and prefer jammed roadways in celebration of "freedom?".

Maybe in the city, but many people live far from mass transit, and mass
transit only works where there is a "mass" to transit.

We also seeem to think that "respecting" them means allowing them to
do whatever they wish,

I don't think that is the case.

...and we let them
continue to drive just to make them feel independent.

It's not a question of "feeling". If we take the cars away, who will
drive them the six miles to the grocery store?

Jose
--
Nothing takes longer than a shortcut.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.