Reader Question: Why Not New Old Beetles?

Here’s the latest reader question, along with my reply!

PM asks: Sure seems like the USA needs micro-factories, like McDonalds franchises.  Small town places each building 499 vehicles per year.  If run by few peoples and machines, advertise on Internet. Could bring back a better Dino 246 Ferrari or other pretty vehicles. Maybe the original VW Beetle with a better engine?

My reply: The problem here is with your assumption that Uncle would ever allow such a thing. A mass-market/affordable alternative to Uncle-mandated cars. It will never happen, because Uncle would then lose control as people elected not to buy government-mandated cars.

So it’s not a question of needs. People’s needs are irrelevant. I need a simple, catastrophic care health insurance policy. I do not need “substance abuse counseling” or maternity coverage. But Uncle will not allow me to buy the catastrophic coverage I need – and could afford. Instead, he forces me to buy the “substance abuse counseling” and maternity coverage (and other things) I do not need – and cannot afford – and then sics the IRS on me if I decline to buy it.

Because it gives Uncle more control.

It’s the same with cars.

Uncle grants an exemption here and there – but only for a tiny handful of very affluent people. He does the same, incidentally, with regard to health insurance. Congress and other high government muckety-mucks are exempt from Obamacare.

How ’bout them apples?

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