There's a rather interesting article by Seymour Hersh in latest issue of the Newyorker, which, when superimposed over the current apparent decline in Saudi production levels, the debacle in Iraq, and the coming war with Iran; leaves one wishing that aliens really existed - and there was at least the possibility that one could be one of the lucky ones chosen for abduction by a passing starship.

It would appear that our brave leaders really do have a strategy for dealing with the challanges we face, chiefly, peak oil; and that they aren't the incompetent and criminal loonies they appear to be. That is all just a facade desinged to conceal their true abilities and shocking audacity of their grand scheme. Unfortunately their solution is based on the curious, reckless and frightening idea that one can actually put out a fire by pouring copious ammounts of gas/petroleum on it and hoping for the best! But it's not just hope, you have to have faith as well. After possibly decades of creative destruction, a new and better world will arise like the mythical phoenix from the ashes, or perhaps, given their illustrious track record, there will only be ashes.