The estimate of the terminal population of the earth is 17 billion, though reaching the point at which births and deaths balance might not be possible with the planet's resources. ZPG today would result in another couple of billion population due to the high number of children in third world countries. We are at a point now when every person on earth would fit into the state of Texas with a bit over 1,000 sq ft each [I haven't done the math in several years, but that should be about right today], with the rest of the planet empty. It isn't total population but a poor distribution pattern and bad waste disposal and inadequate water and food distribution. I don't know - perhaps that is the same thing, except when you look at it like that it does provide some perspective on being able to do something about it. If China can hit near ZPG - I'd have never believed it, though I am not crazy about their methods - the rest of us should be able to tackle the problems we have. My 2 cents. BillR
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Robbins Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:37 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] OT the Hottest VP Curt Raymond wrote: > We've got this little problem of worldwide overpopulation which is > pushing up the price for everything, how does it make any sense to > subsidize an increase in that problem? I'm not a big fan of subsidizing kids, but there are two things I think mostly justify it. If you *do* produce a kid, it does need to be taken care of since the kid had no choice in the matter. Also, on the whole, we don't have an overpopulation problem in the US. This is ignoring the whole welfare argument I'm sure will be brought up shortly. IMO, thats a different problem. John _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
