We start the year off with a little controversy. This week we take the long view of a problem created by current government policy as a result of the War on Terror that may not show up for 20 years, but if not corrected will have far-reaching consequences for the global balance of power and the US economy.

This week's letter will be a little shorter than usual, for a variety of reasons, not least of which is I am both taking a little time off and also doing a lot of research for next week's 2005 Forecast Issue. At the end of this essay, I also mention a way for you to personally help in getting $5.5 million dollars of medicine to Sri Lanka for $.02 on the dollar, a very good investment, if I do say so.