This skate permits a normal walking motion, which exercises more muscles than the current lateral push used in skating. Tom's vision for SOFT is not as half-baked as some might think. To prevent abuses, two independent land grids would be set aside. This way, people would have a choice for transportation and the free-market system would force developers to provide value if they want to stay in business. SOFT is not for people who succumb to squeamishness in the face of cutthroat economics.
Capitalism is the only way resources can be allocated without the use of force.
Stealing from the rich by taxing them inordinately causes the flight of talent, lessens motivation, and puts money into the hands of incompetent people. Improvements to the standard of living originate in the top strata. When trying to describe what he wants SOFT to become, Tom conjures such diverse groups and movements as the early Christians, the Mormons, the Amish, the Grateful Dead, the Merry Pranksters, and youth hostels. If enough cool people move in unison, they can turn cheap land in the boonies into a tastefully developed and interesting place, with property values to match. As wise as Tom is to the fiscal needs of government, making money is a small part of his motivation for forming SOFT or for his inventions.