Liberty and Justice and Transitways for All?

Can the concept of social justice include equal opportunities to get around? This writer questions a point that Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez (D-Montgomery) and others make in stating their case for the Purple Line transitway [Dr. Gridlock, March 12].

Gutierrez and others say working people from western Prince George's and eastern Montgomery counties who are employed in the offices, hotels and restaurants of Bethesda should have a faster and more reliable way of getting to work, something they have suggested is a matter of social justice.

Dear Dr. Gridlock:

Oh, come on! Okay, I know you were quoting the legislator who represents a lot of the "less affluent people from the eastern suburbs," but, really! Transportation is not a matter of "social justice." It's a matter of convenience.

When we push everything into the category of "a matter of social justice," it only serves to degrade that term and rob the really important issues of their primacy. People need shelter, food, basic clothing and access to at least minimal health care. If they really have to, they can take buses to work, even if it involves transfers.

I have no serious personal objection (except cost) to the transitway, but it is not a matter of social justice. It's a matter of making it more convenient for people to commute cross-county. Fine. Build it. But don't elevate its importance with such lofty language.

Lynda Meyers

Arlington County