Overpopulation is a very real issue

I would like to respond to the Tuesday letter, “Big family inspires on many levels,” criticizing Monday’s editorial, “Limiting huge family could also be a gift,” regarding the Duggar family in Arkansas with 18 children.

I commend the family for the positive attributes they are apparently passing on to their children, as well as their thriftiness and their ability to support their family without apparent outside assistance. Many will say that it’s no one’s business how many children people have; but consider this:

Each one of us takes up air, space, resources, etc. With overpopulation a real issue (that I hardly ever see addressed) we are procreating ourselves off the planet. If animals are confined in small quarters, depression and aggression take over. The same can be said for human beings. Too many people breed more crime, poverty, homelessness and a host of other maladies.

I am the biological parent of two children and the grandparent of three adopted grandsons. I’m not against having children, but we all need to take some responsibility for our total living environment.

Nellie Cant