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~ Come On and Take a Free Ride ~
Instapundit linked up this brief editorial on how childless couples are essentially economic "free riders" on the backs of couples who have kids. Some of the comments do note there are hidden costs to being childess. However, I'm not sure if they come close to those of having a child. Also, since the US is a net importer of population, and those new arrivals historically have always had higher birthrates, I can't help but wonder if she's talking about the "right people" not having enough children. If so her point is nothing new... existing US citizens have been bitching about the wrong people having kids here for as long as there's been a country. We seem to have done just fine so far.
There might've been subtley implied policy recommendations, but I actually didn't see anything overt. Of course, I wasn't truly reading to analyze, either.
But that being said, as one half a childless couple, I have to say that there certainly are benefits and I think she has a valid viewpoint - or at least one worthy of serious debate. Amber and I are certainly getting some sort of a free ride. In fact we, in certain respects, are getting the best of all worlds right now. Between us, we've 5 nieces, 2 nephews (ages ranging from 6-17), and one Olivia. So, we can get a good chunk of the emotional benefits at no material cost. Plus, we can plan our retirement and overall savings goals without children in mind (at this point. I fully realize as the male half of this union I have no real say in whether or not children will come about. My job is to nod and say yes at the appropriate times.), which is certainly a freedom.
Posted by: ronaprhys on March 6, 2006 09:08 PM