is population growth a good thing?

[C0ckney]

some 'good' news for you moosie. the only gorwth we're likely to see in england is from immigrants, until the natives can muster that magic 2.1 birthrate :/

[Az]

too much clubbing too little ****ging.


honestly, I think that if there are conditions in which the influx of new kids will become good people and productive citizens, and the enviromental impact is minimized, populationg growth is positive.

We have to rethink our society. Our previous society had a problem of overgrowth, and was based on inequality. Our current society is more sexually egalitarian, but a demographical collapse looms. We need something new. something sexually equal, and with no demographical problems of any kind.

[yavoon]

I hate cities.

[C0ckney]

hey gimme a break, i'm only 19, my family have done their bit, i'm one of 5 kids

would be a great chat-up line wouldn't it: 'y'know you wanna luv, it'll be great fun and besides, if i get you up the duff we'll be doing the country a favour init.'

[Az]

[Az]

"take one for the team, girl!"

[chequita guevara]

I'm not breeding. I have no intention of breeding. I may adopt, and I'm thinking about being a foster parent for teens.

[Az]

why not?
a)one doesn't exclude the other.
b)I've always thought of it as one of the things a person must do to call their lives complete.

[Eli]

Any fool can breed. I'd rather spend my efforts on taking over the world.

[Japher]

I'm not breeding

Good

Population Growth is a good thing, IMO. So long as we don't exceede our capacity, which I think we have. But, that is why I like gay people; they are doing their best to curb pop. growth!

[Az]

That's real funny, Eli.

[The Templar]

Originally posted by DanS
Population growth is almost always a good thing.

It helps build a vibrant economy and society.

Tell that to Brazil and Peru.

Population growth can be economically beneficial to a point. Assume more work than people, sufficient educational resources to train people for the available work, and sufficient environment to sustain these people.

Europe is hitting the more work than people problem, thus the rising immigration. Whereas Japan has successfully automated much of its production and is actually facing the problem that it has overinvested in educational resources versus the available work. (Keep in mind that "overinvestment in education" is a capitalist's euphemism for too many people trying to achieve their full potential versus market demand). Peru has too little work AND overinvestment in overall education (my last cab driver in Lima had a degree in engineering).

Regions in the US are approaching an environmental capacity problem. SoCal and Las Vegas for instance are demanding too much water - and taking too much from other areas. Or look at either Austin or Dallas where the increasing sprawl of suburbia is raising air pollution levels and decreasing overall quality of life (both in terms of environment and excessive commute times).

What you probably meant to say is that societies should increase to optimal population and then maintain that number.

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by Azazel
why not?
a)one doesn't exclude the other.
b)I've always thought of it as one of the things a person must do to call their lives complete.

I am more than my biological programming. I don't need to create genetic "copies" of myself to create a legacy.

Anyway, this is a rotten wold to bring people into and there are already exiting kids who need good homes and parents to love them.

[Firelad]

Originally posted by The Templar

...societies should increase to optimal population and then maintain that number.

!!!

Optimal number for the world is perhaps a tenth of what there is now, maybe a good deal less. IMHO.

[Az]

I am more than my biological programming. I don't need to create genetic "copies" of myself to create a legacy.

Of course you're MORE than that. That's why you should raise them well. That and common decency. But don't forget that you're a biological being, too. It's your chance to make the world a better place, as well as leaving a small legacy in the world, even if otherwise, you're on of millions of people that change little to nothing in this world.

Anyway, this is a rotten wold to bring people into and there are already exiting kids who need good homes and parents to love them.

a) This is NOT a rotten world to bring people into. It's the best world ever for humans. Once again, you show that amazing quality of people in the western world: not apperciate what you've got.
b) The other part is very much correct, And If you plan to adopt instead of having kids by yourself ( you and your SO, of course. ) Your position is OK ( not right, but OK). Yet you don't seem to be too sure of that yourself.

Of course, kids are an IMMENSE responsibility. But one has to do it. Otherwise, one has done NOTHING in this world. Unless he's a famous scientist, leading politician, or an amazing artist.