CC, methinks the blame is on lack of adequate public transit/rail facilities for more sprawly areas, not on the drivers who may need to drive for certain situations.

I think the original email statement was more a reflection on how difficult it is for many people to leave the comfort of a car or break the routine of being in a car for alot of shorter trips/in good weather ..for even a 2-5 block route to get somewhere.

When I am in a car, which amounts to less than 5-10 different trips annually, I never take it for granted. It feels luxurious and special. And this feeling, should remain so. It IS luxurious and expensive.

By now, I probably sound like I've been living the rainforest jungle, isolated from reality. Or in the Gobi desert with camels.