwing “stimulus” money at everything from infrastructure to environmental organizations. And then there’s the so-called “Cash for Clunkers” program (also known as CARS – Car Allowance Rebate System), where you can get up to $4,500 credit when you trade in a gas-guzzling older car or pickup truck for a new one. It sounds like a good idea, but is it?
I saw the list of qualifying trade-ins on the official website for the CARS program (www.cars.gov) and I’m here to tell you, there are a lot of acceptable trade-ins that are pretty fuel-efficient, and a long list of gas-guzzlers that don’t qualify. Plus, you can trade in your old gas-guzzling American car for a new import – which I thought was strange. This whole “Cash for Clunkers” program is a huge stimulus for Toyota, Honda and other imports, as well as American car companies. It is geared toward lowering pollution – not so much at stimulating the U.S. economy – although it probably will. But shouldn’t we be focused more on saving (stimulating) American car companies?
It’s too bad we can’t get that little extra cash bump when we buy a semi-truck. Wouldn’t that be great if there was a “Cash for Clunkers” program for big rig trucks? I can see it now – “Bucks for Trucks” – bring in your old beat-up cabover and forty-two dollars for a down payment and drive out with a brand new shiny Peterbilt. But then, if they did that, we’d all need a government bailout every month just trying to make the payment – that and some government cheese!
Seriously though, I wish there was a stimulus plan for truckers. We could use a little shot in the arm in this industry right now, too. But that’s okay. We’ll get through it. We always do. We truckers are a proud lot, so we’ll take pride in the fact that we did it ourselves, without any government handouts. We’ll do it the hard way – the old-fashioned way – the only way we know – the tried and proven way – the way that works – through hard work and perseverance.
If you’re like me and see the glass as half-full, you might conclude that we already have a stimulus package of sorts. Ohio recently raised the speed limit for trucks up to 65 mph. I don’t know about you, but that stimulates me when I drive across that state now. Illinois is also planning to raise their speed limit for trucks later this year, which also stimulates me. Now, if only we could get California to raise their speed limits – that would stimulate a lot of us drivers out west.
There are a lot of good things going on in the trucking industry that are stimulating – the weather is fine, my air conditioning works, fuel is pretty affordable, it’s truck show season, and TA restaurant is offering everything on their menu all-you-can-eat. Also, we still have our freedoms (well, most of them), job security (well, sort of), and our sunny disposition (well, there are a few of us still out here). Yes, life can be stimulating for truckers. We already have the whole package. What more could we want?
Of course, if all that “stimulation” isn’t enough for you, you can create your own stimulus package. You could bring your wife or girlfriend along with you on the road – that should stimulate you. Or, maybe you could bring a BBQ grill with you and stop at a nice rest area and cook a good T-bone steak. Mmm-mmm! Now that’s stimulation. Well, that and a baked potato.
If there was a stimulus package for truckers, it should include the right for owner operators to collect unemployment. Wouldn’t that be great? We could work a month, then take a month off and draw some unemployment compensation. We should have free health care, too. Then, of course, we’d need a good dental plan. We could deliver a load and then take some “me time” – get a massage, a pedicure and maybe even a sponge bath. Our free health care would naturally cover visits to the psychiatrist, so then we could also take some time and explain to them how hard life can be sometimes – you know, the times when we actually have to drive our truck (how fair is that?).
I guess I got a little carried away there. But that’s how I see it. When does it end? A little stimulus is always a nice thing, but where do we draw the line? There has to be a balance. If no one worked, who would deliver the toilet paper? We all need some “TP” from time to time. So I think it’s important that we all work (or at least those of us that can). If the government keeps on making life easier for all of us, we will always expect them to keep doing it. Then, each new elected official will try to think of another thing we “need” and give it to us for free. At some point, we’ll have to wake up and realize that’s it – that’s all the money we have – there ain’t no more.
Yes, times are tough. But we are a tough people when we have to be. Just grin and bear it. Complaining is useless and annoying. Come out to a truck show for a little stimulus and be sure to stop by the 10-4 Magazine booth to say “hi” – and while you’re there, buy a t-shirt or sign up for a subscription and stimulate us, too! Have fun and be safe. Remember, a stimulus is only a state of mind. Check out my website (www.bigcitydriver.com) for other “stimulating” trucking topics.