Horrid wrote on Jun 28, 2007 11:12 PM:This is a horrid, hate filled and inaccurate protrayal of the water problem. I am shocked that the NC Times would print this.

What? wrote on Jun 29, 2007 6:57 AM:Well - at least no one can say that the anti-illegal population isn't creative in its arguments in support of their cause. Although I'm part of the anti-illegal immigration group, this 'chicken little' argument is a bit too far fetched for me. Let's stick to concrete facts and figures, like the cost of illegal immigration that is placed on the tax payer's shoulders through medical care, schooling, etc. This water stuff is rubbish.

Suzette wrote on Jun 29, 2007 6:59 AM:Lynnette you are funny. I believe in Free Speech but I still do not understand why the NCT would print this ridiculous speculation. I heard we were not going to have any more gasoline for our cars because of the illegals. I also heard the illegals are the reason for the spread of e-coli. Lets see what other social woe can we put on them? HHHUUUMMM maybe they are responsible for Global Warming or maybe they are also responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer. So many things we can blame on them that some how make people like Lynnette to feel better rather than to take responsibilty for our failures as a Nation to preserve our natural resourses. It's called blame shifting and criminals on trial use that tactic all the time you know the blame game.

Howiek wrote on Jun 29, 2007 8:20 AM:Actually, with the exception of where she got her facts from I think she is pretty much on target—I think we are entering a “time” of “very uncertain” times!

Say What? wrote on Jun 29, 2007 8:43 AM:Now I've seen it all. Water problems are caused by immigration? Jeez, Lynnette, what else? Pollution, ozone, global warming, athlete's foot, hayfever, sweaty palms, the possibilities are endless, huh?

I don't know whether to laugh or cry wrote on Jun 29, 2007 8:44 AM:This goes beyond the norm of the extremist drivel. If this was not so full of hate I could laugh but since it is so full of hate I want to cry. I promise to stop drinking water or showering everyday if that will make Lynnette feel better.

Nick wrote on Jun 29, 2007 9:04 AM:What is horrid is the fact that people like you refuse to admit and accept all the ramifications that ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION have on this Country. How many millions have flooded our Country since we gave them amnesty in 1986? Thankfully, we have killed the latest amnesty bill for now. No one who intends to be President in 2008 will be for amnesty or they will not be elected, every single candidate knows that. Amnesty for Illegals, all race and color, is horrid!

Reardon wrote on Jun 29, 2007 9:56 AM:"Hate" is the most overwrought, and overworked word on these blogs. Anyone who disagrees with anyone seems to be "Hate-filled" and/or "racist." Give it a rest.

Bob wrote on Jun 29, 2007 9:59 AM:Interesting article Lynette and you are right. If our president and the senate had taken the time to do their homework, they would never have tried to pass this hideous bill. Keeping the 20+ illegals, and with more to come into the country, would have impacted our water system greatly. I am already hearing we need to conserve water again this year. It is sad to see our country getting more over crowded everyday. Of course it would effect our water.

Mary wrote on Jun 29, 2007 10:04 AM:Horrid, are you reading the same article I am? The author is just stating the reality of the situation. It really isn't a politically correct opinion. Political correct opinions generally mean you can't state the obvious. (So I am kind of surprised NCT actually printed this.) Anyway, the reality is that not everyone can live wherever they want and the rest of the world cannot all move to the United States. Lack of water in land areas has always and will always be a limiting factor (as well as many other types of resources) to where humans can live. It is similar to demanding "affordable" housing for illegal immigrants, even though it could be detrimental to the community. The bottom line is that we need to step up the desalinization process of converting sea water to potable water. And with global warming, we are going to have plenty of sea water to convert.

Reardon wrote on Jun 29, 2007 10:13 AM:To Horrid: I just noticed that Lynnette wrote that piece you found "hate-filled." Lynnette and I were political opponents for a decade many years ago. She was often wrong (which is to say she disagreed with me on everything, including the day of the week) but she was NRVER "hate-filled." I sincerely doubt that she has become "hate-filled" in the intervening years. Get a grip. You can disagree without being disagreeable.

hometowner wrote on Jun 29, 2007 11:12 AM:Duh! This is just another of the hidden costs of illegal immigration that the socialists and environmentalists do not want to talk about. All those who say 'stop building more homes because we do not have the water' should cut out this article and save it.

RR wrote on Jun 29, 2007 11:40 AM:This illegal immigration thing is great. We can ignore all our own mistakes and blame the illegals. We never have to accept responsibility for anything. What else can we pin on them? BAAAAA you sheep keep being distracted by this age old issue. It truly does not effect you but everyone will lead you to be so scared.

Alf wrote on Jun 29, 2007 11:40 AM:Understand this- The reality is that the largest single catagory of water user is also the one who can and will cut back 30 percent first - Agriculture. I will never dispute that illegal immigration is, was and will continue to tax our resources. Isn't it odd to have people who claim that man does not contribute significantly to anything close to "climate change" would then use illegal immigration as something that overburdens our resources? This is a double-edge sword, folks, either man strains resources or not, either man has an effect or not. Watch out for that back-swing, I would not want mere facts to get in the way here. An unabashed Libertarian, Alf.

Concerned-1 wrote on Jun 29, 2007 12:28 PM:Actually, Ms Perkes makes a good point. Water is critical to a sustainable future in Southern California. While ag is and always has been a big user of water, it is population growth that exacerbates the problem. The more people we have, the bigger the problem. Again, it is really common sense. Something a few of you obiviously don't have.

Reardon is wrong wrote on Jun 29, 2007 2:28 PM:"Hate" is NOT the most overwrought, and overworked word on these blogs. STUPID is, as evidenced by the inane comments made in support of this sophomoric lamantation of Lynette Perks.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jun 29, 2007 3:21 PM:No doubt about it, the MAJORITY of Americans are against any so-called "immigration reform" bill. These sorts of bills are nothing more than amnesty wrapped in fancy wording. Now, it's time to roll up the sleeves, get out the heavy equipment and construct an impenetrable wall that can’t be jumped, snuck around, tunneled under, or scaled. Also, we need to triple the Border Patrol at the southern border. And while the wall (and fence) is being built, it’s time to make coming here unattractive for Mexicans, and other illegal aliens, by cracking down on employers. Plus, we all need to stop hiring day laborers to do things we should be doing ourselves (or hire American citizens).. Ultimately, illegal aliens will 'self-deport' themselves back to wherever they came. The time is NOW to clean house of all the unwanted invaders who snuck in through our back door and have taken their share of freebees from our kitchen!

Water Wars wrote on Jun 29, 2007 8:56 PM:Mexico and the US have an agreement on water allocation. When a Mexican illegally invades the US and starts intercepting water allocated for the US, they are cheating the US out of water. The water used by Mexicans illegally invading the US should be deducted from the water sent to Mexico. Also, if so-called greenhouse gas emissions are limited, then Mexico should be charged for the greenhouse gases emitted by its nationals who are illegally in the US. The US should not have to suffer for the benefit of Mexico!

juancarlos wrote on Jun 29, 2007 10:24 PM:Concerned-1 is absolutely correct.

Hilarous! wrote on Jun 29, 2007 10:30 PM:So long as you keep watering golf courses with drinking water who cares how many illegals are actually drinking and bathing in the stuff? Ridiculous!

Need more water wrote on Jun 30, 2007 1:05 PM:Many golf courses use gray water for irrigation and do not use drinking water. Here's a good article about the future demands of water needed in California. Study: California Will Need More Water in 25 years [Web site]

Skip wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:17 AM:Remember the Illegal Alien day of May 1, 2007. There was no traffic on the freeways, the stores were not so crowded, the hospitals functioned, and the schools could concentrate on teaching. Well it is the same principal with water, electricity, and gasoline. Anyone here who does not understand what Ms. Perkes is trying to say is in complete denial. If 1 million Illegal Aliens were removed from Southern California, it is quite simple that water demand, gasoline demand, and electricity demand would go down. And Ms Perkes is right on the money when she points out that Illegal Alien birth are skyrocketing and have surpassed legal Citizens in many parts of the state and nation. We call them Anchor babies.

Skip wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:22 AM:When I grew up in Southern California, the national population was 200 Million. Last year we passed 300 Million and we can expect to see 400 Million in my lifetime. The population explosion is being fueled by both legal and Illegal immigration. Everyone here that thinks our space and natural resources are unlimited, please raise your hand. How can the posts here refer to hate, when the author is simply stating the facts, is beyond me.

kkatheb wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:53 AM:As someone from outside California, I am at a loss to find any evidence of "hate" -- or of any other personal, subjective emotion -- in this very reasonable approach to a subject which is so often approached from an overly emotional point of view! Many anti-illegal immigration organizations, such as "Californians for Population Stabilization" and "Numbers USA", for example, began and remain in opposition to the very real problems which "environmentally unsustainable population growth" brought by massive, unchecked illegal immigration inflicts upon our nation. Pointing out these facts in a reasonable manner such as this writer has done certainly is no evidence of "hate", or of any other purely emotional response, regarding this issue. Startled in Texas

Kathryn wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:20 PM:As someone from outside California, I was startled to read almost every response to this commentary refer to it as "hateful" or "hate filled". To the contrary, I found it a refresingly objective approach to an issue which is too often painted in emotional terms. It asks questions we need to ask. Several anti-illegal immigration organizations--"Californians for Population Stabilization" and "Numbers USA" are examples--began from the same premise as this author's, i.e., a factual acknowledgement of the "unsustainable human population growth" being brought to our nation by massive, unchecked illegal immigration, and the myriad costly problems which this inflicts upon our entire society. To try to redefine this author's factual approach to this crucial national issue as reflecting any subjective emotion such as "hate", let alone being "filled" with this purely emotional response, is simply incorrect. Startled in Texas

MVet wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:27 PM:Excellent article, Lynette! Thank you.

*Syl wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:29 PM:I have just one question! WHERE IS THE HATE? I read the story three times, and then I read the comments about hate. I SAY AGAIN : WHERE IS THE HATE?

extex wrote on Jul 7, 2007 3:56 PM:Even without a drought, the American West is ARID. The appearance of wide open spaces is misunderstood, at best. We are at the limits of further growth & development but politicians need to be educated to these facts. Only Tancredo has spoken of our aridity in relation to population..........

GoDawgs wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:58 PM:Funny you should post this article. I was just outside doing a little gardening and we are on water restrictions here in Georgia, it's been dry. I was thinking if we didn't have all these illegals here using up our resources, we'd have alot more water.

To Skip wrote on Jul 7, 2007 5:01 PM:RE: Remember the Illegal Alien day of May 1, 2007 >>>> Oops that was May 1, 2006. The Illegal Aliens lost interest this year. Probably because so many people enjoyed the ease of congestion last year, and so much bad publicity was generated by the sea of Mexican Flags. Most Americans are getting royally fed up with the prospect of supporting millions of Illegal Aliens on the Tax-payers dime.

nntrixie wrote on Jul 8, 2007 12:31 AM:Anyone who thinks we can take in 20 million people in such a short time without putting a serious strain on our infrastructure and resources is just not willing to look at reality. How can they not cause a strain, for goodness sakes? Texas has been concerned about it's water for a very long time. This year's rains are helping some of the drought situation, but it will not fix the depletion of our underground water. It is said the next war in TExas will be a water war. Also, if anyone has travelled in our western states and looked at the lakes that furnish water to people there, it is very sobering. You can see the water marks from years gone by and see the level today. Another thing the illegals, for the most part, have absolutely no concept of water conservation. Yes, if they have lived where they had to carry water, etc., they are careful there. When they get here and all that is necessary is turn on the spigot - they don't realize it isn't limitless.

OVERPOPULATION AND IMMIGRATION wrote on Jul 8, 2007 2:58 AM:The United States is the world's third-most populous country, after China (1.3 billion people) and India (1.1 billion). The nation's population has nearly doubled since 1950, and the count is expected to hit 300 million in October, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2050, the figure is projected to top 419 million. As the U.S. population increases, the link between population and the country's environmental capacity – its water supply, farmland, fisheries and other natural resources – is getting more attention from groups that aren't among the marquee names in environmentalism. It's an issue whose time has come. The scientific data pretty much across the board shows that we in the U.S. are reaching many of the nation's ecological limits, one by one, and that many (limits) are linked to population trends."

Mike wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:15 AM:The United States as the only industrialized nation whose population is growing significantly. America's relatively high population growth and high rates of resource consumption and pollution make for a volatile mixture resulting in the largest environmental impact per capita ... in the world. Americans occupy about 20 percent more developed land per capita for housing, schools, shopping, roads and other uses than they did 20 years ago. About 40 percent of the nation's rivers and 46 percent of its lakes are too polluted for fishing and swimming. Wetlands, the biological filters for water pollution, are shrinking by 100,000 acres a year, mainly because of development. Half of the continental United States no longer supports native vegetation, largely because people have altered the terrain significantly. More than half the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of the coast and that density can damage seaside ecosystems such as wetlands.

Mike wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:17 AM:Challenges are evident in places like San Diego County, home to some 3 million people and 42 threatened and endangered species. For example, having an adequate water supply is one reason the San Diego City Council is looking at the costly and controversial option of turning wastewater into drinking water.

CALIFORNIA LATINO WATER COALITION wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:31 AM: If we are already running shortages of water now, can you imagine in another five to ten years when the population is perhaps approaching 50 million, we really are going to have a lot of problems. http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/videoblog/frame/5983/

The Governor's Plan wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:32 AM:http://gov.ca.gov/issue/water/

GOT WATER ? wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:35 AM:The California Latino Water Coalition is a group of concerned leaders and citizens who believe water storage projects are necessary for the economic well-being of California and the people who live and work here. California's rapidly growing population -- estimated to reach 40 million by 2010 -- is putting mounting pressure on the state's water supplies. State officials now predict that California will experience annual shortages of 4 million acre-feet (MAF) to 6 MAF by 2010 unless steps are taken now to address the declining reliability of the state's water supply system.

No Mention of Population Numbers here ........ wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:47 AM:http://www.water.ca.gov/

IS IT NOT IRONIC ? wrote on Jul 8, 2007 11:01 AM:That on the California Government Water Conversation Website, that there is only one Ethnic group against the waste, and poor planning of water conservation. They are a Hispanic Group and they are complaining that the population of California is growing out of Control. Where is the "HATE" here? http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/videoblog/frame/5983/

Paul Rodriguez speaks on California's water supply wrote on Jul 8, 2007 1:22 PM:http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/videoblog/frame/5983/

Mike wrote on Jul 8, 2007 2:23 PM:At the current rate of increase of 1.1% per year including legal immigration, the U.S. population is projected to double and reach more than 520 million by the year 2050. If this growth rate does not increase further, as it has recently, by the year 2100 the United States will have a population of 1 billion or a population similar to that existing now in China. For this analysis, however, the focus is on the year 2050.

Mike wrote on Jul 8, 2007 2:23 PM:Americans currently use about 1,450 gallons/day/capita (g/d/c) for all their needs, with the largest amount expended in agriculture. If water management is substantially improved, the projected 520 million Americans will have about 700 g/d/c in 2050 (Table l). Hydrologists consider 700 g/d/c minimal for human needs, including water for adequate food production. Clearly Americans will have to make major adjustments in their water use, especially in the arid regions of the nation. There is no technology available that is able to double the flow of the Colorado River to insure a viable river flow reaches Mexico. Indeed, the major users of this and other rivers will have to find ways to share, as each tries to cope with increased demands for water. In addition, irrigation will, of necessity, decrease as our ground water resources continue to be mined and the water resources have to be divided among more people. As mentioned, at its present rate of use, the Ogallala aquifer will become significantly less productive during the next 50 years. Because arid sections of our western and southern states already are experiencing increased water shortages, we can expect some agricultural production to shift from these regions to the midwest and northeast where rainfall is relatively abundant. Such a major reallocation of production will impose other constraints on the U.S. food production as a whole and on the variety of foods available in the consumer market.

California to face water shortage warns new study wrote on Jul 8, 2007 2:56 PM:At current rates, California's demand for water will increase by 40 percent over the next 25 years, warns a new study from the Public Policy Institute of California. The nonprofit group projects that California will add fourteen million more people by 2030, each of whom will be using 232 gallons a day.

GOOGLE "california water shortage" wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:00 PM:In both the news and weblinks for Google there are many many stories regarding the looming water shortage in California, and more then a few of them refer to unchecked immigration and the population explosion. Where is the HATE now?

Martin wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:12 PM:The water shortage crisis -- a close second to the global warming crisis -- needs to be at a higher level of awareness for our population. We assume water will be there forever, but that's not the case. We can no longer take it for granted. We have to put our best thinking, energy and resources into finding solutions while we still can. Drought, overpopulation and pollution are all contributing to the water crisis, but so is water waste and overuse. If Americans think water shortage is a problem that only affects less developed nations, they are in for a shock.

Mario wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:20 PM:Given current depletion rates of land, water, and energy resources, U.S. agricultural productivity is already unsustainable. Should the U.S. population double within the next 60 years, the subsequent decrease in arable land will substantially change American eating habits and dramatically reduce future food exports. If Americans want continued access to abundant and affordable food with the ability to continue exporting food, we must work together to stop U.S. population growth and conserve our country's limited land, water, and energy resources in order to achieve a sustainable American future.

nntrixie wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:24 PM:The hyprocrisy of the environmentalists in this issue is just astounding. I would say the lack of questioning by the news media of these organizations is unbelieveable - except we know the news media considered it a non-issue for decades - and still doesn't give it the coverage it deserves. The idea that we have a left/right is silly to me but to make a point - the 'left' who champions environmental issues - also are the very ones who champion the illegal movement. The Sierra Club has been silent on the desecration of the desert and it's fragile plants in the SW - yet they are concerned about a fence being built!!! The environmental - 'hate the suv' crowd has been silent on the fact the first thing an illegal does when they get some money is purchase an automobile - not a tiny little gas saver, either. Sometimes a real oil burner also - usually, though they have big new pickups or SUV's. So while we Americans get talked about in very nasty ways because we drive our vehicles - the illegals are encouraged to come here and become SUV owners!!! We are insulted because we are over-consumers (not doubt we are), yet they want to bring more and more illegals here and teach them to be overconsumers also. Just once I would like for someone to ask these pontificators why they are for creating more problems rather than fixing them?

Armybrat21 wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:41 PM:About 10 years ago I started (jokingly) saying that this place was going to be like "Mad Max" before we know it. It's becoming more the truth every year.

Ronnie wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:46 PM:Well, when everyone is only allowed to water their yard once a month, and take only 3 showers a week and water becomes more valuable then gold we will see how hoity toity you are then.

Robert wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:46 PM:The bottom line is that the differences between races are but a distraction in the heated debate of the illegal “immigration” crisis, and the fighting word “Racists!” is but a weapon that is being used to silence those of us who don’t want to give our country away to the invading hordes.

Re: CALIFORNIA LATINO WATER COALITION wrote on Jul 8, 2007 4:19 PM:They are trying but I think they got their numbers wrong. Instead of 40 million and 50 million, I think they mean 400 Million and 500 Million. We already passed 300 Million last year.

U.S. POPClock Projection wrote on Jul 8, 2007 4:21 PM:According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the resident population of the United States, projected to 07/08/07 at 23:19 GMT (EST+5) is 302,292,223. One birth every.... 7 seconds, One death every.... 13 seconds, One international migrant (net) every.... 27 seconds, and a Net gain of one person every.... 10 seconds. http://www.census.gov/population/www/popclockus.html

Harry wrote on Jul 8, 2007 4:26 PM:Living in the desert southwest, water is a real issue. People still fight over water in my own neighborhood. I happen to live in what they call an "improvement district". The monthly meetings get rather heated at times. I'm sure if the demand for water grows past it's availability, people will kill for it. It's already unlawful for the fire department to hook up to a hydrant in my subdivision. Rationing could be reality in the near future. Water is life here.

Ed wrote on Jul 8, 2007 4:51 PM:As the United States bakes in one of the hottest summers since the Dust Bowl years of the 1930s, drought from the Dakotas to Arizona through Alabama has sharpened the focus of farmers on their lifeline: water. Eighty percent of all fresh water consumed in the United States is used to produce food. But years of drought, diversion of water to growing urban areas and, most lately, concerns about global warming are feeding worries. Specifically, farmers fear the U.S. Plains is facing its limits as a world producer of wheat, beef, vegetable oils and other crops due to long-term water shortages. Farmers aren't going to be able to produce enough food to feed the world because there's a finite amount of water left in the world. There are many folks that will tell you the next war will not be over gold, silver or land, it will be over water.

State officials urge voluntary water conservation wrote on Jul 8, 2007 4:56 PM:With California's snowpack at a dismal 29 percent of normal levels after a May 1 survey by the state Department of Water Resources, officials are urging the public to voluntarily conserve water or risk rationing.

California's Population Has wrote on Jul 8, 2007 5:00 PM:California is now home to roughly 35 million people, a 15 million increase over the past 30 years. It took about 100 years to reach the 10 million mark, but since then California has been adding 10 million people every 20 years. California net in-migration (defined as persons entering California minus those leaving) totals more than a quarter million persons annually. Foreign net in-migration accounts for the majority of total in-migration. It is consistently in the 200,000-to-300,000 range annually. http://www.lao.ca.gov/2000/calfacts/2000_calfacts_demographics.html

Anita wrote on Jul 8, 2007 5:20 PM:As a person who attended the public schools during the zero population growth era, I am shocked that people refuse to acknowledge the drain that the mass immigration (legal and illegal) has on our resources. If our country does not control this sensibly now we will become another third world country soon. Who will help the other poor countries then? This article is right on, an issue that the left conveninenly leaves out when discussing amnesty and massive immigration.

To Suzette wrote on Jul 8, 2007 5:27 PM:Let me see if I can see the big picture here. Every California government website shows our population exploding, and the documented cause is due to undocumented immigrants. The supply of water in the state of California is at an all time low, and that is also documented. All people whether documented or undocumented consume water, so it just stands to reason that if the population is rising due to illegal Immigration, that our water supply will be taxed even more. I may add that as supply goes down, the price will go up, and once again who will be paying the most taxes, U.S. Citizens, or freshly arrived Illegal Aliens? I hope I have made that simple enough for you to understand. R/

Sylvia wrote on Jul 8, 2007 5:43 PM:To Suzette: I don't know much about Global Warming, e-coli, or the depletion of the O-zone layer, but I do know that Illegal Aliens are over-burdening our schools, hospitals, and infra-structure. And yes they are consumers too, so that also includes, water, gasoline, and electricity. Where is the Hate now? I think most people do not have a concept of just how much 12 to 20 million really is.

Bug wrote on Jul 8, 2007 5:47 PM: Sometimes I wonder how anyone can live day to day and not know what is going on around them. Good Gosh, even Canadas papers say the United States can't have their water. Our systems can not handle more people. Deserts and dust bowls are in the future unless the scientists can figure out how to make the ocean water drinkable.

snarky wrote on Jul 8, 2007 6:38 PM:The cold hard facts are that as a nation we can NOT keep filling it up with more and more people. And the ones who came here illegally NEED TO LEAVE NOW. They ARE putting a strain on water, eletricity, gas, heating, food supplies, housing, medical,jobs, education, etc. You cant possibly think that 20 million people who do not belong here do not put a strain on a society. When we are forced into rationing water, I will tell the govt to shove it, until they get rid of the illegals. Is this hate? No......its survival.

Lee wrote on Jul 8, 2007 7:38 PM:We need to ship ALL illegals back to where they came from!! They consumption of our resources is destroying our country!! DEPORT THE LAWBREAKERS!!

TR wrote on Jul 8, 2007 8:36 PM:"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." Theodore Roosevelt 1907

T wrote on Jul 8, 2007 9:51 PM:Illegal aliens are destroying our country. The water issue is a very real and serious consideration. When you all of you sheep finally wake up and realize just how much trouble we are in because of illegal aliens.

MVet wrote on Jul 8, 2007 11:32 PM:Meanwhile another 6,000 Illegal Aliens snuck over our borders or overstayed their Visas last night. All of these people use water to drink, wash, and bath. Water must be used to grow and process their food. Housing is becoming overcrowded, and the freeways are a mess. Don't forget illegal Aliens insist on the right to drive too, and their cars tend to be older gas guzzlers that are not properly maintained. There will be another 6,000 tonight, and another 6,000 tomorrow, so you see the numbers do add up. Just last year the national population reached 3oo Million, and now it has climbed to almost 303 Million. That is unbelievable isn't it? Now where did those 3 million extra people go?

shahab wrote on Jul 9, 2007 5:03 AM:just god knows all of thing... it can be correct or not... but i think

Velvet wrote on Jul 9, 2007 6:52 AM:I see no "hate" in this article at all - just some cold hard facts that the open borders, cheap illegal labor advocates, bleeding hearts who want everyone in the world to come here and those who refuse to educate themselves will not face. Our resources are not infinite. Water and arable land are not renewable if used beyond its' capacity to produce for the use of people and animals. We have drought in about 35% of the country right now with attendant massive fires which require MORE WATER to put out those fires. Water that could be there and fires that would not be if our current resources were not being used beyond their current capacity.

Larry wrote on Jul 9, 2007 9:35 AM:Seems strange to me that people would yell foul about the coming 'water problem' that is facing the United States in the 21st century. The rise of world population, not just the illegally invaded U.S. increase, seriously challenges our fresh water supply. Before you Open Borders crowd yell foul, you should check the reports available during the past dozen years on water shortages.

dude tahoe wrote on Jul 9, 2007 11:55 AM:the snow pack is down this year, wya down. Lets use the extra dirt to build a large fence at the border.

dudetahoe wrote on Jul 9, 2007 11:58 AM:Snow pack is really low this year. Lets use the new dirt in a positive manner, build a mason wall at the border and give us working citizens a chance at a better future! PS What is La Raza's motto?

global change wrote on Jul 9, 2007 12:34 PM:If Perkes's facts are right, then one of two things will occur: fresh water will be in short supply globally, or fresh water will be in short supply regionally. A regional shortage means people will migrate where there's water, and that doesn't seem to be the U.S. southwest. If it's global, then the U.S. better be prepared to watch billions of people die at its borders and around the planet or make some accommodations. In other words, global climate change requires *global* solutions. Give nativism a rest, it won't work.

Donna wrote on Jul 9, 2007 7:44 PM:It would make sense to rid ourselves of the millions of people that are here illegally, and the government elitists that live in their luxery mansions using more water per day than most of us use in a year! A water shortage will only hurt the working-class American. Anyone think Vegas or Palm Springs Resorts will suffer? Not a chance! There is no "hate" in this article. I would imagine that most Americans would be glad to conserve. I have been doing so for years. It's getting hard to care when you have millions of illegal aliens in your state. It's not very fair to American citizens. It is just plain old common sense to realize that too many people cause problems in all aspects, whether resources or standard of living, especially when they should not be here. The golf courses are still going to exist, as are all luxery resorts, casinos etc...so it stands to reason that your average working-class American would benefit from illegal aliens no longer in this country. It would be a huge relief regarding use of our resources.

As Seen In A Major L.A. Newspaper Today wrote on Jul 10, 2007 5:57 PM:Over the next half-century, California's population will explode by nearly 75%, and Riverside will surpass its bigger neighbors to become the second most populous county after Los Angeles, according to state Department of Finance projections released Monday. -- California will near the 60-million mark in 2050...

Skip wrote on Jul 10, 2007 6:06 PM:Riverside will become the second most populous county behind Los Angeles and Latinos the dominant ethnic group, study says. Some critics forecast disaster if gridlock and environmental impacts are not averted. Others see a possible economic boon, particularly for retailers and service industries with an eye on the state as a burgeoning market.

Donna to Skip wrote on Jul 10, 2007 7:53 PM:Oh lucky me! Just when I thought Riverside could not get much worse, I read this! They left out the part about illegal aliens being the dominant ethnic group. They simply state "Latino," which, if in a natural order of things would be fine, but there is nothing natural about a foreign invasion and Americans are none too happy about this. Yes, this includes Hispanics, afterall, Americans are Americans. We don't label ourselves in ethnic order. We are all Americans! This has everything to do with our resources. I find it appalling that we are called upon to conserve when we have millions of illegals in our states, towns and our country.

USA stripped clean wrote on Jul 11, 2007 10:12 PM:what, do these few pro-illegal-immigrant people think? That water grows on trees as well as everything that they insist on like education/hospitals/county services/city services/federal services/language translation/you get the picture -- us taxpayers just pull this all out of a horses patoot? What gives them the right to demand this charity that we can't afford? Charity is good but not when it's crammed down your throat in excess of what you and mother nature have to offer.