What is the most pressing problem for 2005?

Besides Iraq.

Vinnie Vin
http://www.vinnievin.com

n/t

:)

--bkl

the dollar is weakening, and is being replaced as the standard in international markets by the Euro. Our huge deficit has made international investors nervous. Though the devaluing dollar will make US companies attractive to foreign investors, our non-existant laws to protect workers will leave our work force vulnerable to layoffs and firings. Right now, we have many "American" companies whose corporate headquarters are overseas, many in Europe. When Burger King needed to downsize employees, no Europeans were fired, because of the pro-labor laws there. Americans are expendable, and they were the ones to lose their jobs. What I see happening is a downgrade in worker's rights here until we are basically in the same boat as workers in third world countries. Bush will do his best to destroy all unions, and I'm not sure that individual workers can do much to stop the decline in their pay and benefits.

oh wait, maybe i should stop paying attention to TV commercials as gospel.

Perpetual War
Cheney and crew have said this is a generational war that won't end in our lifetime. Spells DRAFT.

Increasing Isolation by the Rest of the World
Alliances being formed to counter US hegemony.
China, Russia, Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Germany, France, etc

Continued Dollar Devaluation
Euro as Petro Dollar, Unmanageable debt load, International boycotts of our goods

OIL, OIL, OIL
US production was only 5M barrels last month, meaning were importing 75% of our Oil needs. Peak Oil and Peak North American natural gas means energy costs are going to go thru the roof.

Accelerating Climate Change
Potential for accelerating climate change based on positive feedback mechanisms of massive carbon release from perma frost, methane hydrates, etc.

Continued Drought
Southwest US is in serious trouble with reservoirs at 50% levels approaching cutoff for hydro generation.

Internal Chaos and Suppression
Brought about by hyperinflation, government vote fraud, anti-war sentiments, and unemployment

Depopulation
The natural carrying capacity of the earth is being stretched to the breaking point. It only supports the current population because of drawdown of finite resources (water tables, energy, etc).

Pandemic
The memes are out there. Bird flu, vaccine shortages, bioterror, etc.

But, we're turning the corner.
I don't want to believe any of this crap, but I've done enough reading to know we are in deep shit.

Possible solutions in lieu of war over remaining resources would require international cooperation and enlightened leadership. This can only possibly come about here thru a massive uprising demanding a more humane and honest approach to the difficulties we face.

Imagine, a future based on HOPE instead of Perpetual War.