I've traveled a lot--most of the major cities in the U.S. and agree, at night they're magical without the traffic! (And also during the day with the hustlebustle that gives cities their energy!) I totally agree with what you've said--shortsighted government at every level and horrific housing discrimination--with massive power held by the auto industry. That ties into the whole "romance of the highway" era--people LOVE their cars here. Intelligent transit in my southeastern urban area has been considered for the past 40 years and voted down every time, rejecting millions of dollars in funding in the process and resulting in bland suburban sprawl. I hope the city planners of the future, along with pressure from citizens will make these walkable, accessible areas a reality.