A long wait at the station for bullet-train bond

The Misanthrope by ETHAN CHATAGNIER

Liberals hate SUVs. I should know — I’m one of them. It only takes the sight of a 4-Runner to get people like me grumbling generalities (gas guzzlers... blood for oil... soccer moms). Though I just think the things look nasty, the more typical left-wing rancor for all things sport-utility has a deeper root.

They act as a figurehead for carelessness about the environment and about energy consumption.

Smaller cars, in contrast, are the signs of a more sensitive individual, bikes show real dedication to the cause and hybrid cars are the glowing picture of the future.

Hybrids have excellent gas mileage in comparison to the typical SUV, and even the typical family sedan. By driving one, you not only conserve energy but can also save a pretty penny on skyrocketing gas prices.

That said, hybrids are not the answer. Improving gas efficiency delays the day when oil consumption outpaces oil production, but only slightly.

Eventually, America is going to have to come to terms with the fact that driving everywhere is inefficient.

Thousands of cars in gridlock every morning, engines churning and consuming while the engine idles, is not a good use of our limited (yes, limited) energy resources.

The real answer to our transportation woes is a more extensive public transit system. The proposed high-speed rail system, also known as the bullet-train, is back in the news again.

The railway would connect cities in the Bay Area, with end stops in San Francisco, Oakland and Sacramento, to as far south as San Diego. The main strand would run south through the Valley, rather than along the coast. Estimates say the train could get from Fresno to LA in about half the usual driving time.

Some lawmakers want to delay the vote, which has already been pushed back from 2004 to 2006, on the huge bond measure until California is on more solid fiscal ground.

Assembly Member Alberto Torrico, the force behind the bill that would delay the bond measure, believes that it has a better chance of passing in 2008 than 2006. His opposition thinks delaying it will only harm its chances.

When this vote happens —maybe next year, maybe indefinitely later — is a debate for the legislature. But don’t forget, it’s a debate about you. They want to know when you’re going to make this work.

This train system will connect northern and southern California in a new way and allow for longer commutes without adding to the gridlock on our freeways. It will allow more people to commute from the Valley to LA or the Bay Area, which should bring a boost for the Valley’s economy.

The state’s finances may be slightly shaky, but this sort of project is an investment in the future, and the sooner we get it running, the sooner the Valley and the state will begin to reap the benefits. So whenever this vote actually makes it onto the ballot, make sure you are on the side supporting it.