A Guilty Verdict Is Assured When an Auto Stands Trial for Polluting the Environment

OAKLAND —  As part of an “alternative transportation day” at the Oakland offices of the Bay Area Rapid Transit system, an automobile was put on trial for contributing to the world’s environmental ills.

More than 200 cheering onlookers, including BART employees, attended the mock trial. After the car was found “guilty” of polluting and clogging up the freeways, bystanders took turns carrying out the sentence by smashing the vehicle with sledgehammers.

“We urge you to strike a symbolic blow for cleaner air,” said “Judge” Gregory Proops, who like many of the other trial participants, is a professional comedian. “But don’t try this at home.”