Ripples

I saw Pat Buchanan on C-Span today and he said that the Christian West has committed suicide, and there is nothing to be done about it. A thought provoking, disturbing statement, indeed, that can be supported by looking at demographics. Over the past few months, I have read or heard a couple of people discuss modern demographics and how they are shaping the future.

The birth rate of European women is below replacement levels. The former Communist countries are even lower than that of Western Europe. Having children or not is a deeply personal decision, however, the repercussions of a nation where citizens are all making similar choices can be disturbing if you care about the future. Right now, the people with the highest birth rates are mostly fleeing the Middle East to resettle in Europe bringing their Islamic faith with them. The culture of Europe is being changed as the people whose families have been there for hundreds of years have fewer and fewer children to be replaced by the newcomers who just happen to be having large families.

Take a look around you, think about your own family. Do you see a significant number of family members who are choosing to not have children? I see it in mine, especially when considering the extended family.
Nature abhors a void, and despite the social scientists who warn about overpopulation, someone will fill the gap that is left behind.

You may or may not care about what this means for the future, but it goes to show you that your private options have ripples that extend beyond your own home.