■"As Rich-Poor Gap Widens in the U.S., Class Mobility Stalls: Those in Bottom Rung Enjoy Better Odds in Europe; How Parents Confer an Edge," by David Wessel, Wall Street Journal, 13 May 2005, p. A1.

Interesting article about how America becomes less and less over time the place where upward mobility is easy. Why was this more so in the past? Uneven economic development across our mini-globalized economy called these United States. Having trouble making your way in one place? Then move to another.

That is less possible now because all areas are fairly well developed, so all providing less chance for rapid rises.

That's why real mobility in the global economy right now is found in the New Core. You want to find that upward path? That's the ticket.

Yet another reason why the U.S. and China draw closer together in coming years and decades.

Get used to it. China will be America's best friend this century, and for the strongest of reasons--the money.