One thing I don't think most urban policymakers have ever really come to terms with is the fact that appealing modern cities and cars really are enemies. I don't mean that cities need to be entirely car free, of course. Don't worry, the cars we will always have with us. But the population density needed to support good urban living isn't supportable if every person comes with a car attached to them. It just doesn't work. People need more mobility than walking allows, which is why a comprehensive mass transit system and an affordable car sharing program are necessary, but one-car-per-driving-age-person and pleasant walkable communities just cannot go together.
I'm specifically talking about urban living. Enjoy your suburban and rural communities if that's what you like!
