Disqus - Latest Comments for Clayton

Re: European Population Decline

Clayton — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:54:53 -0000

What do we do?

Well, leaders in Italy should avoid "baby bonus" incentives as it is very unlikely these incentives actually promote the making of babies. I can't imagine any couple seriously considering economic incentive while making the decision to have a child. And if they would, I fear that the child wouldn't have the most spectacular of upbringings.

I'm having a hard time viewing a "lowest-low" fertility rate in the grand scheme of things as a bad thing. The human population is still "exploding" and will curb off anywhere between 9 and 12 billion people. Even with a little over 6 billion we have ecological crises that have undoubtedly effected both society, and if left unmitigated, will prove to be the largest single threat to the well being of societies throughout the world. Global warming, loss of biodiversity and pollution are all examples of these ecological crises. The human population needs to be curbed as quickly as possible and we need to change the kind of affluence (the energy, resource intensive type) that we've become accustomed to in order to avoid (quite literally) global disaster.

That being said, I view this low population growth as positive in that aspect. However, there has to be a point at which this population decline is truly detrimental to the economy of Italy. I think what Italians need is solid information about the predicted and current effects of this decline. After all, the only way this problem (if it indeed is, or becomes, a problem) will be fixed is through a cultural shift in attitudes.

I don't understand the elite of the world wanting 80 percent of the population gone?... can you elaborate

Re: Hijacking the Green Movement

Clayton — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:49:56 -0000

There are many reasons organic foods are currently more expensive than conventionally produced foods, but the overriding reason for the price jack up is that these agribusinesses are going against the grain. Sustainable agriculture is not subsidized in the same way that conventional agriculture is. It is expensive to get certified, especially for small-scale operations, and expensive to work against agricultural policies that encourage mono-cropping, excessive amounts of pesticides and insecticides and GMOs. These agribusinesses pass the price increase down to the consumer, understandably so. As more people began to purchase organic, and especially when policy encourages, instead of impedes, organic growing... then prices will fall even lower than they already are (traditional food verse organic is rarely more than a 25 percent mark up).

You seem overwhelmed by the green movement. The intention of the movement shouldn't (and I think isn't) to make you feel guilty, but to show us pathways to a more sustainable future. This Pittsford family is obviously clear of student loans and is making decent money. Enough so that they can make very direct changes.

We should feel encouraged by such families, not guilty. The science behind global warming is accurate and lengthly. We are warming our world at a rate in which the Earth hasn't encountered. We now fix more nitrogen than all ecosystem's natural pathways combine. We have cultivated our developed half of the world's green space. It is clear our footprint is absolutely enormous, and that we are ruining the home in which we live. That being said, every aspect of our affluent life is due for a change (whether subtle or dramatic). I think inspired is a better adjective than guilty, for this family recognizes the impact they're having on our environment, our sustenance, and our taking action to maintain and conserve our well being as a species. This family is a glimpse into a more sustainable future, a future which we should aspire to be a part of, even if we cannot afford it now.

Re: European Population Decline

Clayton — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:03:00 -0000

The curbing of the human population needs to be intentional. But the choice isn't, "Do I have a child... yes or no." Planned parenthood is part of the solution, families (women in particular) need options, especially in developing countries. However, empowering women, promoting education, providing condoms, combating malaria and HIV all promote all stunt rapid growth and bring them down to more sustaining levels. These initiatives serve "win-win" situations improving health, sanity and at times even promoting democracy while lessening the environmental impact of an exploding population.

Re: European Population Decline

Clayton — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:13:13 -0000

The version of "planned parenthood" is subjective. In lesser developed countries with little access to medicines or health care, planned parenthood means options. Instead of having anywhere from one to nine children, a women and her partner have options: condoms, possibly birth control, abortions. Planned Parenthood outposts in these countries sometimes also offer a hygienic and professional environment in which to have children. It's hard to find a negative slant for these particular Planned Parenthood stations in lesser developed countries. There is a bigger picture.

Planned parenthood in more developed countries serves the same purpose. People in need of options, who may not have the income to have options by default. I'm willing to bet that promoting responsible parenting is at the heart of planned parenthood, not the thinning of the minority population at the hand of... well, I guess I'll let you finish that sentence? Who would want to thin the population of minorities and cover it up with planned parenthood Andrew?