Well, maybe we like open spaces more and some of us prefer not living right next to shopping and activity centers? is that so bad? Not to us it isnt. Different strokes for different folks. The village I live in is very walk-able. We take walks all the time. So do lots of people. Kids that live close enough to the local schools walk to school also. Most have a fairly short ride which does require a bus.

However, no, we do not walk to major shopping centers, our jobs, etc. So what? Who has the right to say were wrong for using cars as needed or desired? We like our acre sized lots. We like having some privacy. We like our yards, patios, etc, etc. It doesnt make us monsters. Its just how we roll. We dont tell you what to do or how to live in Europe, right? Of course not. I could say the same thing about you “missing” out on our small village living(of course any small local shops can and do get walked to) and open spaces. You like it all packed in and close. We dont. Thats OK. No one is right or wrong here

You have 700 million people but its broken up by separate countries. You dont think that makes it a tad different than the USA which is a melting pot of… yeah, lots of European people and various other nations? It sure does. Gee though, I thought I did agree somewhat they we do need to embrace the smaller car.

How does quality of life suffer when we own our own homes, have privacy, safe neighborhoods, decent schools, peace & quiet, etc. Help me out here? Not everyone wants to live on top of each other in some clustered city. Thats fine if you do but people should have a choice.

I have not been to Europe but comparing Europe to the USA doesnt work. We have 300+ million people. We have a hugely diverse population with both religion and culture. Texas is larger than almost every Euro country. You should understand easily why there is no way to compare the two.

Yes, minivans work too. The point is that I do agree that most people can handle their travel needs with smaller vehicles. Im not arguing against you here.

Well, yeah you can always pay for delivery or rent a truck for a new couch or fridge. If you are a contractor though you do need a larger vehicle. A family of 4-6 people do need the space afforded by an SUV or four door truck. Not everyone lives in the city nor wants to. You can’t assume everyone’s needs based only on city living.

Zoning laws exist to protect property owners from undesirable developments in their communities. I know it drives the “do gooders” crazy that they can’t just drop Wal marts and crappy apartment buildings all over the place but that’s what zoning exists for. Wrong and middle class people worked hard for their homes and they have a right to protect that investment.

Small cars for basic errands, daily travel and that kind of stuff, sure. But, people still do need larger vehicles for various tasks. What drives me crazy are seeing individuals doing said daily tasks in giant four door pickups or big SUVs. I just dont see the point. We have a RAV4 in the household but have smaller cars for single person trips and stuff.