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Make no mistake: The
planet is grossly overpopulated. The absolute last thing on Earth we need are
more unwanted, unloved people. Homelessness, gang violence, bankrupt social
services, inadequate public education, and gridlock are all symptoms of a
species that has grown too fast, both in America and abroad. We add 250,000
more people each day! The United Nations just released a report saying that our present population is running 25 years ahead of predictions ("The State of World Population, 1991" is available by contacting the U.N. in New York). Isn't that reassuring: it turns out we population experts were "conservative" in our warnings, rather than alarmists. God, I'd rather have been proved to be an alarmist. And environmentally, what legacy are we leaving future generations? The rate of deforestation has accelerated 80% just since 1980. In only five years 210,000,000 acres have been destroyed, more than France and Germany combined. The rate of human increase and our impact on the environment is almost incomprehensible. 90% of the births are in the developing countries-the very people that don't have the money or access to any form of birth control. In Africa, surveys among mothers showed that even with their deeply rooted traditions, over 55% of the women would have chosen to have no more children, if only they could. Yet it is in these very countries that the Pope and the Catholic Church are encouraging large families and opposing contraception. The bottom line is that we are in deep yogurt. Overpopulation is the real problem today. Let's get it out in the open where it belongs and quit skirting it because of abortion. Abortion is not the issue. Family planning is the issue. Let's wake up some of these people that don't understand how family planning saves lives. Let's ask them what they are doing to prevent the "cause" of abortions. Let's remind them that the population movement has already prevented far more abortions than the whole pro-life movement put together. Then let's get the reasonable ones to join us in stabilizing the populations so that our fragile environment can sustain life for eons to come. As a way of sustaining life, there's one thing we can all agree on: abortion stinks. At least we in the population movement are doing something positive about saving lives along with the environment. Family planning is the best answer available. Let's make sex education, AIDS prevention, prenatal care, and birth control readily available to everyone. I invite your response. Please write me at the address below or join the Angeles Chapter Population Committee. Write or send $5 for newsletter to Russell Ernst, 2441 Chapman Street, Lomita 90717. |
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 New Desert
Guide AvailableThe deserts of Southern California offer visitors a rich array of destinations, activities and recreation-and Club members can learn about them in the Southern California Desert Area guide. The desert's diverse areas, such as Anza-Borrego, Joshua Tree, Imperial Valley, Palm Springs and East Mojave, are covered. The book contains points of interest, history and annual events, as well as listings for lodging, restaurants and camping facilities. Whether your interests are history, geology, wildflowers, golf or cultural events, or simply relaxing poolside, the Southern California Desert Area guide will interest you. Pick up a copy from your local Auto Club office. |