I am much more concerned about unchecked population growth. China can and likely will amend the approach to its one-child policy and the enforcement of it as they begin to cultivate enriched and true human rights policies. Surely the breadth and depth of the recent earthquake has ripped at their heartstrings and one can only hope that it will serve to advance the cause of human rights in China. A more positive approach toward a one-child policy might be where citizens reap a certain financial benefit for having only one child (or no children) and officials are not made to or allowed to harass and harangue citizens that pursue additional children.

God put us on this earth to procreate so that life could continue. He has his ways in making room for the next generation of any living item. He has forest fires so that new growth will start. He has severe drought to kill off weak plants and animals. He creates horrible and devastating floods, storms, earthquakes and people die, but I believe it is all a part of his plan to clense and make room for the next living being. Telling persons we will sterilize you, or abort your baby, or you can only have ___ children, or even worse the antics of some of the food distribution programs of withholding food in order to control population makes me sick. Instead why don’t nations educate people on birth control, about values of population control, about how to grow food, and generalities of public health. In the heartlands of America, millions of tons of grain are destroyed in order to keep the price of grain high. The US government pays farmers to let the land lay idle so that we don’t have an over-abundance of grain. These actions make me sick. Especially when I drive past a burning pile of corn which is high as a 10 story building. One of general thoughts is that we won’t have enough food to feed the world’s population because people are having too many babies, but yet we destroy grain which equates to food. And in this big smart nation of America we have thousands and thousands going hungry because of greed…..apparently keeping the price of grain high is more important than feeing the people we have on earth. Pfffffffffffft to that! Promote Education as one way to control population ….. it’s as important here in America as it is in any country.

You don’t really need public policies that limit the number of children you can have to get responsible population growth. All you need is to create opportunities for women to do something other than be mothers, but be mothers when they choose. Women who delay child bearing till their late twenties or early thirties have fewer children. [And truly women are better prepared to be mothers if they are not children when they begin.] Education will help with this. I know that I am from a large family and my parents were from large families, but the next generation of my family is no larger in number than my generation. Yesterday it occurred to me after I heard my nephew and his wife were expecting that most of my long time friends have not had children at all. For some this was intentional, for some accidental. But I do think things change when people are presented with opportunities.

Found myself angry watching TV where FLDS cultish women were supporting their children on welfare - i.e. - our $ - Now, I wouldn’t have been allowed to do that as a single European descended female urban Los Angeles, so result Me zero children - them - too many! Alas, if we don’t consider population control, gaiea will manage it through disease and famine. I think population management is more charitable.

I saw that show on CBS, too, Pamela. Dreadful. Millions of dollars in one small town charged against food stamps and welfare because the single women [plural wives] are considered unmarried mothers. Yep, your tax dollars and mine. Seriously, I live in CA and the rate of births is skyrocketing. If you think what you read so far is draconian, Frank, wait until you hear MY idea: At birth implant a vial of hormones that will prevent conception. Then, at age 25, the person can apply to have one child….provided they have already taken parenting classes and have $100K in savings for the kid’s education. Seriously, children should be a joy and deserve the very best in life. To have them without giving thought to their well-being is simply selfish. [OK, now bring on the hate mail.]

Yikes, Lynn! Is this a plot for a sci-fi flick or are you really behind this idea? I’m with you on the idea of mandatory parenting classes but the rest…whoo-eee! At first glance it comes to mind that $100,000 in savings (or the potential to save that and pay the costs to live) might discriminate against certain socioeconomic classes from procreating. ut-oh…that sounds like a very slippery slope. I’m sure you were just kidding. A little joke for Frank….! ?????

Actually, Lynn, not such a bad idea.