Now we are dwelving further and further into the nuance and inevitability of dealing with automobiles in our culture. To I like to bike, don't piss in the campfire so much- Mackinac Island is one of the few places in America there are NO private automobiles so everyone uses horses, bikes or walks. But yes, most people drive to the ferry terminal and yes, the sugar for the fudge is imported, very astute of you to point out the realities of a global economy.

Yes, Kris, I think you should feel like a partial sellout if you believe strongly in a car free lifestyle. That doesn't mean its wrong for you to work in the auto industry, and expat, wanting to play on motorcycles and ride around on gas powered playthings is okay if you personally want to. BUT THESE DON'T MESH WITH YOUR SELF DESCRIBED BELIEF SYSTEMS!

It doesn't mesh with the environmental or 'car free' ethic. So, to expat, your hobbies should make you feel a bit guilty if you want to live a green lifestyle, which it sounds like you do. Or are these other lifestyle choices (solar, rain buckets, etc.. ) economic, versus environmental, decisions for you? I think my friend Linda is more 'cheap' than 'green' for example.

The only good 'car free' auto mechanic would be one that monkey wrenches, then proclaims, "this infernal chariot is toast! lets see about getting you a nice bike to ride..." But hey, I've worked as a sellout to my ethical beliefs before, and it SUCKED. But, don't get me wrong, I can like cars, too. I was ogling someones classic Jaguar V-12 roadster yesterday.

Give me an engine I can adjust the valves and monkey with the Strombergs, I like engines and cars in a technical regard, looked as inventions and tools of utility, but independant of their environmental impact.

For people in the Puget Sound area the reality is this, and maybe in many american cities too:
-The biggest contributor to pollution here is the family car.-
Cars are the culprit. It's not power plants. Its not industry. Its people in their cars.