The problem is that if you take Veblen as correct, the wealthy establish the rules of "decent" behavior in a society, so that everyone has to conform to them.

In New York, this is a bit different.  New York is like a different country to many Americans, and once you get out of the five Boroughs, I guarantee you that car use will go up.

And I'll give my consent to any government that does not deny a man a living wage-Billy Bragg