[Chat] It's worth a try

[Linda Forlifer]

Hi Sharon,

I'm with you.  I got rid of my car about two years ago, and it's really
worked out well.  I walk to work and shops, use the buses and taxis
occasionally, and rent a car for a weekend about once a month (about $60
for 3 weekend days) for some errands and visiting family.  I'm getting a
lot more healthy exercise and saving tons of money, all while doing my
part to slow global warming.

Living where we do, we have the ability to function well without cars
(depending on where people work).  The Charles, the Rotunda, St Paul St,
Greenmount, Hampden are all within walking distance.  Buses are easy for
going downtown or up to Belvedere Square.  An occasional taxi or rental
is not too expensive when you don't have car maintenance, insurance,
etc.

And one of the best benefits is the lack of stress--so many fewer
occasions of crazy drivers, not worrying about whether I'll get a
parking ticket or where did I leave the car; so many more pleasant
walks.

The rise in gas prices will help America change its lifestyle; we must
change for the sake of the environment and the generations to come.

Linda

>>> SLG2700 at cs.com 05/09/07 2:26 PM >>>
Neighbors:

The only thing that will work is for us to stop using our cars.  Switch
to 
public transportation.  If we had supported Jimmy Carter when he wanted
to 
improve nationwide mass transportation in the late '70's (one of the
reasons Reagan 
got elected with the help of the automobile and oil contributions) we
would 
not be in the predicament we are now.

I have been using mass transportation and my feet since the first of
the year 
and it is perfectly doable.  If we all did that the powers that be
would 
notice and things would change.  But as long as Americans continue
their obsession 
with living in the suburbs and shopping at malls with franchises, we
will 
continue to be at the mercy of the oil, gas and automobile
manufacturers.

I am thinking of starting a group to promote leaving our cars behind
with an 
emphasis on pedestrian safety. Does anyone know of an effort that
exists 
already?

Sharon L. Guida
2746 Maryland Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21218
410-889-0436 (home)
410-467-4409 (work)
410-467-4410 (work fax)
410-960-1139 (cell)
SLG2700 at cs.com