In the long run, yes, a smaller population may be better. It's getting there that would be painful. Part of the issue is that our economic safety nets for the

In the long run, yes, a smaller population may be better. It's getting there that would be painful. Part of the issue is that our economic safety nets for the elderly work only if there's a sufficient (working) younger population to fund them. At best, this is a recipe for intense intergenerational political conflict. At worst, it's a choice between bankrupting the younger generation and leaving the older generation out on the streets.