By Rich Fisher
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwgs/local-kwgs-890289.mp3
Tulsa, Oklahoma – On today's StudioTulsa, we hear from the noted demographer, social thinker, and Forbes Magazine columnist Joel Kotkin, who recently published a fascinating book called "The Next Hundred Million: America in 2050." This book takes as its starting point America's rapid population growth --- according to current projections, the U.S. will be home to 400 million people by 2050. (That's 100 million more, basically, than where we are right now --- 100 million more people, in 40 years.) Despite all the dire economic news of the current day, in fact, Kotkin sees this projected rise as the strongest indicator of our country's long-term economic strength. Indeed, this growth will make us more diverse --- and more competitive --- than any other nation on the planet, Kotkin maintains, and his new book therefore draws on ample research, recent reportage, and historical analysis to both explain and explore how this unprecedented growth will take shape --- and how it will change America. In doing so, "The Next Hundred Million" provides an engaging snapshot of our nation 40 years from now by focusing on the evolution and/or trajectory of America's families, communities, cities, towns, neighborhoods, and industries. As Sam Roberts has noted of this work in The New York Times, Kotkin's "predictions are mostly plausible and are certainly grist for serious public policy debate." Also on this edition of the show: Barry Friedman, our frequent-flyer-miles-collecting commentator, is just trying to catch a flight back home from Las Vegas. Easier said than done.