Putin calls for more babies

DallasBlog.com | Tom Pauken:

“Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled a major policy initiative this week to halt the serious population decline in Russia. With a current population of 143 million people, some demographers predict that the population of Russia could decline to 100 million by 2050 unless drastic action is taken. ... To address his nation's demographic crisis, Putin has proposed doubling child benefits and providing additional economic incentives for women to have more than one child. ”

Ed Cognoski responds:

Just as in the 19th century and the 20th century, America's enlightened attitude towards immigration is proving to be a major blessing in the 21st century. Without immigration, the United States would also face the demographic problems now challenging Russia, Europe, Japan, and the world's most developed countries generally. With immigration, the population of the United States is still growing, still being reinvigorated. Immigrants traditionally are young, work-oriented, ambitious, just the kind of traits a great country most benefits from.

If America keeps its traditional welcoming attitude towards immigrants it will continue to grow and prosper. If America instead turns its back to the world, building walls and creating government incentives for people to have babies instead of to work, America will share Russia's slide from great power status. The choice should be an easy one, but the decision America will ultimately make is far from assured.