Open the borders? Not so fast.Doug Moss suggests (E Word, "What Birth Dearth Birth dearth is a neologism referring to falling fertility rates. In the late 1980s, the term was used in the context of American and European society.[1] The use of the term has since been expanded to include many other industrialized nations. ?" November/December 2006) that prosperous countries with shrinking populations should invite "millions of people" to immigrate im·mi·grate v. im·mi·grat·ed, im·mi·grat·ing, im·mi·grates v.intr. To enter and settle in a country or region to which one is not native. See Usage Note at migrate. v.tr. from poor over-populated countries, thus evening out the population and prosperity numbers. I think Moss assumes that culture, education and religion (all intertwined) don't matter: people are essentially interchangeable. This I find questionable. Should Western countries welcome large numbers of immigrants from misogynist mi·sog·y·nist n. One who hates women. adj. Of or characterized by a hatred of women. Noun 1. misogynist - a misanthrope who dislikes women in particular woman hater cultures? And can poor, uneducated people take on the jobs that lead to prosperity in Western countries, or will they need extensive education? In the U.S., the most powerful push for high immigration immigration, entrance of a person (an alien) into a new country for the purpose of establishing permanent residence. Motives for immigration, like those for migration generally, are often economic, although religious or political factors may be very important. comes from business interests looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. cheap labor. We have the responsibility in this country to reform our foreign policy, to improve living conditions in poor countries (and help reduce population by providing birth control to those who want it), rather than undermining foreign economies as we now do, for corporate gain. Olivia Eielson Oakland, CA I have just read "Shaking the Baby Tree" (feature, November/December 2006), and compliment you for continuing to make the case that ongoing population growth is a critical factor--perhaps the central issue--in the "complex of problems" that humanity currently faces. There are indeed "finite limits" to global human carrying capacity carrying capacity the number of animal units that a farm or area will carry on a year round basis, including that needed for conservation of winter feed. Usually stated as dry cows or dry sheep equivalents per hectare. , clearly discernible limits to sustainability that have undoubtedly already been surpassed. It is essential that we look beyond the mere stabilization of global human numbers and begin to give very serious consideration to significant population reduction. The combination of declining postpeak fossil energy resources, a still peaking population, unpredictable climate change, growing challenges from various terrorist organizations, and the lack of political/economic foresight and cooperation on both a national and global level is a potentially toxic mixture. J. Kenneth Smail Professor of Anthropology (Emeritus) Kenyon College Gambler, OH "Shaking the Baby Tree" (feature, November/December 2006) was a good article on debunking de·bunk tr.v. de·bunked, de·bunk·ing, de·bunks To expose or ridicule the falseness, sham, or exaggerated claims of: debunk a supposed miracle drug. the birth dearth claims but hardly mentioned carrying-capacity concerns. Even countries with declining populations are overpopulated o·ver·pop·u·late v. o·ver·pop·u·lat·ed, o·ver·pop·u·lat·ing, o·ver·pop·u·lates v.tr. To fill (an area, for example) with excessive population to the detriment of the inhabitants, resources, or environment. in that they have unsustainable economies reliant on fossil fuels, a variety of imports, and are degrading ecosystems. Realistic population levels should be based on natural limits, not economies based on pro-growth assumptions. Ed Glaze III Port Mansfield, TX |
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