The U.S. Census Bureau says that, since 1950, the population of the U.S. has doubled. Is this good news?

Question

Is it bad news? Do you think it's something that needs attention?

Answer 1

It's both good news and bad news. The good news is that with a larger population, the economy and overall production (i.e. Gross Domestic Product) of the country will increase. As of 2004, the US had a Gross Domestic Product of $12 trillion, meaning that the total production of goods within the country was valued at $12 trillion.

However, with more people, that wealth is likely to be spread out more. Also, the wealth is likely to be more unequal between the rich and the poor. Thus, there will be more poor, homeless people. It's harder to govern a larger population, because the government can't please everyone and can't meet everyone's needs. We have less resources and less land to divide amongst people, although clearly some people have more than they need. The environment will also be affected by increased waste and pollution.

However, we can't control population growth, unless we infringe upon the freedom of people.

Answer 2

My opinion is it is good news as long as we can also say that we are maintaining a trend of increased population. All things being equal it is good news. However all things are not equal.

We are not maintaining that trend. Currently, we only grow by immigration. This occurs as our general population has a fertility rate of less than 2.1. This rate is the minimum number required to replicate the population. Take away immigration we have a decreasing population trend.

Furthermore, the aging baby boom generation will have fewer productive younger people to support it. These younger people are needed to support security systems set up for older generations retirement years. With this population expected to live longer unknown factors will come into play.

A reexamination of population issues needs to occur are perspective is warped by a scarcity view. This scarcity view was formed by adopting solely a Malthusian view. This view does not recognize that population issues are part of a dynamic complex system. Also, the old views do not take into account the dynamic prosperity trends that began around 1820.

Answer 3

No, it isn't necessarily good news. People living longer is good news! People surviving through medical challenges is good news. People sneaking into our country to avoid legal processing isn't so good. People from terrorists countries sneaking in through Canada to our country is not good to hear. People having babies that they cannot afford to raise is not good to hear. People getting pregnant that are in their teens has never been good to hear. And lastly, procreating in a time of economic uncertainty instead of adopting an unwanted child is indeed a sad thing to hear. How selfish can a couple be that they won't help a poor child live a full life, because the DNA will be different?

Answer 4

It is good news if you were born after 1950 - I was so I think it is good news. I do not think it is a problem - have you driven out west lately - lots & lots of open spaces. Even in NC, we have tons of room open - no farming, no trees & no people. We do have the Stanley Cup too!

Answer 5

actually it is bad news. because think of all the farm lands we have lost due to having to create housing for the population boom. with that in mind, think of all the food that now has to be imported from other countries. if we grew and raised all our food here, think of how cheap the prices would be.

Just remember, in October of 2006, the 300,000,000 American will be born.

Answer 6

What do you want to do? Mandate that birth control be taken by everyone? What do you expect? In 50 years, there will be at least two generations that pass, so it is natural for this to happen.

Answer 7

Bad news since interest rates have gone up in that country..

Answer 8

Good news/bad news

Space, food supply, environmental impact.....it goes both ways.