Originally Posted by Mellowicious
Still, I feel it behooves me to say that, well, that passion for speed and power in automobiles is one of the major problems we need to overcome now. And it's deeply rooted in a certain percentage of Americans.
Would it also be fair to say that it is deeply rooted in a certain gender?

Passion. Speed. Power. Why don't we men devote as much energy to acquiring those characteristics in our own bodies as we do in our cars? Oh, wait. I know the answer. The former would require a great deal of discipline and effort. For the latter we need only get a loan.

Originally Posted by Mellowicious
Another cultural issue (and this is one I'm guilty of) is the love of the road trip; the "don't fence me in" attitude. We tend to think it's part of the American soul but, in reality, it's more likely a product of the American cinema...
I have long help the opinion that the ability to travel great distances at will and in comfort has been for the entire history of humanity a measure of luxury. One's wealth is in large part judged by where and how one has traveled.

Steve
Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love,
to respect and be kind to one another,
so that we may grow with peace in mind.
(Native American prayer)