Scripps Howard
The population of the United States is nearing the 300 million mark, a milestone likely to trigger anxiety and political rancor rather than a national celebration of growth and prosperity.
Unlike the commemorations in 1967, when Americans hailed the 200 million mark, federal authorities this year won’t be building giant population clocks as props for
jubilant politicians. Nor will they encourage the news media to locate the newborn who put the nation over the top.
Instead, critics of rapid growth will question anew whether America can remain prosperous while burgeoning at the unprecedented rate of 1 million new residents every 127 days. Others angrily will argue that the 300 millionth American very likely will be an illegal immigrant. Aware of the anxieties, the Bush administration is low-key about the approaching population landmark. The only official recognition planned so far is a modest press briefing by federal demographic experts.
Posted by Tyne at June 18, 2006