How many Americans are too many?

[peejay 327]

Interesting article. I assume we, as Americans, can justify consuming whatever the hell it is we want since we live here, right? Independent of where it is we obtain what we consume, of course...

Henceforth, I think that in order to truly believe and put into good faith an overall anti-immigration argument based on the sustainability of what this nation can hold- that those in favor of reducing the numbers of allowable immigrants should make an example of themselves if they have foreign born spouses. And seek greener pastures elsewhere.

I could possibly do so through my wife, but could probably never become a citizen of Russia or Belarus due to the extremely difficult requirements.

But why should I be forced to leave my own country when it is certainly possible to work to change the law for saner reductions?

And I really don't get your logic that as over consumers we are forced to take in 1.5 million more people annually to allow them the chance to be over consumers too. Such a scenario would obviously make a bad situation even worst. Last I heard immigration is a priviledge...not a right. So I'm not so sure that immigration numbers are set in stone and cannot be altered.

Edited September 3, 2008 by peejay

[HAL 9000 96]

Interesting article. I assume we, as Americans, can justify consuming whatever the hell it is we want since we live here, right? Independent of where it is we obtain what we consume, of course...

Henceforth, I think that in order to truly believe and put into good faith an overall anti-immigration argument based on the sustainability of what this nation can hold- that those in favor of reducing the numbers of allowable immigrants should make an example of themselves if they have foreign born spouses. And seek greener pastures elsewhere.

I could possibly do so through my wife, but could probably never become a citizen of Russia or Belarus due to the extremely difficult requirements.

But why should I be forced to leave my own country when it is certainly possible to work to change the law for saner reductions?

And I really don't get your logic that as over consumers we are forced to take in 1.5 million more people annually to allow them the chance to be over consumers too. Such a scenario would obviously make a bad situation even worst. Last I heard immigration is a priviledge...not a right. So I'm not so sure that immigration numbers are set in stone and cannot be altered.

I equate it quite psychologically. This 'horde' of immigrants are mostly coming in with a 'spend less' mentality to consuming resources. Perhaps its something we can modify ourselves as already having been here and contributing to a system that down the line, helps pave the way for more immigration to this country... at the same time we put limits on the actual, cold numbers of acceptable immigrants. Of course, doing what we do because we want to, and limiting how many can come in is a recipe for more illegal immigration. Border fences and constant turnover only stimulate people to find other ways in.

[PlatyPius 5]

Well, I would be quite happy if the US had LESS population density. A lot less. Like, say, 2 people per square 100 miles.

I detest high-density areas, and could never, ever live in one. If it came to it, I'd beg for Canadian citizenship and flee to the Northwest Territories. Not that that hasn't been a plan in the back of my head for a long time anyway....

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I'd beg for Canadian citizenship and flee to the Northwest Territories.

How far up north?

[chri'stina 190]

While I don't want to live in a densely populated city, I also wouldn't want to live in a rural area where your nearest neighbors are nowhere in sight and you have to drive far for basic necessities. I find something very invigorating about a place like New York City that is full of people and buildings and action. I wouldn't want to live there, but I want it to exist so I can visit it. I don't want the whole country to be rural boringness.

edited b/c I am typing like a moron

Edited September 3, 2008 by Parivar CSK

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

While I don't want to live in a densely populated city, I also wouldn't want to live in a rural area where your nearest neighbors are nowhere in sight and you have to drive far for basic necessities. I find something very invigorating about a place like New York City that is full of people and buildings and action. I wouldn't want to live there, but I want it to exist so I can visit it. I don't want to whole country to be rural boringness.

Agreed, on all points!

[LaL 418]

....rural boringness.

PS. Platy- my husband has been in the Yukon (working for 6 weeks or so). It wasn't very fun for him

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Personally, I'm a big fan of the "small city". Small enough to be easier to get into and out of, but big enough to have many of the amenities and cultural attractions of a larger urban area.

Edited September 3, 2008 by A.J.

[LaL 418]

Personally, I'm a big fan of the "small city". Small enough to be easier to get into and out of, but big enough to have many of the amenities and cultural attractions of a larger urban area.

I would be a fan of a small city NEAR a big city...

ETA: and NOT a suburb!!

Edited September 3, 2008 by LaL

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Big city all the way. But like AJ said, a small city with the amenities would do too.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I've never enjoyed a small city that isn't near a big city, so you may have a point. I enjoy going into New Brunswick, for instance. NB wouldn't be what it is without the demographics and cultural influences that come with the large Rutgers presence, Johnson and Johnson and the direct train line into NYC.

[chri'stina 190]

What would you consider a small city?

[SteveLaura 0]

What would you consider a small city?

The Vatican. But with a groovier nightlife.

[chri'stina 190]

What would you consider a small city?

The Vatican. But with a groovier nightlife.

That doesn't help me sir. I have never been to the Vatican or know how big it really is.

[Jenn! 918]

What would you consider a small city?

The Vatican. But with a groovier nightlife.