could wealth truly be a state of mind. Not too much is needed, just enough to keep the heat and electric on in winter, something for the muse to flit across and a glass of something to keep the chill away. I know I am not alone in watching the "current economic crisis" unravel. The fact that my lips turn down when having to type that phrase reminds me of how trivial the words have become regardless of the import. Businesses reported great sales for the infamous "Black Friday", a day which I try to ignore if only that the crush of rabid consumers scares me, however sales over the weekend have, to put it nicely, slumped. Even as "cyber-monday" winds down in the east/midwest I admit that while I glanced at an email from Amazon I actually had way too much to do at work to participate in the spree and plan to do laundry tonight rather then shop from my drafting table at home.
I suppose I am rather lucky in that I currently have a job (in an industry nefarious for cutting people) and enough change for a nice thing here and again. In fact I have been quite guilty of driving my automobile to work irregardless of fuel costs. For the majority of the transit I have been carpooling which may lessen the offense (probably not when a rail line almost serves the entire trip) but to be honest the bus and train have been extraordinarily busy lately. I don't mind standing on the train, in fact I almost prefer it as I can crane my neck more comfortably to watch out the window but I do not enjoy being completely crammed into a corner, feeling my bulk precipitously sway endangering everyone in my direct area. This is my excuse for driving. It is a weak one. (If I could build up the courage to risk cycling into the office I would however my new(ish) job is a full 50% further then my last one downtown and I have not the proper gear for this clime and season(hat/gloves/coat/etc).
This is the crux of my guilt as I warm up my car in the morning, texting my carpooling buddy that I am en route.
I bring this tirade to your attention if only to weakly segue into the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority having released the proposed 2009 Budget. The possibility of fuel surcharges and more route cuts are still a possibility which in the face of lower gas prices and an increased ridership may seem ridiculous. However with the market in turmoil (including retirement investments or federal funding) no one is really sure what the future holds and it is hard to determine if the proper funding needs can be met (take a gander at the tax income for GCRTA in the budget proposal).
I do appreciate GCRTA's transparency and their hope to get the public involved, such as they did when they were announcing route changes. The backbone of a great city is it's infrastructure and transportation. Without it people couldn't get to jobs even if there were any. We really need to realize how important public transit is and push for the sort of connectivity that can enrich our lives. Even if it means having to stay awake enough in the morning to not topple over on those standing nearest me.
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