Ordinary citizens bad guys again

In this week's installment car owners are blamed for increasing pollution in the Puget Sound. It seems the chemicals that come out of our tailpipes settle on the streets and eventually wash through the stormdrains into the sea.

Forget freedom and any right to mobility. Take the bus. No, don't take the bus. Stay home. Feel guilty.

But wait there is another solution. Local public works departments could easily set up storm water filters that trap the pollutants before they reach the Sound.

This, of course, raises the question of funding. Libertarians are said to be fond of user fees. And even though many Libertarians see the idea of a gas tax as heresy, I think a gas tax dedicated to area transportation needs and the consequent pollution issues should be viewed as a user fee. This is a simple solution to the multiple collateral problems created by our exercise of our freedom to travel.