I totally understand what you're getting at here, and agree that the cost of consumerism must be paid at some point in the supply chain, vis a vis fuel choices for vehicles. But I do, as a Brooklyn native & lifelong NYC citizen, take exception to this one thought you've shared. It's really important, in NYC, to be willing to push back right now. There are mighty changes afoot, what with a billionaire mayor eager to curtail civil liberties and at the same time give away huge tracts of land to billionaire developers, and yet the west side stadium died in a hail of public and vocal dissent. We don't have to compromise, and every new yorker has a chance to remake the city in his own image, if he can find enough like-minded folks to push back.

One example-Commerce Bank recently tried to build a new facility on the same avenue where this accident took place. CommerceBank is a suburban chain, mostly, and their banks are for the most part freestanding buildings with drive-thru lanes. (If you don't know park slope, this sort of facility simply could not be less appropriate) This is what they had planned for their new branch in the heart of brownstone Brooklyn, but enough folks kicked up a ruckus that they've modified their plans to fit better with the spirit and character of the neighborhood.

The minute we give the momentum over to developers and profiteers is the minute we lose the city. Thes fukkers can and have been fought off before, but only if everyone here stands firm and claims the city for its citizens and not those who seek to bleed it dry.

OK, that's enough civic boosterism for now.