RE: Biking to work / Use of mass-transit / Activism What is needed at this unique moment in time is a coordinated approach to garnering wide support across local communities, a practical agenda alleviating clogged roadways; conserving our natural resources; all the while promoting and enacting fairness and social justice. Once we as a city get enough positive, ecologically sane trends headed in the right direction, they will begin to organically reinforce one another. One responsibility we all have is choice; choices that can and will directly affect the lives of our children and their decedents alike. Yet another responsibility we shoulder is to do all within our power to ensure the future we leave to the aforementioned progeny is a new era worth fighting for; and likewise, worth of our every effort to procure; this is accomplished at the ballot box - via votes that challenge our elected officials to genuinely address our collective concerns. And what draws the attention needed? Community activism. What any individual can do is limited without a team approach; optimum outcomes need shared goodwill. Call now upon the proverbial, “better angels of our nature”, as we stand and initiate / claim ownership of our very lives and vigorously debate the implementation of further policy resolutions that will either bear a hearty, future fruit, or, eventuate in said bounty needlessly dying upon a withering vine-politic. It is incumbent upon those in seats of authority to steward our resources wisely. Best practices forging a sustainable tomorrow imply creative thought; creation itself implies... action. Let there be action. Tag, you're it; get busy...

downtownmemphis.com/biketowork for route info, group rides, flat fixing clinics, and be sure to register for a free messenger bag filled with goodies!

You might want to read that Forbes article a little more closely. While he succeeds in recognizing that downtown Memphis is larger than Riverside Drive, he also ignores the people in North Memphis who have had real flooding and real upheaval. Not to say that the 'great flood' claims by the media haven't been ridiculous, but we should remember that Memphis did actually sustain some damage.

I read the entire Forbes article and I have to agree with the reporter's perspective. I was in Virginia when the river crested, and I saw the news on CNN and watched the reporter focused on that small segment of Riverside Drive and heard nothing about the northern parts of the city and county, the streets or crop fields in West Memphis, the communities in northern Mississippi or the possible problem that would cause the river cresting beyond 48 ft. Nope. All they talked about was downtown Memphis. Granted, it's the most visible spot and easier to access, the problem wasn't really there. The crowds, yes. I agree with the assessment of the "sensational weather news" the reporter mentions. We are fascinated by drama and stories of armageddon proportions, that's why people like some of the weather-men's "tragedy is upon us" way of delivering the news (you know who I am talking about). My heart goes to the people who really suffered damages and lost properties and loved ones. They should have been the real focus of our attention, not the "relatively safe" downtown area. Cheers to all.