Oil consumption only fuels global conflicts

Editor,

I have ridden in no car since April 7, 2001 — almost 12 and a half years ago. I have owned no car since 1979 — 34 years ago. I had a driver’s license for 36 years, but I did not renew it when it expired in 2000.

I am glad I have no car. I would not keep a car if you gave me one for free. I pledge never to own a car for the rest of my life.

I enjoy the freedom of having no car. I avoid all parking and traffic tickets. I have no hassles with car repairs, car theft, car crashes, flat tires, vandalism, monthly payments, depreciation, paying for insurance or finding a parking space. I save much money and many resources — oil, metals, rubber and more.
Most people worldwide cannot afford to own a car. Imagine how much sicker our earth would be if all people old enough on Earth drove cars like most USA-ans.

Cars cause wars for oil and catastrophic climate change. Cars vomit poisons into the air. Highways, streets, garages and parking lots smother millions of acres of fertile soil. Car crashes cripple, paralyze and kill millions. Cars isolate people from other people and from nature.

Sadly, most USA-ans are addicted to driving their cars as much as their dollars and time allow. Most USA-ans have no strong conscience against hogging the world’s resources and poisoning the Earth for future generations.

Many USA-ans regard this insane, deadly addiction to driving cars and to flying in jets as their absolute right, far more important than the lives and homelands of Iraqis, Afghans, Libyans, Nigerians, Colombians, Ecuadorians and more, destroyed in the U.S. Empire’s mad pursuit of oil.

I enjoy walking most places I go in town. Our legs are great doctors. Much walking strengthens bones and the heart, prevents diabetes, clears the mind, sheds fat and stimulates blood circulation. Cars spoil people, making their bodies fat, lazy and sick.

Occasionally I ride the city bus or the Rail Runner. I have not travelled out of state since 1994 when my dad died in Illinois.

Walking is best and bicycling follows, but I have never learned to bike. Then come trains, buses and ships. Worst of all for human health and the environment are cars and planes.

I wish I had realized these things 48 years ago when I was a college student. I am deeply indebted to many people who have taught me, loved me and inspired me in the university of life.

Don Schrader
Daily Lobo reader