My hubby is a reader ~ he LOVES books. His favourite place to have tea is in the bookstore. If he could own a bookstore – he would. He always says, “Leaders are readers and readers are leaders”.
He has been reading a very interesting and a possibly perceived controversial book called, “America Alone” by Mark Steyn. The caption on the front cover is, “The end of the world as we know it.” He read an article in a newspaper (an excerpt) and wanted to know more. He has been reading snippets to me and it is quite interesting. Not his regular genre but interesting none the less.
The book talks about the decline of the human race in just about every country around this wonderful globe – with one exception. Animals shouldn’t be on the endangered list – we should! The birth rate has declined so low in some countries that there are huge generational gaps. There are some cities that elementary schools are closing and maternity wards are quiet. The fact is that the majority of the human race is not replacing itself. The birthrate in Canada is no longer at the 2.3 or 2.7 I thought it was. It is 1.48!! The only advanced nation with a sizable population reproducing at replacement rate is the United States (2.11)!! There will be a lot less younger Canadians to have to foot the bill for the increased geriatric care (the plus of having social programs!).
Where the books starts to look controversial is when it looks at the only place in the world that is reproducing at an incredible speed of almost 5. Countries where violence is a way of life, where their religion starts with Is and ends with lam. In Europe where bombs are going off in subways and “youths” are gathering in gang style groups to beat and kill those who cross their path… it is one group responsible.
What is causing countries like Canada, Italy or the UK to have stopped having children? What will Russia look like in 2040 if their birth rate in 2005 was only 1.14? Is this God’s plan for the world? He said to be fruitful and multiply. I understand there are those who physically aren’t able to reproduce. But more and more people are choosing careers over children, living together verses marriage. You also have to realize that in most of these nations ~ the abortion rate is higher than the birth rate. This is awful news. We need to pray for these nations! The author makes some incredible statements but also has some great insight, “when your tax and social policies encourage non-traditional family models, one consequence is fewer children.”
It’s a book that makes you go, “Hummm”. It gives you very important issues to look at.
Hi! I’ve often thought the same kind of thoughts, regarding the birth rate etc. It seems, if the enemy can’t kill off our future thru abortions, he is definitely telling young couples that it’s ‘too horrible a world to bring a child into’ ( which is a fear based decision by the way…never healthy)…or they just don’t want children to interfere with their lifestyles etc. Children ARE our inheritance. When I think of how many couples have empty arms, waiting for adoption, or pregnancie’s..it makes me so sad. And yet, here we are, some of the wealthiest nations in the world, losing the biggest vision for the future – having children. Anywayys…this is probably too long for a comment…and I’ll stop while I’m ahead! But…good post to ‘chew on’!
cool mama – you are seeing what’s been going on. We have many friends whose children are either not married or if married don’t have any children nor are planning on having any. Their education and career is foremost. We sometimes feel we are boosting when we tell others we have 4 daughters, 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild and there will be more. I say we are Blessed.
PaPa
Another thought-provoking post, Shash. “When your tax and social policies encourage non-traditional family models, one consequence is fewer children.” Having lived in both Canada and the U.S., I agree that there’s a lot of truth to this statement. I also like your husband’s quote, “Leaders are readers, readers are Leaders.” :~)