rond..@spiritone.com
There are HUGE economic drivers that have created the world in which we
live. They are so powerful and influential that any changes that challenge
that power are very hard to bring to fruition. One of the results of these
economic influences is the fact that most people travel significant
distances every day for not just work, but recreation. Social engineering
by huge companies wanting huge profits sold us the automobile and the
suburbs as something each of us NEEDED. This has made our society addicted
to speed, pleasure and more and more self-centered endeavors. I know we
come together to show great caring for others, but the main powerful drivers
in our culture push us to buy, buy, buy, want more, more and more and all in
the name of "progress" and "happiness".
The most important thing (in my view) people can do is try your best to make
your lifestyle one that makes a difference. Yes. It is very important to
speak up and act on important matters like HUMAN (not the false label of
"traffic") SAFETY and it can / does make a positive difference. But
getting our society to be willing to "give up" something that will better
the overall environment in which we live instead of keeping the status-quo
or their little special space is what is needed. It might really start to
create generations who are willing to understand the importance of living
life in balance with nature and thus each other. Maybe make that the first
priority of life, not feeding the machine! I know I fail at that, but even
if I can make it work part of the time, that can help. Keep doing good
things OBRA people, but remember you are people first, OBRA second.
Heal Alistar! You can make a huge positive difference.
just my opinion.
ron s.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ryan Francesconi via OBRA
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2015 8:27 AM
To: via OBRA
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Alistar's accident
Like all of you, I am so horrified about this. I've also given what money I
can to the fund. Many place the blame of this event on reckless driving, or
ODOT's mismangement, or a dangerous intersection. Like many of you, I also
live near to this intersection.
The problem isn't any of these things. Those are symptoms of the problem.
The problem is that we live in a car-centric society which places life and
limb beneath convenience. It isn't a given that cars exists, and the
multitude of problems in our society which stem from them aren't a fact of
life. It's important to remember that is possible to stop contributing to
this problem.
I don't feel this event addresses the correct problem:
http://bikeportland.org/2015/05/11/protest-se-powell-slows-traffic-draws-big-crowd-143079
Since I gave up driving, I see more and more what a menace cars are to us,
animals and the planet. It's a dirty game which I could no longer ethically
contribute to. As Portland grows over the next few years, the only way for
it to cope with that amount of additional cars on the streets is for more
streets to become like Powell Blvd.
They nailed it with this article:
http://bikeportland.org/2014/02/24/editorial-a-pro-bike-lane-argument-that-seems-to-work-23-powell-boulevards-101922
No one wants that.
Drive less.
Ride More.
It's a win win for everyone. Thanks to Bike Portland for covering these
important issues in our city.
Ryan
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