The unspoken assumption here, of course, is that the average citizen is incapable of planning as well or as wisely as Those Who Know Better. The latter, of course, have anointed themselves as such, and are convinced that no one can see as far as they can. Hey, they've been to college! THEIR decisions aren't emotional.

When I buy a car, there are a lot of things to consider. I wasn't worried about speed and power, except for emergency situations. I DID need a shitload of room inside for my family and the stuff I carry. Settled on a Eurovan. Mileage is so-so, but it's an old car now. An old guy on a three-wheeled bike can blow my doors off, but I can get over the Sierras if I have to. This car matched my particular needs, and the environmental movement not only does not know jack about what I want or need, but has no right to force me to meet THEIR particular automotive fantasies. Hey, I don't take Ralph Nader and force him to buy a Hummer.

I know exactly what their "long range planning" involves. I've read their stuff. These people are not interested in the environment, they're interested in political power to further their goal of obliterating Western industrial society. The SUV symbolizes this to them, which is why it earns a high place on their shitlist. The sooner the less-radical liberals realize this, the better off we'll all be.