Ten Reasons to Have Three or More Children (babysitting, parent, married)

[Bakeneko]

Originally Posted by WesternPilgrim

11. Save Western Civilization. The West is in peril from low birthrates and a population implosion. There aren't enough taxpayers to support the social security system. We have to import nurses from abroad just to take care of our own elderly. Everything from the housing collapse to illegal immigration is exacerbated by low domestic birthrates. Etc. Only a new baby boom can reverse these problems, but time is short ...

This doens't even make sense to me - Only a new baby boom can save us?

How about people begin to plan/save/invest for their own retirements?

[WesternPilgrim]

Originally Posted by Bakeneko

How about people begin to plan/save/invest for their own retirements?

Futile. Money doesn't magically create the people needed to work in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, or the children who might take care of their own parents at home. Nor does it magically create people who can use your investment funds productively.

[Cinebar]

Originally Posted by Magritte25

Is this satire?

No. This is a common theme with the OP.

If you have some time to kill, you might want to do a search of his posts.

[Lucidkitty]

The birthrate is destined to remain at replacement levels at best but it's probably not gonna rise again until lifespans dramatically increase. If like my sister beliefs medicine in the next 25 years lets people live well past 100 then you might have people have kids in shifts.

[Cinebar]

Originally Posted by Lucidkitty

then you might have people have kids in shifts.

That's what I did - had my kids in shifts.

First one born in 1975, second one born in '77. Third one born in '89, fourth one born in '90.

Last, but by no means least, boy #5 was born in '95.

[Lucidkitty]

Originally Posted by Cinebar

No. This is a common theme with the OP.

If you have some time to kill, you might want to do a search of his posts.

I'm familiar with WP from the politics board.

[Cinebar]

Originally Posted by Lucidkitty

I'm familiar with WP from the politics board.

Me, too, and his opinions about same sex marriage, gay adoption, etc.

'Nuff said, I guess.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by WesternPilgrim

11. Save Western Civilization. The West is in peril from low birthrates and a population implosion. There aren't enough taxpayers to support the social security system. We have to import nurses from abroad just to take care of our own elderly. Everything from the housing collapse to illegal immigration is exacerbated by low domestic birthrates. Etc. Only a new baby boom can reverse these problems, but time is short ...

That is completely incorrect. The US has the highest birthrate of any developed western country and the highest rate of teen pregnancy as well. We don't need more breeders when the main demographic problem that we face is the unusually large baby boomer bubble. That is why many people are GOING BACK TO SCHOOL to train for a healthcare career to address this demographic issue. It has nothing to do with imagined low current birthrates at all. We also need more personal responsibility, greater parental involvement, and a further focus on education. That is how you get new taxpayers. The last thing we need is another baby boom.

[WesternPilgrim]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

That is completely incorrect. The US has the highest birthrate of any developed western country and the highest rate of teen pregnancy as well.

It's true that we have the highest birthrate of any developed western country, but that just means we're the best of an extremely bad lot. The U.S. birthrate has been below replacement level (2.08 v. 2.10) since 2008, and even this number is inflated due to the higher birthrates of immigrant groups. The nations of Europe are literally imploding demographically, with Greece being the most upside down with 45 grandchildren for every 100 grandparents. That's why they are bankrupt and in an economic tailspin that threatens all of Europe.

By the way, the U.S. teen pregnancy rate is at its lowest level in 70 years.

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

We don't need more breeders when the main demographic problem that we face is the unusually large baby boomer bubble. That is why many people are GOING BACK TO SCHOOL to train for a healthcare career to address this demographic issue. It has nothing to do with imagined low current birthrates at all.

No, the problem is that the baby boomers didn't replace themselves. It's that simple. When a generation fails to replace itself, the coming generations pay dearly. You can't redirect massive numbers of a declining population into healthcare without the economy tanking. Healthcare depends upon scientific and technological innovation, manufacturing, finance, and public expenditures which in turn rely upon economic productivity.

[WesternPilgrim]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

We also need more personal responsibility, greater parental involvement, and a further focus on education. That is how you get new taxpayers.

OK, but things like "personal responsibility" and "parental involvement" have some weighty prerequisites, starting with a society that values family and children to begin with.