I came across this interesting graphic this morning, which visually compares the economies of Russia and the U.S. across 25 categories. In the vast majority of these categories, the U.S., despite economic turmoil, remains a comparative "powerhouse" to Russia. But, take note of a couple of areas in which the U.S. is weakest - oil and natural gas reserves.

The "powers that be" know we are weak in these categories vis-a-vis Russia. Ironically, it is often those same "powers that be" that so fervently resist U.S. energy independence.

Things that make you go hmmm...