Costa Rica and Mexico have recently, contrary to widespread objections, recalled six million human beings. Many people do not know this, mostly because it isn”t true. But, the immigration debate does bring population explosion issues to the fore. “Who would Jesus deport?” is on some signs today. Is it a given our finite planet cab hold an infinite number? Can nations keep doubling forever? Over the eons, we have gotten better at two universally human activities, baby-making and war-making; could they be related? When Adam, or whomever, fathered a child, no big deal. The world”s population luxuriated; had ample room, endless space to plant, develop and explore, seas to sail. Today”s two million new annual planetary residents added to the seven billion sitting at the table, give ominous new meaning to the word overcrowding. For the first time, more live in cities than in rural areas. OK, sex is fun. So is playing pinball. Imagine what kind of world we would have if all we ever did was drop quarters? We now have spreading starvation, pollution and shortages. Throw in wars that have been larger, more frequent, and potentially more cataclysmic since World War I, add millions of divorces, a sea of drugs, growing spouse abuse, where does it all lead? Is the only answer to an utterly unmanageable mess to throw up our hands and give in to terrorism and nuclear war? Is the world ready to pop? Somebody, come up with another response, please.
Norman Fleishman
Lakeport
