Thinking more on this question of whether an American bust could be good for the planet, the problem is that the current political machinations are aimed at producing boom times for the very wealthy, while leaving the rest of us on the banks gasping for air.

And as the wealthy (individuals and corporations) have more money to slosh around, they have more and more influence in politics.

The result: a hollow democracy and a hollow Empire, ripe for a fall.

It’s going to be interesting, in a macabre sort of way, to see which comes first: climate change catastrophe, or economic catastrophe.

Either way, we’re looking at tough times ahead.