05-13-2009, 03:09 AM
Ojai, CA is an interesting example. I was thinking more of the San Juan Islands in Washington State where ferry service is the bottleneck, and how new ferry routes and service only stimulated growth to even greater unsustainable states, which are now in double trouble as the the state cannot afford the ferry service. It's a real trap, and we could easily find ourselves in the same place with the roads.
So in the case of Ojai, is the policy there due to the fact that it's expensive and exclusive--or has it become expensive and exclusive because of the ecologically benign and desirable quality of life due to a no growth policy? I'm not asking this rhetorically, it's a very good question, and there may be better ways to stimulate prosperity here than building the hell out of everything in sight, a process that generally benefits very few at the cost of quality of life for most. Rather than stimulate prosperity by growth we may find it much more intelligent to stimulate prosperity by adding value. Looking at new economic models is very important at this juncture.
It's important to consider policy that won't be obsolete by the time it's built. We're facing a future of much higher fuel prices, carbon taxes, and an overall softer economy than we're used to "enjoying." How much driving fits in with that is worth considering.
Speaking of wonky impractical alternative vehicles, I've designed a rain powered vehicle that would drive from Volcano and back on water, but it's a completely stupid and useless thing worth nothing more than a media stunt--but undoubtedly would make a big "splash." LOL
If anyone wants to build such a thing, get a hold of me. It would work, but mind you it's useless.
So in the case of Ojai, is the policy there due to the fact that it's expensive and exclusive--or has it become expensive and exclusive because of the ecologically benign and desirable quality of life due to a no growth policy? I'm not asking this rhetorically, it's a very good question, and there may be better ways to stimulate prosperity here than building the hell out of everything in sight, a process that generally benefits very few at the cost of quality of life for most. Rather than stimulate prosperity by growth we may find it much more intelligent to stimulate prosperity by adding value. Looking at new economic models is very important at this juncture.
It's important to consider policy that won't be obsolete by the time it's built. We're facing a future of much higher fuel prices, carbon taxes, and an overall softer economy than we're used to "enjoying." How much driving fits in with that is worth considering.
Speaking of wonky impractical alternative vehicles, I've designed a rain powered vehicle that would drive from Volcano and back on water, but it's a completely stupid and useless thing worth nothing more than a media stunt--but undoubtedly would make a big "splash." LOL
If anyone wants to build such a thing, get a hold of me. It would work, but mind you it's useless.