America the Police State?

"During the past few decades, America has engaged in a massive experiment in routine imprisonment. From 1975 to 1999, by one estimate, the criminal justice system grew five times more punitive. A nation with 5 percent of the world's population now has about a quarter of the world's prison population - well over 2 million people." But is America a nation of the second chance? Read the Washington Post, Michael Vick: Symbol of the second chance.

Supply and Consumption

UPDATE II: Expect higher gas prices in 2011. Read the Washington Post, Oil’s Most Accurate See Second-Highest Price in 2011.


UPDATE: Complicating the situation as Americans try to adjust to the new world supply and consumption order, "The Age of American Predominance is over.

Our leading bankers looted the state, plunged the world into deep recession and cost the United States eight million jobs. Now many of them stand by with sharpened knives and enhanced bonuses – willing to suggest how the salaries and jobs of others can be further cut." Read The New York Times, Fresh Crises Loom in Europe and the U.S.

As a follow-up to the last caller last week: "World commodity prices have risen by a quarter in the past six months. What’s the meaning of this surge?" Read The New York Times, The Finite World, then What’s Your Consumption Factor?