On a tranquil summer afternoon this past Saturday in the dear, sweet, always sane Boulder, Colo., protesters mounted their bikes in the buff, riding through the streets - many fully nude - to draw awareness to problems associated with America's dependence on foreign oil. Check out the video by clicking here. (Photos, too - not safe for work!)
Naked riding, world-wideoddwick/Flickr
While we have to tip our hat to unique (and peaceful) protest tactics, we also have to wonder: Where were these activists earlier in the week when county commissioners approved a new policy that significantly restricts property rights by limiting housing sizes and forcing developers to buy square footage credits from owners of smaller houses? Where have these activists been over the last decade as the city and county continued to impose regulatory restrictions that have forced thousands of former Boulder residents to surrounding suburbs due to rising housing costs?
Check out a packed Highway 36 during rush hour and you'll see what we're talking about. While concerns about rising oil costs and accessibility cross across ideological lines, Boulder activists should look closer to home for reasonable ways to encourage smart public policy that could increase efficiency of usage - and less commuting by car.
The first step: Stop preventing middle class people from living in Boulder County.