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Notes added 12/21/08. Since the NY Times site is currently blocked, I wish to bring to readers' attention another Thomas Friedman column this morning about the interdependenmce of the US and China. In short, he points out that China needs to become more like US domestically - spend more and save less, and the US should learn from China - save more and spend less. When unblocked you can read the entire article at

"China to the rescue? Not! http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/opinion/21friedman.html?scp=2&sq=Thomas%20

Note added morninng of 12/20/08 EST. The New York Tmes reported this morning that their websitle were blocked starting yesterday for unknown reasons while the BBC and Voice of  America sites were not blocked. See also reply to comment [1] below. But usually the blocking will be lifted after sometime and you can access the article again.