New Energy Sources, Continued

China, by contrast, widely expected to be a geopolitical rival to the U.S. because of its strong economy and expanding military, can only look with envy upon the new American domestic energy sources. China's quest for more oil and gas has put it into direct competition with its neighbors and gives the U.S. an opportunity to score diplomatic points with no risk to our own energy supplies.

In a decade dominated by serious economic issues, including excessive federal debt, foreign military involvement, high unemployment, and sluggish growth, it is nice to have some good news for a change. Unsurprisingly, private industry and investment has led the way, despite the initial opposition from the federal government, and showing why our economic system, although not without problems, is remarkably resilient.