In my mind, the issues are very related. Basically USA has been a nation of immigrants for over 200 years, bringing diversity and energy to the land. At the same time it's getting more crowded since the world is getting more crowded.
Behind so many environmental issues are population issues. I just saw this real good Op Ed piece in the February 13 07 Baltimore Sun by a John Seager (mailed to me). It related population and environmental issues. Also had some great news that family planning works.
"Thirty years ago, for example, Mexican women had almost seven children each. Today, thanks to education and the availability of family planning, they have an average of 2.4 children."
On another note, KUOW radio did a split topic for "The Conversation" show this afternoon. Immigration reform and rising fares on Washington State ferries. "Immigration" related to rallies around the country including Seattle and here in Bellingham.
In most people's minds, the topics would be unrelated, but what makes the ferries so expensive?
Not enough room for all the cars.
Rising oil prices effect the big boats which are needed for all the cars. It's cheaper for walk-ons and bike-ons.
One can say, "There is more room for people if they don't insist on dragging a car around."
Too many people? It's even worse when it's too many cars.
Then the question comes up:
"What do you do when you get to the island?" With no car, it isn't very interesting around just the ferry dock. That's where the bicycle is a blessing.
The more urban San Juan Island with it's town called Friday Harbor offers choices for walking off the ferry, but how about Orcas Island? Maybe there's better public transit now. I haven't been to Orcas for a while, but I bring my bicycle and don't mind the hills.
Our whole nation is kind of like an island. For that matter, so is Planet Earth.
Image shows car deck on a British Columbia, Canada ferry I rode back in 1996. I was, of course, on my bicycle.
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