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Re:Electric Vehicles for Everyone? The Impossible Dream by AlexandrB on Friday July 14, 2023 @09:01AM (#36723355)
Can you elaborate on what's so bad about it? I lived in Toronto for a while and rarely had to drive because most things I needed were ~15 minutes away by subway/walking. It was awesome! It's not like someone is going to put an ankle monitor on you to prevent you from going further for stuff if you want to.
Re:Electric Vehicles for Everyone? The Impossible Dream by mwbajor on Friday July 14, 2023 @09:11AM (#36723471)
Can you elaborate on what you want me to elaborate on? I've been to Toronto, its another "sick town" and nothing I say is going to change your mind if you think living like an ant is "awesome!"
Re:Electric Vehicles for Everyone? The Impossible Dream by turnsout on Friday July 14, 2023 @10:13AM (#36724308)
I truly don't get this perspective. The value of living in a city is proximity to people and amenities. If you value something different, that's totally understandable, but why wouldn't you just move to the country?
Re:Electric Vehicles for Everyone? The Impossible Dream by mwbajor on Friday July 14, 2023 @10:47AM (#36724769)
Heh, they always say "You're free to leave any time you want".

When all we have is Maglev trains that go from one walkable city (e.g. jail) to another, how will you move to the country?

Re:Electric Vehicles for Everyone? The Impossible Dream by turnsout on Friday July 14, 2023 @11:42AM (#36725603)
Well, looking around I see nothing but freeways and cars, so I don't think we're in any danger of the utopia you describe
Re:Electric Vehicles for Everyone? The Impossible Dream by mwbajor on Friday July 14, 2023 @11:53AM (#36725758)
Yea yea, but you'd change it if you could and then say the same thing that every despot has always said since the beginning of time:

"You're free to leave if you want".

Re:Electric Vehicles for Everyone? The Impossible Dream by turnsout on Friday July 14, 2023 @12:11PM (#36725978)
I think you slightly overestimate my power as a hn commenter
Re:Electric Vehicles for Everyone? The Impossible Dream by AlexandrB on Friday July 14, 2023 @10:56AM (#36724899)
This is all very vague. "Sick town", "living like an ant". Can you actually explain what you mean by any of this?

I'll give you a specific example of why I think Toronto is good. Almost any night of the week I can catch a subway to a music venue - listen to some live music, drink a few beers, socialize a bit. Then I can get home without paying for a taxi or breaking the law by driving intoxicated. What's the equivalent weeknight activity in the suburbs? Sitting on my ass and watching TV all night? How is that less "sick" than what I described? This contrast is especially stark in Canadian winters when the weather and early sunsets make outdoor activities less desirable.

Re:Electric Vehicles for Everyone? The Impossible Dream by mwbajor on Friday July 14, 2023 @11:52AM (#36725738)
In every conversation I've had on this subject, urbanites discuss the "lack of nightlife" as a problem. My opinions are twofold on this:

A) If you need beer and nightlife to distract you from living in an urban dystopia, there is not much I can do. B) Most folks that want to leave the cities want space to do things with their families.

1) At night in my semi-suburban setting that I live in now, I work with my kids on things in my garage. Before we had kids, I did the same. My property allows me to spread out and have a woodshop, metalshop, lab, garden etc. 2) In the springtime/summertime tend to my garden (yes at night) so that I can eat natural foods without needing to share an "urban farm". Again, kids are included in this now. 3) Teach/play instruments without the restrictions of an apartment. 4) In the winter sure, if you want nightlife, there isnt much of that.

I don't drink and only listen to gaussian white noise so perhaps I'm not the right person to ask if you're looking for a "nightlife" centered activity/answer.