To the editor:
After recently listening to a radio talk show, I've come to the realization that indeed there is a solution to the problem of our nation's diminishing population growth, i.e., couples are not reproducing at a rate necessary for sustaining healthy growth. Many young people don't want to raise a family at all.
A lady, a caller to the show, claimed she was making more by staying at home and accepting welfare checks than she otherwise would by joining the workforce and putting in the 40 hours. It was about $800 a week, or something like that.
"Why should I work," she said. "I've got six kids, no husband and I get more money from welfare than I could by working some crummy job. Let others work and I'll stay home and have some more kids and get some more welfare money."
It took some time before the profundity of her remarks struck home. "This is just what we need," I realized. "Let those who want to work do so and let this lady have some more kids."
What more can we ask for? The working youngsters not raising a family will provide the money. And how about the millionaires and the billionaires?
Ergo, our population problem is solved.
Gail A. Wickstrom
Sebring