But I don't think it's THE basic problem, Ebbie. I think it's one of a number of major problems, but I don't think it's the biggest single problem among them, because this planet is quite capable of supporting the present population and giving a good life to everyone and NOT destroying the ecosphere...IF we were not disunited and devoted to war, exploitation, greed, and ruthless competition.

If we dealt with a number of other societal problems which result from our severe disunity and our addiction to greed for money, then we could very readily stabilize the world population, in my opinion, and provide for everyone too. It is human disunity, competition, and strife that makes it impossible right now to resolve a whole bunch of acute problems we are facing.

Now, consider this: people here can yell all they want about how there are too many people on the planet, but what are they actually prepared to do about it? They are AMONG those "too many people". But they're no better than anyone else is.

If they don't think they can do anything about it, then why are they yelling about it here? Just to vent? Or just to feel righteous? Or just to have someone to blame? Or just to have something to talk about? Or just to have the thrill of being "right" about something when they think so many others are "wrong" about it?

Those above reasons, I think, are the main reasons driving people to go on and on bitching about stuff on Mudcat. They're not here to do a damn thing about it, they're just here to yell about something, get a rush by doing so, and feel better than somebody else.

And then what? Then nothing, that's what. Just a bunch of hot air and ill will aimed at someone, anyone that they can blame for their general state of angst.

It's called "recreational outrage", and the Net is absolutely polluted with it. Yup, there sure are a lot of angry people out there, and they're looking for something to rave about.