We need to remember that someone said the Russian occupation of Ukraine would take only a few weeks. Political fortune telling is a indeed a risky business.

However, this essay still said many good things than needed to be said. For example, it used to be a common business axiom to not become too dependent on any one supplier. But the just-in-time business experts kind of threw that axiom away.

The essay does speak to the ineptness of today's governance. The signs were there that Russia just could turn off the taps one day--and for more than one reason.

In my part of the world, provincial and state governments have been reducing gasoline taxes to curb inflation for the benefit "average citizens," while allowing weathier citizens to continue with jet-setting and RV lifestyles. No, we need to keep prices high to encourage less consumption and look at alternatives. And let the more wasteful citizens pay more taxes.

Anyways, I would blame neither the voters nor the political players in western democracy for the mess we are in. We are still using a horse-and-stagecoach version of democracy. The system needs to be changed out.