Who's Against Zero Growth and Me First?

--- In spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com, "smartaspaper"
>
> -
> mike you are so patient and explain so well...

I've followed this "zero growth" thread through its numerous postings.
There have been many opinions expressed and it all make for interesting
reading. Nonetheless, I must say that this subject is a classic example
of getting the cart before the horse for the following reasons:
1. Before any talk of population control in space colonies can
come into play we must first establish a permanent manned presence in
space (whether that comes about in the form of lunar colonies, mars
colonies, or space colonies). I hope to see more posts on how we are
going to be able to do that.
2. The first manned presence in space will undoubtably be more
like remote work sites (such as Prudhoe Bay in Alaska or, dare I say
it, the International Space Station). These are not environments
conducive to human reproduction. I believe women who become pregnant is
these situations will simply be "sent home".
3. I believe it will take one or two generations before we get
past the work canp phase and move into something resembling
extraterestrial colonies. Those embarking on these ambitious ventures
will establish their own rules about reproduction. These rules will be
directly tied to the ability of the colony to support "new members".
4. The debate we are now having will be conducted by those first
extraterestrial colonist based on their own world view and, more
importantly, their practical need to keep their own environment
livable. Our opinions will mean nothing to them