One could argue that the main battle over Measure R has been between a battle for the transit system that LA needs versus the parochial concerns of politicians fighting to get more money spent in their districts regardless of need.  Indeed, that’s the argument that has dominated the debate despite the efforts of the Bus Rider’s Union to inject race and socio-economic concerns and cyclists and pedestrians earlier efforts to set aside funds for non-motorized transportation.

Given that frame, these two images from the outstanding Metro Library struck me earlier today as the perfect frame for theat debate.  Two pictures to take with you into the booth tomorrow that help define what the argument is about.  In the end, who do you want to side with, politicians fighting for regional equity, or students fighting for a vision of Los Angeles having a complete transit map?  Do you want to support the guy with the "Gold Line Now" sign who apparently thinks the best way to fund transit projects is to vote against transit funding; or the students who, to a person, walked or biked to their political rally?

Both Photos Courtesy the Metro Library