Kiwi, are you seriously suggesting that LAWYERS are not parasites? [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif[/IMG]
I think you'll find that medical technology has only changed the rules. Instead of dying of pox, now you get to die of malnutrition or violence. Also, medical science is a technology itself, which requires resources and an intricate infrastructure. Disrupt this infrastructure or deny the materials needed, and medical sciences ability to save lives falls dramatically. Thus it is only available to the relatively powerful (those who can afford it.)
(incidentally, what lawyer would work for food? That farmer gets a public defender.... and probably the chair.)

[This message has been edited by Jamoni (edited 03-11-2004).]

Well you just have to look at what people reproduce the most to look at how evolution doesn't work for humans anymore. In general smarter people get better jobs and have a higher standard of living. They are also in general more informed about contraception and can choose whether they wish to have children or not. Stupider people tend to get worse jobs and have more children.

The richest countires populations are going down and the poorest ones are going up.

I do however get your point that without food were all screwed, but a mass outbreak of disease that only killed lawyers wouldn't be as bad a thing.

You also have to look at who's children are most likely to die before reproducing. Is it the priveleged only child of the suburb, or the neglected street rat left to fend for himself in a slum of drugs and violence? Is it the child who's parents can afford (and care about) education, health care, and good diet? OR is it the child who is wearing a diaper when he's six, and will never see the inside of a school until mommy is shot or put in jail and he has to go to a foster family who's only use for him is the money the state hands out? High birth rate does NOT mean high survival rate, but it DOES mean heightened selective pressure.