A good reason to ride public transportation

[Lydia Leftcoast]

I was riding the bus back from swimming this morning, when I overheard a bunch of youngish men saying, "McCain this" and "McCain that."

Then one of them said, "Well, we have to do something about gas prices. It costs $50 to fill up the tank."

That was my entering wedge to start talking about why gas prices are so high, including the fall in the value of the dollar, and the fact that the Iraq War is costing $250 million a day, most of which is owed to China and other foreign countries.

The figure of $250 million a day seemed to get to one of the young men. He kept repeating it.

I don't know if I changed any minds, but sometimes all it takes to start the process is a stunning bit of information like that.

If you ride the bus or train every day, think of it as a great opportunity for hearing real grassroots opinions and for occasional "missionary work."

[Forkboy]

1. This illustrates what a bastard I am when I take the bus.

The last thing I want to do is talk to anyone. I literally told a guy the other day, "Don't bother talking to me, I'm not in the mood for idle jibber jabber."

You outgoing people scare me. ;)

I like your story, my own asocial attitude notwithstanding. I think a lot of people are surprised when the actual cost of the war is stated. They must know subconsciously that it's a fortune, but I think having the number stated drives it home.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. This isn't the first time I've had a chance to be a "missionary"

I've done it in both Portland and Minneapolis.

You can also learn a lot by listening to people on the bus. I learned about life inside Oregon's juvenile reformatory, life as a traveling hobo, what some African-Americans thought of the OJ trial, how a well-known Pacific Northwest corporation treats its employees, and how little illegal immigrants are paid.

I think our political landscape might look quite different if everyone of all social classes rode public transit and listened to and talked to one another. I don't ever argue. I just look for entering wedges and places in which I can meet them where they are.