America and World Refugees

Doug Bandow wrote a column arguing that the United States should increase its immigration quotas (“America Turns Away the World of Refugees,” Opinion, Sept. 11). He asserts that social upheavals, particularly in Asia, require a more generous acceptance of desperate boat people.

The position is not valid. It encourages sentiment but violates common sense and reason.

The truth is that this country is far too populated now. The increasing pollution, shortages of water, and searches for new places to put garbage are all indications of a society in deep trouble. Yet no politician wants to face the reality of overpopulation, and the ordinary citizen fights on peripheral matters, such as slow-growth measures. The NIMBY concept (“We all need more airports, freeways, prisons, and garbage dumps but Not in My Back Yard”) is a very popular one; the endless fights over a light-rail line in the San Fernando Valley are just one example.

America needs fewer people if our ecology is to survive. But the opposite is happening, and the future will see frequent battles over pollution, traffic, garbage, water shortages, new sewers, highway repairs, growth, city planning, etc.

Bandow’s sentiments are well meant, but they are not wise or helpful. It is time for a national population commission to review the harsh implications of constant population growth. We need more leadership and fewer bodies.

Unfortunately, any suggestion to limit immigration and/or births in America leads some persons to suggest that opponents of immigration are racist. But the places to put garbage are filling up and stand as a testament to human excess and gross materialism without reference to age, color, creed, or national origin. The “greenhouse effect” is bad for all humans everywhere.

Population growth is terrifying, yet ignored. Those who care about America will not leave this issue unmentioned. The longer we postpone action, the greater the pain and cost of the burdens will be.

HARRY R. MAJOR

Los Angeles