Oil is a relatively small factor. Japan and Europe have trade
surpluses with the U.S.. At present, something like $1.4 billion flows
out the U.S. per *day* all told - mostly to the Far East. The U.S.
grows weaker (more dependant on foreign capital) with every outflow
dollar. The present situation simply cannot continue much longer - a
point on which most economists agree.

The situation is already weakening U.S. defense. Consider Boeing,
which is unable now to compete with Airbus and is thus a weaker defense
contractor than it once was. Consider the White House forced to buy
European helicopters, etc.

- Ed Kyle