Thursday, December 22, 2005

US Census numbers posted

Apparently, New York State might lose another 2 seats in the house based on our declining population. According to the latest figures from the Census Bureau, we're at about 19.2 million in population. California is at 36.1 million and Texas is at 22.8 million. Not too far behind is Florida at 17.78 million. All three of those states are growing - albeit California is just under 1% growth, whereas Florida is at 2.3% and Texas is at 1.7%. New York's population actually declined by 0.1% - so, basically we're staying equal. Nevada and Arizona are the two fastest growing states at 3.5% growth each.

The last time we had redistricting to eliminate two house seats it was a huge battle. And if we have to cut another two seats, it'll be worse. New York City is growing, but Upstate continues to lose population. Can we catch up, or reverse this trend? Could New York take the next four years and really change it's policies to improve the quality of life here - causing young people to stay and old people to retire here? The quality of life is good - and after spending some time this past summer in Arizona, I will tell you this: I will never live in Arizona.

This is a case of too many people moving into the dessert, and nature is going to rear it's ugly head and say, "What the fuck humans? This many of you aren't supposed to be here!" What happens if the water gets shut off for a day? Or the power goes down for a week? Even the most oppressive heat in Upstate New York... it's what? 95 degrees? But usually only for 4, 5, 6 days. But in Arizona during the summer? Come on people! Shit, I sweat all winter... if I were to move to Arizona I'd probably melt into nothingness. I'm not trying to pick on Arizona, but quite frankly, I wouldn't feel too badly for the thousands who are moving down there should they all roast without air conditioning for a month. Or possibly experience Return to Thunderdome like battles for drinking water. They'd deserve it for being so arrogant as to think millions of people are supposed to live in the dessert. Didn't Sam Kinneson already make the point? "THERE'S NO FUCKING FOOD IN THE DESSERT! OHHHH! OHHHHHHHHH!"