I wanted to reply to Bean, here. I didn't, for some reason I can't quite remember; probably cowardice (for some reason, I still worry about what people think of me here).
This is what I wanted to say, in reply:
Story of the 21st century, for the remainder of my life:
American economy in stasis or declining, while American military power remains unrealistically high.
Developing world economies rising swiftly; therefore, American political influence declines steadily.
Oil getting rapidly more expensive.
Ecology steadily going to shit.
Story of the 21st century, at or around my death:
American economy in freefall, while American military power remains unrealistically high.
Oil price spikes sharply.
American political needs dictate military action against the rising powers.
American military power declines sharply. American economy disintegrates.
Ecology rapidly going to shit.
I'll be 50 next year. I doubt I'll make it to 70.
Story of the 21st century, after my death:
No oil.
Ecology completely fucked.
Few of us will make it that far. Most of them will wish they hadn't.
So, I give you maybe 30 years; each of which will be worse than the year before.
Edit: I wish I'd never become a parent. I might, just, if everything goes right for me, die of natural causes (or my own bad habits). My son will not.
This is what I wanted to say, in reply:
Story of the 21st century, for the remainder of my life:
American economy in stasis or declining, while American military power remains unrealistically high.
Developing world economies rising swiftly; therefore, American political influence declines steadily.
Oil getting rapidly more expensive.
Ecology steadily going to shit.
Story of the 21st century, at or around my death:
American economy in freefall, while American military power remains unrealistically high.
Oil price spikes sharply.
American political needs dictate military action against the rising powers.
American military power declines sharply. American economy disintegrates.
Ecology rapidly going to shit.
I'll be 50 next year. I doubt I'll make it to 70.
Story of the 21st century, after my death:
No oil.
Ecology completely fucked.
Few of us will make it that far. Most of them will wish they hadn't.
So, I give you maybe 30 years; each of which will be worse than the year before.
Edit: I wish I'd never become a parent. I might, just, if everything goes right for me, die of natural causes (or my own bad habits). My son will not.