Despite all of its problems, it appears “cash for clunkers” is here to stay. As long as we’re trying to save the economy and the environment by destroying perfectly-good property, I see no reason why the same logic cannot be applied to the housing market. Let’s call the next program, “Dollars for Dilapidated Dwellings.” The federal government should provide $50,000 to everyone who burns their old house down and builds a new one — provided they use energy-efficient windows, or whatever. Think of all the good it will do the housing industry and the environment! Next, we should provide a $1,000,000 incentive to anyone who pulls down a skyscraper and constructs a brand new one in the exact same location.

Hell, why settle for half-measures? Let’s destroy everything built before Obama’s inauguration and rebuild new, slightly greener versions of the exact same items.