Your summary of the statistics is thought-provoking, Jamie. It goes beyond the collision of lives to the collision of values. The value that individuals place on their freedom of movement and self-determination of their behaviour on the road, versus the value that others place on a pedestrian’s right to walk in safety and to share public spaces. And the right of others to breathe less polluted air.
Although we are constantly assured that the free market will save us from the consequences of global warming (eventually) those of us who contribute to it are not typically those who will pay the initial price: if the waters rise, then the inhabitants of low-lying islands will be the first to be forced out of their homes. However, the way that our lives and society is structured, life without access to a car seems unfeasible.
tonyplant
January 23, 2006 - 13:50Your summary of the statistics is thought-provoking, Jamie. It goes beyond the collision of lives to the collision of values. The value that individuals place on their freedom of movement and self-determination of their behaviour on the road, versus the value that others place on a pedestrian’s right to walk in safety and to share public spaces. And the right of others to breathe less polluted air.
Although we are constantly assured that the free market will save us from the consequences of global warming (eventually) those of us who contribute to it are not typically those who will pay the initial price: if the waters rise, then the inhabitants of low-lying islands will be the first to be forced out of their homes. However, the way that our lives and society is structured, life without access to a car seems unfeasible.
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