I think that is a good point, james, because it seems (in my opinion) that most Americans have skewed values. Often times, people confuse desires and wants with needs. Even just 100 years ago, most Americans still didn't have electricity, running water, and automobiles. Yet they managed to live and survive.
I would dare say that most people here in Los Angeles could reasonably bike to work. The only reason they might not be able to at this point is because they are so out of shape from laziness, atrophy, and (ironically enough) a lack of exercise. Nice cyclical problem there: I'm too out of shape to bike to work because I don't bike to work.
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