Science has a very naïve and dangerous conception of the relationship between theories (symbols) and facts (the "emptiness" of matter). By sticking to the letters (symbols) written in the Genesis, Goodyear is offering a good way to cope with the dangers science creates carelessly.
China and Russia have proposed the creation of a new international currency. Right now the USA thinks it is too big of a gift to accept. Indeed, a new currency could relieve the USA of all its financial obligations toward the World.
Krugman, in essence, laments the fact that Obama's Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, acts too much in the same manner than Bush's last Treasury Secretary, Henry Paulson.
Because the Protestant world used to see Divine Election in the wealth people had, seeing deservingness in rich people can now be used to cover up their corruption.
All evaluations done in US dollar terms are superficial since there is a very real possibility to replace this currency by a new international currency.