> > Candidates:
> >
> > ?Concrete?
> > A slave labour saver may annoy a few (slave traders/owners) but 
> > probably had a new positive effect.
> > ^Allowed vast numbers of ugly buildings and other structures to be 
> > built plus big dams and other evil things.  Not shiny.^
> >
> > Disinfectant / antiseptic generally.
> > ^Attacks innocent microbes, keeps alive lots of unfit people.
> >  Prevents survival of the fittest from operating properly.  
> Not shiny^
> >
> > etc etc etc
> 
> 
> So the common denominator is people.  There's your problem, go fix it.
> 
> Tony
> 
> 
> ^ Exactly ......   the earth would be swell place to live with about  
> a population of 0.5 billion.
> If only folks would get over the dinosaur brain transficition ( MUW
> *1 )  that babies are cute.
> We will never have a shortage of babies.  People act like we will.   
> Everyone has to have two
> ( or three )  People brag about how many babies they produced.   
> Couples get congratulated
> on their new baby.   Sheesh.  How many people actually put as much  
> thought into raising their
> child as they do planning their new home, buying cars, and 
> taking vacations.  How many kids get bounced around in life 
> by insane, psychotic adults ?  How many kids are treated as property ?
> ( A very large percentage, maybe 90% )  This is a human life, 
> folks.   
> Supposedly the most precious
> thing on the planet.  In IRAQ the US military pays $2500 for 
> a wrongful death.  Less if it is a kid ?
> Why not have fewer kids and treat them right ?  Have many 
> adults (*1) raise kids rather than a "nuclear family" set of idiots.
> 
> *1 MUW = made up word
> *2 "Adult" is a tricky word.
> 
>       AGSC ^


Ah, population control, always good for a debate.  Like all problems of this
nature, it's 'the others' causing the problem.  And the general response to
those who suggest it is - you first.  That's the quick method, of course.

The slow (say 100 years) is less or no kids.  It'll sort itself out
eventually.  You've two main choices, ask people not to have kids, or make
them.  I doubt the first will go well with your political beliefs, and the
second (as per China's 1 child policy) definitely won't.

Niven's birth lottery, anyone?  Or just breed the smart ones?
Theoretically, short people use less resources, so cull tall people?  (The
Goodies episode on apart-height just sprung to mind!)

On topic, nukes are great at population control.  (Bombs or waste - both
work).

Tony

Disclosure: 5th of 9 kids, none of my own.

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