Let auto companies earn bailout money

In lieu of giving or lending money to the American auto companies, how about giving the consumer a $10,000 tax credit if they buy an American car produced by any of the big three American auto manufacturers? We could extend the tax credit until April 15th.

Additionally, in lieu of giving the America taxpayer money, this would work as a stimulus package on the consumer's tax return and stimulate the auto industry at the same time.

In the short term, this could accomplish some immediate boost in sales. In the long term, I think the amount of tax credit should be tied to the efficiency of the car.

Edward R. Meilner

Palatine