But what of those of us who have no children by choice? As many of my previous columns have pointed out, the childfree make many worthwhile contributions to society -- not only by NOT contributing to worldwide overpopulation, but also by using their time as productive members of communities in work-related and volunteer capacities.
As the world increasingly groans under the overwhelming weight of too many human beings, we hear nothing but dire news from politicians about the problems, and ridiculous rhetoric about 'maintaining the status quo' regardless of how we have to damage the earth's environment to do so. Our energy supply is becoming inadequate, gas prices soar, gridlock on the metropolitan highways, and yet no politician dares speak about the one aspect that would help curb these growing problems: Limit the population by incentives not to reproduce.
So I think we childfree should consider creating our own worldwide day of recognition. I can just imagine the antagonism this would garner from the childed, but it could be a way to spread our message: Not everyone has to reproduce. Happiness can be found without having children. And possibly most important, we leave no offspring to add to the world's growing population who are depleting earth's resources at an alarming rate.
In my column about Overpopulation I explained that different cultures have different attitudes and beliefs about sterilization. Every year on the King's birthday in Thailand, the Population and Community Development Association performs free vasectomies, and has for 17 years (AP, 12/6/96). The occasion is festive, with free food and drink and even a condom-blowing championship. Spouses and children also attend. Can you imagine a similar event in the USA?
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