I came across this comment when reading a story on the burgeoning costs of the proposed $1.7 BILLION San Diego Trolley line extension from Old Town in San Diego to La Jolla, California.

Rodrigo Valdivia · San Diego, California

Many of us live with a grand delusion that our automobiles provide efficient and cost effective transportation and insist on being blind to the beyond-shocking costs to maintain and operate them. We justify the cost of houses with larger garages, the insurance, and the repairs as necessities so we can 'get to work'. We unquestionably accept government expenses for freeway construction and upkeep as well as subsidies to big oil. We willingly sacrifice natural resources, architecture and aesthetics at the altar of the automobile gods. Hollywood, Madison Ave. and Wall Street's insistence that cars remain at the core of the American identity as apple pie will only prolong the dream which we now increasingly realize is turning to a nightmare. How do you propose that the $1.7B be better spent to enhance the way San Diegans and our visitors get around?

It’s about the “freedom” dummy …

Mr. Valdivia, like most liberals do not understand that cars represent freedom. The freedom to choose your destination. The freedom to come-and-go on your schedule. The freedom not to be molested by other, shall we say less civilized people. The freedom to transport our possessions in safety and security. The freedom to visit family, neighbors and friends after hours. The freedom not to be inconvenienced or disadvantaged by periodic public employee union strikes.

This is not New York, where people live in tightly-packed communities, surrounded by amenities and have little reason to learn how to drive, much less own a car. This is California where it is 29.1 miles to UCLA hospital and no form of quick, efficient transportation is liable to get you there – unless you accept a $100.00 cab ride. (actually $96.61 including 15% tip per TaxiFareFinder.com).

What is Mr. Valdivia's response to an earthquake and region-wide disruption of public transportation?

I choose to own a car. I choose to own the car I can afford. I choose to go where I want, when I want.

As for all of the other liberal balderdash, involving subsidies to big oil, and sacrificing natural resources, Mr Valdivia is merely spouting the liberal talking points.

Bottom line …

I do have an answer to Mr. Valdiva’s question about how better to spend $1.7 billion dollars. Don’t spend it at all. First, the project will be repeatedly delayed, costs ballooned to $2.5 billion at least, and be saddled with crazy union work rules. Therefore, don’t take the money from the taxpayers in the first place. Let them keep their money to improve their lives without encountering a government inefficiency penalty.

As for Mr. Valdivia, I believe he is beyond hope. That is, unless he finds himself wanting to take a sick child to the hospital in the middle of the night, and providing the stimulus for a radical change of attitude towards cars in California.

-- steve