Identifying out of control population growth is much easier than finding solutions. In seeking ways to bring this silent crisis under control we run head first into religious beliefs, charges of racism and regional animosities. That is why we see discussions of global warming and world hunger in the forefront, while we rarely hear about the urgent need to control explosive population growth.

No one can deny that returning to reasonable rates of growth could be an important factor in bringing our planet back into balance. 

I don't have all the answers and I probably don't even have all the questions. What I do know is we must begin the discussion in a serious way and at a level consistent with other major issues. Al Gore should add a few more slides on that Power Point presentation on climate change.

In coming to terms with this issue, let me be clear, we are not talking about forcing anyone to betray their religious beliefs or forcing lifestyle changes. To go in that direction would require such an authoritarian government that freedom would become a stranger to us. We must, however, separate church and state on this issue and not allow specific religious beliefs to dictate governmental policies on population control.

Here are ten suggestions to begin the discussion of this critical issue:

1. We must first understand the history of family planning in order to avoid the mistakes of the past and to avoid becoming emotional hostages to those mistakes. We know that family planning has incorporated elements of racism and sexism, resulting in brutal consequences within certain societies. By understanding, acknowledging and learning from the past, we can move forward.

2. There is no way we can have serious family planning policies in this country or anywhere else without honest, open and comprehensive sex education classes in our schools. These classes could start in high school but would likely be more effective if started at an earlier age. They must include the many responsibilities of bringing children into the world: what it costs to raise a child, the time and effort involved in being a good parent, the realities of being a family. Discussions should also address what it means to be a citizen of the world and the responsibilities that go with that.

3. Young people must have access to birth control and to family planning classes. One approach that has been used successfully is giving them a doll, a lifelike baby, to care for and to keep safe. It helps bring home to potential parents the reality and burden of raising a child.

4. We must explore ways to offer financial incentives through government policies, perhaps tax breaks, to have fewer children. Incentives should also be offered to those who adopt children.

5. A woman's right to choice continues to be an essential family planning policy.

6. Population control should become a major tenet of our foreign policy, including such policies as forgiving debt. Other financial incentives should be found to encourage serious family planning in nations where we grant aid.

7. Our government must support research that investigates the ongoing effects of explosive population growth on quality of life, the environment, poverty and hunger.

8. We should avoid mandates that infringe on personal freedoms and personal choices.

9. Our nation, through G-8 or the United Nations, should call for a major international summit on population control issues.

10. A system should be developed to give early warnings to geographic regions regarding food and water shortages based on projected population growth.