I think Jimmy Rogers is right. The Chinese still have a down to earth work ethic, and an incredible rate of savings compared to North Americans. We have simply become used to a standard of living we can't afford anymore. Especially if trade is going to be global in nature.

I think that we have to completely re-tool our industries and transportation systems AWAY from emphasis on the individual. And I see no-one making steps in that direction. I see politicians committing to spending on re-building inefficient highway infrastructure, when we need to move away from individual wealth towards more energy efficient structures such as new railways. I was a bit amazed to read in a magazine recently that airplanes are actually more fuel efficient than driving the same distance with a car.

When I was in L.A. last year (Burbank, etc.) I noticed how few people actually took the bus. China has always emphasized mass transport. They have that over us, as well. They don't all own cars and expend as much energy needlessly. If we don't act decisively, energy costs will kill us in the future. And now is the time.

I see no great vision. No solutions. No changes. Just status quo. I am very disappointed in Obama, and in the Canadian politicians. Complete lack of leadership.

I got completely out of the U.S. a year ago. I stayed in China and India (if I had known then, I would have sold for a while...). I have a lot more faith in China and India than in the U.S.