The End of the Era of US Dominance? by Paolo Pezzutti FROM Daily Speculations

Twenty years after the end of the cold war the US remains the only global power, however, I think that being global in the years past has shown itself to be too expensive for the benefits it gives. The efforts required to maintain a constant (or even increasing) high level of global presence are too high. The main point is that marginal costs are higher than marginal benefits. In summary, if this trend continues, the country could enter a long decline era, where vital resources are wasted to "guard the outposts of the empire" instead of being used to sustain the country's capitalistic and entrepreneurial spirit.

The White House wins a disturbing legal victory FROM The International Herald Tribune

"The decision gives the president sweeping power to deprive anyone - citizens as well as noncitizens - of their freedom. The Supreme Court should reverse this terrible ruling."

Foreign Investors Pile Up More Pieces of Americana by LANDON THOMAS Jr. FROM The New York Times

The hunt for the great American trophy asset is on.

The global commodities boom and the dollar’s decline have unleashed a wave of big money buys of prized American assets by newly flush foreign investors.

From $100 million mansions in Palm Beach, Fla., to $23 million modern art confections, to multibillion-dollar stakes in once-venerated Wall Street banks, the number of flashy acquisitions by Russian and Ukrainian oligarchs, Qatari sheiks and large government-sponsored funds in the Middle East is growing.

State-by-state data from the 2000 US census

From USA Today

1,490,252 homes to choose from . . .

Interested in buying a cheap house in the US?
At foreclosure.com, as of today, you can find 1,490,252 Foreclosures, Preforeclosures, Tax Liens and Distressed Properties.

Gold positive: Iran Wants Yen From Japan Not the U.S.$ for Oil - Who and What Next?