viewpoints » S end letters to: letters@thejewishnews.com 1VPU\ZPUZ\WWVY[VM continued from page 8 :/677052 PU)PYTPUNOHT :H[\YKH`6J[VILY :[\KPV6WLUHTWT 7PUR*OHTWHNUL(M[LYNSV^ WTWT RIDOOVDOHVRQ 2FWREHUZLOOEH GRQDWHGWR7KH3LQN)XQG :HVW0HUULOO6WUHHW6XLWHÃ%LUPLQJKDPÃ :HVWRI/LEUDU\&RPSOLPHQWDU\SDUNLQJRII0DUWLQ6WUHHW 0²)²(YHQLQJV ZHHNHQGVE\DSSRLQWPHQW around us for life. As Adam and Eve could not exist until the fundamental components for life itself were established, we, too, cannot exist without a healthy environment. In particular, we cannot thrive without clean air. Scientists have proven again and again that the increase in fossil fuel consumption has led to a rapid increase in climate change as well as a degrada- tion of our air quality. Too much carbon dioxide and other chemicals from vehicle exhausts can cause an increased risk in developing diseases such as lung cancer. If Metro Detroit had efficient mass transportation, less pollution would be added to the air from vehicles, and our region’s carbon footprint would signifi- cantly decrease. Efficient mass transportation for those unable to afford a car, less road construc- tion and protecting the Earth are three reasons why the Jewish community should support the vote for the RTA plan this November. We, as Jewish people, should support the RTA in order to improve the lives of thousands of people in the area. As it did many decades ago, Metro Detroit can con- tinue to live up to its name as the “Motor City” while maintaining multiple options of transportation for its citizens. * Kimberly Siegel is a resident of Oakland County. She is a member of Detroit Jews for Justice, which is rallying the Jewish community in support of Vote YES for Regional Transit this November. SUPPORTERS OF THE RTA • The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber • Detroit Regional Chamber • Citizens for Connecting our Communities • American Association of Retired Persons • Detroit Area Agency on Aging 1HZ