OH, TO BE A DEADBEAT

December 28, 2024


Owning a Bentley has always been on my bucket list. I can imagine myself tooling down the road toward the golf course in a Bentley. The Tuscan model Continental GT Mulliner in green would really scratch my itch. After working hard for over fifty years in the transportation business, I think I deserve it.

One problem though, the approximate $300,000 they want for the vehicle is a little out of my ability to pay. My buddy Jeff, who owns an auto dealership advises me I could get a 72 month loan and the monthly payment would be $5,579 per month, not including insurance. That’s a little steep for my budget, but I might be able to make it work.

My banker, who finances our semi’s, may bristle at loaning money for a Bentley, particularly when it costs more than a new Peterbilt truck. I suppose their reasoning would be that I can haul freight with the Pete but can only haul my butt in the Bentley. They would probably give me the loan, but at almost $6,000 a month to operate it, I might have some months where I might be derelict. 

A check online for federal dollars to buy my Bentley reveals the government may be a source for fulfilling my dream. Perhaps I can apply through one of the grant platforms, of which there are several. After all, the car would be transporting a senior citizen – me – which is one of their criteria.  I might still be able to conduct some business in the vehicle, even if it is to pay golf bets – another criteria.

But with a government grant, I wouldn’t have to pay the money back! You taxpayers can buy me a Bentley. What a deal!

All sound pathetic, doesn’t it? So, what’s the difference in me getting a government grant at taxpayer expense and the deadbeats getting debt relief for their college loans?

When you borrow money, it’s your responsibility to pay it back, not stick your education costs on the backs of taxpayers. When you don’t, you’re a deadbeat. Period!