The Deseret News has committed itself to supporting light rail as the "logical choice" among alternatives to private automobiles.

The "logic" of this conclusion derives from two or three points: Traffic on Salt Lake Valley highways is increasing dramatically. Pollution is increasing. If pollution increases to a critical point, the U.S. environmental protectors will come down hard.In other words, if we don't cave in to the transportation oligarchs at UTA, we will have to answer to the pollution oligarchs at EPA. But, of course, light rail is clean and efficient, environmentally friendly and so trendy. Even Los Angeles is getting one.

I don't know that I disagree with the concept. However, I seem to recall the people's light-rail initiative being voted down by the electorate. Are they just another bunch of the "noisy skeptics"? Is the system to be built in spite of their opposition? If so, long live democracy.

It may be the voters were sending a message. If you build it, we may come. But don't count on it. And don't plan on taxing me for it. Send the bill to the oligarchs.

Barton L. Carter

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