Congresswoman Jackie Speier, from our neck of the woods, is an advocate for and has proposed legislation reducing speeds to 60mph. While none of us like being told what to do, I confess to having changed my driving habits dramatically since gas reached $4.50 around here. I used to have a very heavy foot and a fuzz-buster warning me of any interference with my suicidal adrenalin rush. Now, not wishing to trade in my zippy car, I cruise along at 60 on the freeway. Guess what, my blood pressure has gone down. I no longer think that anyone driving slower than me is an idiot and anyone driving faster than me is a maniac. OK, I still do, but not so much.

But, what I like best is our efforts at consumption reduction, thus taking away the argument from those train-advocating smartypants types with their holier-than-thou attitudes, that their rails will be the catalyst for saving the world from the greenhouse and us from the poorhouse. We can do that without them.