Those aren't the only two choices - cars or public transportation. Another choice would be to simply live closer to where most of one's activities are. I'm not saying to get rid of cars altogether, because they can be useful at times, but it would do society good, IMO, to become a lot less dependent on them.
Although, part of the problem is local zoning laws which unnaturally and artificially separate commercial and residential activities. Not to mention the federal tax code that does much the same thing.
Again, the growing need for certain among us to diminish the family came later.
These things tend to have a delayed reaction. I'm not saying that cars were the only cause of it, but I don't think they helped matters either. And it's not only the diminishment of family, but even moreso of extended community and common culture.
You are firmly intrenched in your indoctrinated thinking.
Either you are under 40, or extremely naive to swallow the "party line". Stand up, stretch, take several deep breaths and start over again, my friend.