I also see the value in other people, but in addition I see the value in nations and rooted associations and loyalties. The value of the latter must be taken seriously. Jonathan Haidt has excellent research on how a substantial fraction of people appear to be congenitally blind to these concerns.
> the economy is a lot better now than 100 years ago when there were far fewer people
The era of strongest wage growth and increase in living standards coincided with the period between the 1924 immigration restriction act and the 1965 immigration act, resuming immigration. In that interval net migration was roughly zero. It's tough to argue the USA was badly suffering for want of more foreigners in that time.
> the period between the 1924 immigration restriction act and the 1965
Can you think of any other events in that time period that might have had some effects on the economy? It's not exactly an experiment with a control...
> I also see the value in other people, but in addition I see the value in nations and rooted associations and loyalties.
I suppose it's a bit harsh, but IMO that kind of thinking is what breeds mentalities like those that created what the NSA has become. My loyalty is to my family, my friends, of whatever nationality they happen to be, and after that it gets a bit vague. I'm lucky to have been born in the US, certainly, but it's one country of many, with good things and bad things.
American involvement in WWII destroyed a massive amount of wealth and lowered living standards for years. It was a huge set back, and I don't know why you'd seem to be implying otherwise.
> mentalities like those that created what the NSA has become
A cohesive citizenry with a voice in policy leads to illegal spying? WTF?
> the economy is a lot better now than 100 years ago when there were far fewer people
The era of strongest wage growth and increase in living standards coincided with the period between the 1924 immigration restriction act and the 1965 immigration act, resuming immigration. In that interval net migration was roughly zero. It's tough to argue the USA was badly suffering for want of more foreigners in that time.