Russia to supply natural gas, oil to Asia

The Russians are involved in very serious negotiations for a tri-decade delivery of oil and natural gas to the Asian countries--particularly, China, the Koreas, Taiwan, and Japan.  This I regard as a very positive step for Russia to be helpful on the international scene.

The issue is pipelines' placement.  Personally, I favor two major pipelines--one to China and the other to the southwest. Just one pipeline to service all those countries seems impractical.

China, I understand, is holding out for a 30-year agreement.  I hope they win out, because Asia needs an energy stability that Russia can meet.

My politician friends in China tell me that a written agreement is just so much paper--in the past, the two countries have endeavored to establish several permanent industrial arrangements, but with only a modicum of success..   Maybe this time it will come off tangibly, because the Russian people have patiently awaited their place in the Sun.

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P.S.  I've been listening to Congressmen voicing their opinions about the US infrastructure, the VA administration, the Libyan disaster; and governmental structures in general.  And, to a one, whether or not Republican or Democrat, they appear embarrassed that the systems of government are so old, even obsolete. Given the status of government systems mired in bureaucracy, Obamacare stands out as an incredible feat of the current Administration--how did Obama get it through Congress? 

The VA administration was never meant to handle the number of patients returning from battle--never knew the psychological conditions that currently afflict returning soldiers.  We know that bridges and highways are so dated in this country compared to say, Indonesia.  I remember friends in DC urging me to relocate to Southwest Asia and put out of sight these old USA cities, e.g.,  Detroit over the years.

We're living through profound universal political and social changes.

Look at the Middle East.  Finally, the power structures of the last hundred years are being cast aside.  It's meant incredible upheaval--but I believe nothing but good will emerge.  Look at the breakup of the Soviet Union and the rise of federalism across Europe and into Asia.  True, Putin is hoping to bring back elements of the Empire, but he must know, even in his heart of hearts, that all he can do is save some aspects of the old.

Moreover, Putin thinks, apparently, he came up with a genius idea of drilling for oil and gas and making it the central trade of Russia.  I was in Russia in the late 1980s and this idea was extant--several Russians advocating it.  I couldn't take sides on the issue of how Russia should develop its resources--you will recall the many Five Year Plans.  But Putin's no genius here--the concept was envisioned and slated to become operative.

Well, the project of re-building American infrastructure, especially in light of global warming, is one of major proportions for the Century.