Better breathing
Monday, July 21st, 2008A blow for the Beijing Olympics today with explosions aboard two commuter buses that killed two people and injured more than a dozen. China has been working hard to change its image ahead of the Olympics, which start next month. Some of the efforts have been positive, and some - like the mass culling of pet dogs - have been horrifying to many of us.
Now they’re attempting to reduce smog in time for the athletes to breathe easier during their events. They’re being ruthless about emissions and actually forcing car drivers to take transit. They are alternating days, based on their licence plate numbers.
Our poll question today is, do you think we should try that here? We have lung-clogging smog days of our own.
What we may not have is the transit system to support half of the city’s drivers climbing on board every day. But it’s up to you to weigh in on whether it would be a good idea, or not.
Yes, I know, in this society, we would never stand for being told we can’t do something that is a privilege, but treated as a right. But if it meant cleaner air for all of us, would you consider it anyway?
If I had the option, I don’t know that I would take transit into work, because it wouldn’t be very smart, leaving as I do shortly after 3 a.m. But, perhaps I could get creative if I wasn’t allowed to drive my vehicle. It’s difficult to get people out of their cars. The freedom of choice is too fundamental to our way of life, which is what makes our way so great. I just wonder what - if anything - it would take to get us to change our ways.
