"Spaceship Earth' has Limited Resources

I must admit to being rather puzzled by John Ryall's attack on the much publicised Population Crises. I can understand someone being sociallistically biased, and determined to put over one's views, and support one's compatriots; but not his incredible assault on neo-Malthusian theories.

I will agree that one of the major problems, of the world to day it that of unequal distribution of resources; that socialism is probably a better answer than capitalism; that China has achieved miracles in the last few decades; and that Malthus was wrong in blaming the poor for their poverty; but I cannot hold to the incredible notion that the world can adequately provide for everyone indefinitely

Even a completely socialist world would consume resources, and as population increased, to would the rate of consumption. John Ryall would suggest that we can have our finite cake and also eat from it indefinitely. I would suggest est that he examines a basic biological textbook under the heading of Population Growth; or, if he refuses to believe anyone's written word, performs experiments himself with that socialistic Ascomycete, the common yeast.

Any population will increase as long as there is adequate food, light, water etc., but in a closed system (such as 'Spaceship Earth') the population will overtake food availability (no matter how evenly distributed) and the population is in danger of extinction. Add to this the build-up of toxins, fighting (wars), and other anti-social activities due to overcrowding, and no amount of anti-Western sentiment will save you.

I am only aware of two New Zealand political parties which are committed to a completely new society. One by revolution, shouting and confusion; and the other (Values), by a reasonably sane and ordered assault. I know which I'll choose.