I am Jack's twisted sense of self-satisfaction

My car broke. Something with the gearbox and/or clutch -- the shifter is just loose and won't go into any particular gear. Given the circumstances -- busted windshield, check engine light that comes on when it feels like, assorted dents and dings, nearly 200,000 miles -- I am convinced that it's time to put the old Saturn out to pasture. It's been serviceable.

Now normally(?) I would be immediately searching for a new set of wheels, perhaps even something with power steering. Given the current climate of ridiculously expensive gas and habitat walk-ability (among other factors) I'm not really in much of hurry to get back on the road. In fact, I may try the car-free lifestyle as long as possible. It will get easier with time.

About these other factors that, uh, factor into my attempts to go car-free. I was reading this article the other day. It's basically about how people can make major changes and quick if they want to preserve a planet similar to that on which civilization developed. It is tempting to say: The hell with this global warming garbage. Why should I change, I don't live on the coast. Warm weather sounds nice. Other things. But these strike me as horribly selfish and Western ways to think. One million dead South Asians can't be wrong.


The point is that everyone needs to do whatever they can RIGHT NOW to avert a global disaster the likes of which we haven't seen since Dennis Quaid walked many miles through the snow. And since I ain't about to cut my home-energy use, going carless seems like the most prudent way to go about it. I am an American. Plus the public transportation system around here is awesome SEPTA. So it will take more work and effort to do certain things like go to the Phillies game on Friday.

But what are we if not problem solvers? There are non-pecuniary benefits to not owning a car. When your feet and body are your main means of transportation, taking care of yourself becomes a priority. Not having a car is the reason I will bike 10 3.5 miles a day. Carrying a case of beer four blocks is more satisfying than road rage. Also there is a nagging suspicion that apes driving is unnatural. The car was a great invention in 1930, before peak oil.

Only when you lose something do you understand how much you use it as a crutch. Driving everywhere has been part of Americana for the past 50 years, and look where that's gotten us. The ability to carry great weights at high speeds has become an unalienable right for everyone, no matter how fat they are. This culture doesn't deserve free time if it's going to be spent this way.