> in light of China's 50-100 year vision for where they want to be, we are basically fucked. The chinese have been securing access to all major natural resources in Africa, as well as being the manufacturing hub for EVERYTHING - while the US government is squabbling over petty short term profit efforts and securing a diminishing resource (oil).)

Is it possible for island nations with no natural resources to be wealthy? Are you familiar with the historical and economic criticisms of Mercantilism? Are you aware that world proven oil reserves are at an all time high, and that the primary source of US oil and energy imports is Canada? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercantilism