Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

As the war in Iraq rages on, as fuel prices hover far above what we'd like them to be, and as we fumble through traffic every morning trying to make it to school and work, it is high time for a reminder why we pay such a high price just to get around.

In the 1950s began an era of such economic boom that everyone wanted - and had the money - to get an automobile. It just so happened that the U.S. government, being such good friends with the Big Three in Detroit, and already being jealous of the German autobahn, agreed with that want and hatched a plan to let every American fulfill it.

But not unlike many personal choices that are centered around consumerism, this one was fatally short-sighted. The interstate highway was born to allow quick and easy access for the military to any part of the country in the event of a national emergency. This system was supposed to end at the edge of cities, but with automobile popularity continuing to soar and with how easy it is for the government to spend more than intended, these highways went right ahead and sliced on through. That, along with GM being given permission from city governments to put their streetcar and bus companies out of business, the success of the rhetoric coming from those who believed (foolishly) that "public" meant "Communist", and the rampant belief that somehow these automobile contraptions were the American dream as opposed to just potential facilitators for it, and a host of other reasons, led to the demise of independence, efficiency, and personal economic freedom.

It is sobering to think about the fact that the US built the world's first trans-continental railroad but let it lie in rot once trucking came along. We are so behind in the transportation sector compared to countries of equal development that it will take no less than an oil crisis of proportions never before seen, or simply conscientious voters, to turn this tide.

What specifically I talk about is a nationwide high-speed rail service, much like those of Asia and Europe. This would provide private, profitable, safe, efficient, and at 200-300 mph, blindingly fast interstate transportation - the best of air and road travel without any of the drawbacks. In my opinion, Amtrak should be expanded to these proportions, split, and privatized.

What would also put a hole in our little dilemma on wheels is the rethinking of cities. With bike lanes, sidewalks, and greater urban densities, growth no longer crawls outwards, but climbs upwards. This creates an entirely new dimension of city design. Imagine fitting more people in a smaller area, comfortably, and saving money at the same time. The benefits of this are endless, including greater livability, an improved environment, lower utility costs, more successful small and independent businesses, more vibrant communities, and most importantly, the end of being forced to drive. Just hop on your bike, the bus, or take a walk. If you need to head off to Dallas for a concert or convention, hit the bullet train and get there in just 2 hours. It's your choice. Either move somewhere with these ideas already in motion, or start speaking up about how dismal your choices are.