>I just read the entire passage (didn't really have the time to do it but I did anyway) and I agree with much of it. His perspective is very interesting. Especially his synopsis on the disparity between the average American's way of thinking and that of a European's. Time will tell.

I like your 'take' on Rifkin's ideas -- particularly since you've resided there (Europe). And yes, time will tell. In fact, it would seem to me that it's already begun to speak.

Steven-