Cash for Appliances

About 18 months ago, I cashed in on this program. I received a flyer in my power bill with information about disposing of old working freezers and refrigerators. I had 2 freezers that both worked very well. One was a 40-year-old upright, the other was a 20-year-old chest freezer. I really hated to see them go to recycling since they both worked so very well, but due to their age, I couldn't have sold them for much more than the $50 rebate on each (yes, I did try). So, I took the money since I didn't want to keep the freezers.

Thinking back about it now, I didn't realize that it was beginning of bail-outs and give-aways that were to come from the federal government. I don't remember exactly who picked up the freezers or whose company name was on the check other than it was based in California. I didn't live in California and thought it was odd that my local power supplier was promoting this program through this company. I actually did wonder and figured out that the money was coming from the federal government. No company out of the goodness of its heart is going to perform this service without an incentive. I suspect that the companies who are involved in the program are receiving federal funds that contribute to their profit margin.

This wasn't just a give-away to people like me but also to certain "green" companies who were being supported by the federal government through federal taxpayer dollars. Now, there is talk of expanding the program to all non-Energy Star compliant appliances and air conditioners. I cannot even imagine how many of these appliances are still in use across the country. The rebate cost would be staggering. This all has to do with the Smart Grid program that is being shoved down our throats by the liberal Congress. Smart Grid sounds like a good idea on the surface until you realize that the federal government can at will turn off power to just your house if you don't comply to its demands using this system. You use a kilowatt too much on a hot day, they can shut you down your power whether you have the ability to pay for that kilowatt or not.

There are 2 separate issues at play here: Big government wants to control every aspect of your life--cradle to grave. Apparently, you are too stupid to attend to your own affairs without their guidance. And, this just reeks of a bail-out for General Electric who likely would benefit the most from the program. GE is deep in the pocket.