The Willow Glen Resident

Letters

Nowadays, only new money talks

I recently went into the local Mercedes-Benz dealership to trade in my 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL on a 1998 ES20. The retail price listed on the window was $47,205. I was surprised to find out that they no longer negotiate the listed retail price.

I assumed that since they were asking top dollar for their new car, I would receive the listed Blue Book value for my car. My car is in perfect condition and has only 54,000 miles on it. But I quickly found out they wouldn't give me Blue Book. When I asked the salesman why, he responded, "It's a soft market." I find this peculiar. It's a soft market for my older Mercedes car, but a top-dollar market for his new Mercedes car.

I have come to the realization that, nowadays, people are willing to buy anything at the listed price. Dealerships like Mercedes no longer have to negotiate because in today's market, people have so much money, they are willing to pay top dollar and receive low dollar for their trade-ins.

I was taught in college that the definition of inflation was "too many dollars chasing too few goods." I've been told by the economists that we have low inflation. However, if people continue in this trend, inflation will soon have a new definition: "High price, low trade-in" and "Only new money talks."

Thomas Sutton
Westgate Avenue

Fund gives aid to Ecuadorian girl

Thank you very much for supporting Ecuadorables' efforts to help Delmira Lopez, the Ecuadorian girl who lost an eye when a kerosene lamp exploded in her home [The Resident, Mar. 5 and Apr. 16.]

Delmira is well on her way to a happier life.

Ecuadorables brought Delmira here so she could work with doctors that could give her a new eye. While she was here, she had an amazing adventure that will forever change her life. When Delmira went home, she had six suitcases packed with clothes and gifts for her and her family. And most importantly, she greeted her daddy with a big, beautiful brown eye.

I must admit, I was absolutely overwhelmed and thrilled at the enormous welcome Delmira received. I guess everybody could see right off what I had noticed when I met her--Delmira is a delightful young lady with a positive, strong spirit. When she was here, so many people wanted to do their part to help Delmira that we started her a fund. It now holds over $8,000. The money will help her family buy food, medicine, school supplies and a new house, but we will need an additional $3,000 to complete the house.

We are hoping to begin the construction in November.

I appreciate your support. As Delmira would say, "Sssank you!"

Soozee Shireman
Director of Ecuadorables, Dean Avenue

Send checks to Ecuadorables, c/o Delmira, at 1124 Dean Ave., San Jose 95125.

[ Back to Contents Page | Willow Glen Resident Home Page | Archives ]