Check out the population density map at

http://txsdc.tamu.edu/download/pdf/txcensus/2k_night.jpg

and then compare it with the county by county Election 2004 map at

http://hannity.com/img/usa_election_map.jpg

When you realize that coastal county issues are dealing with over 50% of the US population, who live mainly along the coastlines and Great Lakes and rivers, then you see that high-density living issues are being abandoned by the Republicans and only championed by either the Greens or the Democrats...

Time then becomes an issue. Who will best address the coastal problems ? Not the Republicans unless there are BIG changes in attitude in that party.

I grew up with the Great Lakes, enjoyed the desert of the Rio Grande Rift Valley, and now reside 27 feet above sea level in Louisiana.

I feel you, believe me I do!

It doesn't make sense that we turn our backs on areas that are feeding so many of our citizens. It also doesn't make sense that the geologic structures necessary to replenish the water table are not only be messed up by Nature, but by poorly planned building.

Over the next four years, we need to bring moderate conservatives to our side of the fence rather than pushing them away by calling them things like "stupid, rednecks, morons, jesus freaks, etc."

It is very obvious that nearly every large center of population in the country voted for Kerry this election, but if we are going to WIN elections in the future, we definitely have to win the support of rural people, and we are not going to do so by calling them names.

Not really ready to add a deep and profound reply to this, other than yea, we need to maintain our efforts on coastal areas because of the population density, but also do what the repubs did, and get into rural America. Fact is, they pretty much gave up the coast (sure wish I said "ghost"), and found their base in the heartland. Obviously, they did it through lies, deceipt and as some would maintain, downright theft. Whatever.

Anyway, I am an environmental professional, and my emphasis is on coastal zone management. Talk about some politically charged issues......... Lots of money on these here coasts, but as I said, we need to get back the center.

There are just so many issues that need attention, including the environment, and I was completely disheartened about the complete lack of discussion that the environment got during the debates. If our planet is sick, we're all in trouble. But, with so many issues that need immediate attention, it's hard not to let it all get diluted by the sheer numbers of issues. The repubs figured that out and went only after one issue - terrorism. Middle America bought it hook, line and sinker. We need to put other stuff back into the hearts, minds and tables.

I'm rambling, but I think you get my drift............

This highlights the problems of the current electoral college system.

Currently Japan is in serious threat of overpopulation. They have pretty much run out of useable land, and the land that is left is too expensive. Their only option now is to build very tall skyscrapers to make more efficient use of available land.

I know it seems far off in the future, however with the constant suburban sprawl we will eventually be in Japan's position. We should start building these high-density megastructures now to avoid destroying more of our beautiful natural wilderness.

Sky City 1000 by Takenaka Co.
http://www.takenaka.co.jp/takenaka_e/techn..._sky/63_sky.htm

Takenaka's Holonic Tower
http://www.takenaka.co.jp/takenaka_e/super...nic/holonic.htm

I definitely agree with this. Certainly, none of our wonderful candidates every felt or said anything like that. I personally live in a small town and I'm a moderate and I love simple pleasures. We all want a clean environment for ourselves, for our friends, for our families. And that goes along with wanting a clean political environment. We are all so tired of mean. So, let's have civility. And I would think rural voters would be very interested in environmental issues.