Dnag, you made so many different points it's a little hard to encapsulate all of it and respond, but for the most part I agree with what you've said about needing to be better stewards of the Earth than we are now. Let's realize though, that in doing that though, we are still doing so mainly out of self-serving, human need. The Earth will recover from ANYTHING we do, humans will be the ones that will have to change.
As far as your view on war(s), the reasons for them, and strange reasoning concerning the numbers of dead civilians, it's hard to know where to begin. Are you saying the US shouldn't have intervened in WWI or WWII, etc. and allowed even MORE people to be slaughtered? Countless civilian lives have been SAVED as a result of our intervention along the way- far more than your claim of what the US is responsible for. Also, the dynamics of human history have been changed forever as a result of American intervention, and MOST would say for the better. It seems to me, the only ones that disagree with that are the ungrateful, and those that have been spoiled by liberty and safe haven. More people flock to the US than any other country. Why do you think that is? Be honest with yourself, and you won't be able to deny that liberty, capitalism, and opportunity are the reasons behind it.
Regarding your numbers on out-of-control population growth, that is untrue regarding most European countries, and also holds true here in the US, ASIDE FROM THE latin influx from south of our border. Amazing how one race in particular is able to change that dynamic all by themselves isn't it? Europe's population is decreasing, their economy is mostly comprised of "old money", and unless they embrace more capiltalistic ideology, they will soon drown in their own pool of Socialism. They simply don't have the population to support it. As Margaret Thatcher once said, "The problem with Socialism is, at some point you run out of everyone else's money."
Earlier, you mentioned my naivety regarding why wars are fought. Reasons vary, and I suppose you're right, at some point along the line, somebody profits. If that same logic is applied to this bill, who do you think that stands to profit? Since many aren't clear what is even in this bill yet, it's no surprise they haven't figured it out. The pursestrings controlling how much energy costs and how, and WHO will be doling it out, are now in the control of the government. For those that champion big government, this is a wet dream. I call it a nightmare. Much of the heartland, THE BREADBASKET of the world, let alone the US will be hit the hardest by this bill as much of their power is derived from non-renewable energy. Be assured though, this will hit EVERYONE hard, it's just a matter of how much. Those that want to see the US knocked down a rung or two, and other envious countries got their wish, only thing is, their economies are so linked to the US's, it will hit them hard too! That's the part people don't seem to understand. It's simple macroeconomics. The result, there will be more poor in the streets, fewer jobs, a diminished standard of living, and the gap between the rich and poor will expand. The poorest families will be hit the hardest, then the middle class, and the rich even less and the percentage of income spent on energy decreases the further up the rung you go. Even those who voted for "change" can't deny these facts. Too bad they were so eager vote in the "opposite of Bush". Little did they know they'd be looking at the destruction of free America. I saw it coming, because I listened to his campaign promises. None of what's happened is of any surprise to me. People who thought this fucktard was more moderate than he is were wrong! He's not your average Dem. Just look at who he took sides with with regard to what happened in Honduras. He sided with someone who was trying to set up a dictatorship the same as Hugo Chavez! He picked the same side as Fidel Castro! People need to wake the fuck up as to who this President really is. I for one, now that the Senate is filibuster-proof have never been so fearful. Sweeping, socialist change is on its way, and unless the PEOPLE take the time to pay attention and do something about it, this country is headed down the shithole. You can count on it.