Thomas L. Friedman's Utopian Hopes in These Days of Vladimir Putin, Rampant and Unleashed

The NYT's "deep thinker" types up his wish list:

I want America to lead in developing an energy policy that will weaken the oil-and-gas-autocracy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and, as a byproduct, produce the technologies that will mitigate climate change, make America a global technology and moral leader and ensure that the next generation can thrive here on Earth. 

I have a wish list too, and I think mine is more doable. I would like to be an alchemist so I can transform common household items--say, like tinfoil and bobby pins--into gold. Also, a tad less cellulite in the old adipose tissue, please. Oh, and a world full of lots and lots of cuddly baby animals, 'cuz they're so gosh-darned adorable and make everyone feel good.

And, of course, peace in the Middle East.

That's not too much to ask for, right?



Update: When it comes to America's decline, Putin and Obama are on the identical page.