I've been wanting to put up a new post
for some time now, but I've been swamped at work and with family
issues. But at the moment I am watching the snow blow around outside
my window contemplating clearing my driveway. Since I am not too
enthusiastic about doing that I thought now would be a good time to
write about something. I know there are many topics out there, the
fires in Australia, the killing of Soleimani, the downing of the
civilian aircraft by Iran and, of course, the impeachment of Donald
Trump. But a friend had suggested a topic a little while back that
maybe it is time we looked a little more closely at, population
decline.
Recently here in Minnesota we have
started talking about our declining population and what that will
mean to our future well being. I know there are those who worry
about population increase, but in reality we are actually looking at
just the opposite. Years ago in the 50's and 60's we had what
everyone called a “baby boom” leading to what was later called
the “Boomer generation”. Nowadays being designated a “Boomer”
has become somewhat of an insult in certain quarters. There seems to
be a growing rift between generations. But I digress.
I ran across this rather neat video
showing the changing population rates in various countries. They run
it over a large span of years showing what has happened and what they
believe will happen in the future. Some of the numbers in various
countries may surprise you.
In Minnesota we speculate on whether or
not we will lose a seat in the House because of population decline,
but perhaps that is a minor consequence compared to other things. I
remember a trip I took some years ago out to the western states of
the US. I visited a ghost town up in the mountains. Sometimes it is good to visit the past. It may be a foreshadowing of things
to come.
Others have dealt with their own
population declines in other ways. You may want to visit a town in
Japan that has tried a different approach. Well, one resident has,
anyway.
Yes, it's a little sad, I know. So I
will end this post with a little upbeat news. At least for one city
in Japan.
Now, my driveway awaits...and the sun has come out...
