Rather than the mythical population explosion often still claimed by leftist lunatics, there has been a remarkable reduction in fertility levels to near and often below replacement level in almost all nations in this world — nations that along with the developed nations will eventually encounter global aging and labor shortages that replacement migration will not suffice politically or practically to solve. There are some exceptions. This includes some nations in the Middle East, which are best described as being in a rapidly urbanizing and population-growing desert. It is there that future water wars are most likely. Just ask Turkey, Syria, and Iraq (along the Euphrates River, one of the two major rivers of Iraq).

You'll have to look long and hard on this leftist site to find any Bush fans, even among us non-lefties. 2006 elections show how disappointed, disillusioned, even disgusted so many of us as well as the lefties are with our current administration. It's no surprise why we confidently predict a Democrat to get into the White House next year. (The only way McCain can win this is by default after Dem self-destruction.)

It is a fact that energy is a notable pecentage of food costs (production and transport) and energy prices have gone where? Up. Estimates I have seen range from $10-$20 per barrel of oil just due to Iraq.

In any event food prices will thus go up too, baring some other savings elsewhere. With water and weather bad for grains.. . Well that ain't helping. And indeed it is a double whammy. Weather is not getting better lately. And fresh water is a growing issue in many food producing places around the world such as Australia.

* Sorry, no Viet Cong or Soviets for you to send care packages to, though I suppose Al Queda and Iran will be happy to substitute in VietnamXXXXXXX Iraq.