Saturday, July 19, 2008

In his July 12 op-ed, "Hummer, How We Need Thee," Matthew DeBord wrote, "For American life to work, the illusion of endless abundance must be maintained." He mistook a symbol of American optimism (the Hummer) for that positive outlook itself.

This country's optimistic spirit is rooted in a different kind of abundance -- not a false one of unlimited resources but the reality of boundless inventiveness, curiosity and drive.

As the American dream evolves away from the failed premise of unlimited growth toward a scenario that takes its cue from nature's process of constant renewal, there is no reason that General Motors and other manufacturers cannot still produce vehicles "crammed with emotional content" -- engineering new vehicles that are not only fuel-efficient but that also rely more on renewable and recyclable materials, creating a good ride for American pride.

SUE MOSHER

Arlington