Tom, no argument here.   But we'd better get many more good minds to work on how to change the perception of population stability, because a lot of people see it as a problem.

 

To give just one small example, I live near Ames, which is collectively agonizing over what to do about the shrinking number of children in the school system and associated proposals to close various schools.  And one reason that some people oppose a proposal to grow to the north, which would cause less environmental controversy and damage than growing to the northwest, is because northern growth would mean more children in the Gilbert school district instead of the Ames school district.   And there is also concern among some residents because Ames isn't growing as fast as Ankeny.  When it comes to the population issue, even "enlightened" university communities aren't on board.  We have our work cut out for us.

 

ch