Carol, I've ridden on high speed trains in Europe. Took the TGV from Geneve to Lyon to Avignon and back to Lyon just last September .<BR><BR>And we also ride the trains in Europe on virtually every trip we take to Europe and enjoy them. We've also rented cars in Europe where it made more sense like in the Scottish Highlands. And the cars were all rather small, in fact some were too small for me at 6:3. <BR><BR>But that is Europe...but it is not the US!<BR><BR>Aren't many posters here telling us that we should act a certain way in Europe and we do....BUT...GUESS WHAT THIS IS AMERICA AND WE DRIVE CARS!!!!<BR><BR>So get over it!<BR><BR>US

Americans always have to be apologizing for something, now it is because we drive cars alot.

If you choose to own a private vehicle, it's a good idea to use it responsibly. No one can/should make you do that; your own common sense and commitment to the future of your family, community, country, etc. should take care of it. No need to apologize for owning a car per se. <BR><BR>Take public transportation when you can. Walk, bike, skateboard, roller skate, ride a scooter. Take a cab if you need to. Keep a car, if you have a place to keep it, and drive it only when you truly need to. Be an advocate and activist for improved public transportation, emission controls, and sensible foreign policy. Share a car with friends, or get involved with a program like San Francisco's car share deal. If you live in a house with three other people - let's say, spouse and 2 driving-age children - do you really need four cars, and do you all need to drive them around constantly? Perhaps, with a bit of planning and organization, two or even one would do.<BR><BR>All of this is absolutely everyone else's business; it's not just your own personal choice. I don't even understand how someone can make the argument that it is. It's the same concept as if you throw garbage on the street outside your house, beat your kids until they scream for help, commit random acts of wanton violence, or pee in the local resovoir. If we all practice moderation now, driving a private vehicle only when and if we need it (some people never do), then perhaps 20 or 30 or 40 years from now people will still have the "freedom" to do the same. Keep up the insanity that goes on in the US today (I'm not saying it doesn't occur elsewhere, but I live in the US) and no one will be driving.

"All of this is absolutely everyone else's business; it's not just your own personal choice. I don't even understand how someone can make the argument that it is."<BR><BR>Common Sense,<BR><BR>Of course it's your own personal choice. Who's choice is it?...the government, you , the next door neighbor.<BR><BR>Are you in the mileage or gas rationing business?<BR><BR>Let'see:<BR><BR>1. tobacco<BR><BR>2. Fast food restaurants<BR><BR>3. Movie popcorn<BR><BR>4. Guns<BR><BR>5. Cars<BR><BR>What is next on the touchy, feely leftwing agenda?<BR><BR>What else this is free in the land of the free about to be targeted by the left loonies?<BR><BR>US

Uncle Sam and others: Commonsense is so right and so balanced. You on the other hand are completely into your own personal immediate self-gratification regardless of the cost to anyone or anything else. You defend this by calling it "freedom". Hear is some news for you...freedom entails responsibility.

Brianna,<BR><BR>Thank you for your condescending lecture.<BR><BR>Here is some info for you:<BR><BR>1. I drive responsibly!<BR><BR>2. Two of my cars get over 24 mpg<BR><BR>3. My insurance rates are low.<BR><BR>4. I'm not a "fat" American. I'm 6:3 and weigh 187 lbs and run over 3 miles per day<BR><BR>And I resent you telling me what I should and shouldn't do to meet your standards of "sharing and caring"!<BR><BR>So you go and drive your electric car or your Yugo and in your graciousness can cover your pereceived notions of my sins!<BR> <BR><BR>US<BR><BR>