Thank our lucky stars that us on this board live in America. Life in Rangoon or Kinshasa or Asuncion or even a Moscow probably means a really different life.

That was as great article. Easy to read but comprehensive, well thought out and it makes a strong case for a lot of what I have been thinking over the years, but have never been able to conceptualize as succinctly as the author.

I would like to see an article like the above that examines what would happen if Global Warming ™ does play out. How does that expand or contract many of the benefits of the Midwest Breadbasket, or open up Russian warm water ports, or continue to northward expanse of subtropical China? Almost anything in reference to Global Warming is negative, but I am not convinced. Any rise in temperature may expand breadbaskets across the world. Perhaps another six weeks of warm weather would mean a Midwest breadbasket that really extends to Edmonton, instead of to Minneapolis. Examples would abound, it would be interesting to compare and contrast the damage vs. the new benefits.....

Finally, in an Alt-History vein, how amazingly different would the modern world be if England was connected to mainland Europe? That would make a great book.....

I've read reviews of George Friedman's book about the next 100 years being a American Century, an Optimistic take no doubt. I suggest reading it(though I haven't) along side Walter Russell Meads "God and Gold" which is an excellent history book, if looking to find some ryhme to the reason.


that said, there are things that concern me but I try to remind myself I should have a Long View that is Optimistic, but that doesn't necessarily mean that in the short-term things can't become very bleak.

Starting with Demographics, in the West vs. Islamic countries
Then Postmodern Philosophy()
slides toward Socialism..

Corrupt Church(see Tillers for example, PCUSA, most Episcoplian...)


Another "Dark Ages" period is possible IMO, but on the other hand people have been calling for Doomsday forever and things keep getting better gradually.