Neo-Malthusians Just Plain Wrong

My biggest problems with many of my fellow conservatives are a lack of optimism and a lack of openness and inclusiveness. These traits are too-often associated with the left even though it is simply not reality to claim that those on the left are optimistic or any more inclusive than those on the right.

A perfect example of the liberal viewpoint on these issues appeared on New Year’s Eve in the Albuquerque Journal. The article, written by Kathleene Parker, displayed an obvious lack of understanding of economics and simply rehashed the old Malthusian arguments that humans will die off due to overpopulation.

Among the factors Parker cites in making the case for overpopulation are: gridlock on the roads, our overwhelmed health care system, poor educational system, and water shortages. What she doesn’t mention is that our roads are socialized (government ownership and operation), so is our educational system. Our health care system is not socialized yet but is well on its way and our limited water supply has never resembled anything close to a free market.

While nations can and should have some control over who comes in, the idea that we need to stop immigration and restrict birth rates is silly. Rather than trying to control others’ lives, Parker and her ilk should read their Julian Simon who years ago debunked Malthus’s (and Paul Ehrlich’s) “chicken little” predictions.

So, have a Happy and Optimistic New Year! If government gets out of the way, there is no problem too big for humans to solve.