Well written. You are right. There are only three things which will count for anything in the coming century. Food, water and I'm afraid the means to protect them. Human civilization has proved itself not to be worthy of saving. Not the humans in it, but the economic and political structures which keep us functioning.

I am currently on a small island in the Caribbean where my family has lived for centuries. People here have learnt to live on very little and provide an excellent example of how to do that. I learn from them. I also live in the States simply, and have food, fuel and water in abundance around me (land is very cheap there). My neighbors and community have the means to defend what we have. They are both republicans and democrats.

While on this island I observe the super rich expats who build massive houses, and also the yachts of the super rich which come in here all the time. Neither have much if any interaction with the local community.

It is a glaring example of what is wrong with our world. These few people are using up all the energy resources we all will need to survive in the future. I see it here in front of my eyes every day. Capitalism allows them free reign.

In the States my immediate community is rural, humble and supportive. (Yes I've chosen to live simply, cheaply and when I worked contribute to the well-being of my community as I have in the Caribbean).

We do need a new start. I'm a science fiction writer and that's what I think and write about - how that will happen. I jump over the dystopia which will come first. I leave that to other books such as Parable of the Sower, American Wars and The Road.

It's also becoming very evident that there are other conscious beings either already here and observing us. Ones who have successfully made a transition to a very high-tech, futuristic civilization.

We unfortunately aren't making much progress towards that. What their presence here at this time means I have no idea as yet, but lots of theories. Are they friend or foe in our lingo (not theirs) who knows? Are they following a prime directive, again who knows?

It's all in our hands now I'm afraid, and yes I believe like you, there will have to be be a great dying off, and dissipation of our rotten civilization before we can lift ourselves up and start again. Maybe this time with a little help from our elusive friends!