Listen, Mary Anne, I based my posts on my perception of what you were saying. I freely admit that my perception might be wrong, which is something liberals never seem able to admit.

From your post, "Understand me for once: what you consider your God-given right may actually be infringing on my space, my health, my future."

Did it ever occur to you that I could say exactly the same thing about your views? I can't begin to count the number of times self-righteous liberals have tried to force their views of how everyone should live on everyone else. Nor can I count the number of times so many liberals have called those who dare to disagree with their orthodoxy "bigots", "racists", "Nazis", "homophobes", etc. I do note that you have not resorted to those disgusting tactics but those who do are far more repugnant than those who decry "political correctness."

I really have a hard time understanding the source of your hostility. Looking at the beginning of the thread when RNE correctly pointed out that many people don't have the option of running out and buying newer and more fuel efficient vehicles.

You replied "My issue is with people who routinely drive these things with no discernable reason, and I wonder if it's just because there is insufficient incentive for them to change this habit."

The fact that you might not be able to discern a reason doesn't mean a reason doesn't exist. It's quite likely that vehicle is the only one they own and it has to be able to handle all of their requirements. It's possible they own another vehicle but it was being used for something else at the time. It's possible that they chose to buy big vehicles for other reasons, such as the ability to tow a boat or camper, or just because they wanted one. Ultimately, it appears you see someone alone in a big vehicle and jump to conclusions without bothering to know the facts.

I replied to your post discussing alternatives as they applied to my family situation. I also mentioned how a old but fuel-inefficient vehicle can often cost far less per mile to operate than a new economy car. For many people of limited means, that may be the best vehicle for their needs. At no point did I try to force my choice on anyone else.

As the discussion continued, I pointed out that mass transit doesn't work for everyone and in many places just isn't economically viable. Economic viability is a concept that seems foreign to many liberals. If we had unlimited resources, we could do a lot of things. Unfortunately, those of us living in the real world know we have essentially unlimited wants and limited resources. We have to pick and choose how to use our limited resources for the greatest overall good. In many places, that means limited or no mass transit.

That seem to be the point where you took it personal. You asked me about the traffic at rush hour and I responded that most of the time, it isn't a problem. I also pointed out it isn't my place to determine what other people "need". Nor is it yours.

The discussion continued with you apparently objecting to the beliefs of the Old Order Amish and misdefining "social engineering" verses "public works." You also incorrectly seemed to claim that we live in a democracy. We don't. Our form of government is a representative republic. We never have and never will be a democracy.

You have some strongly held beliefs and I respect that. You seem less willing to tolerate the views of others. So much for "tolerance" and "diversity", which seems to be confined as agreeing with liberal orthodoxy. Any differing views must be demonized or ridiculed.

Oh, and I posted the lyrics to the song for the simple reason that it is right to the point:

"You can't even run your own life
I'll be damned if you'll run mine."

I guess that attitude is offensive to those of you who, in your holier-than-thou self-righteous liberal elitist arrogance believe that you have the right to dictate how others should live their lives. Heaven forbid that anyone actually reply to your posts with a differing opinion! Sorry if that rubs you the wrong way, but not much.