re: If the Muslims want holy war then let's give it to them.

What's so "freakenomics" about the whole thing is that because of America's uncontrolled illegal immigration, we are taking an economic hit right now that is actually going to help keep us on top in 40 years. We're the only developed nation that still has a healthy birth rate, and it's due in large part to Mexicans. China is about 20 years behind japan on the demographic track, and it's going to be a pretty bad setback.

I agree with you on the Chinese mentality; I've been to that part of the world fairly often and china is much more like the Spanish empire than the British, which is who we try to emulate. It's why I'm glad we are taking our current tactic in the Middle East: we don't care who is in power anymore as long as the oil flows.