This Russian Prof and his map sound [[and look) suspiciously familiar...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shattered_Union

Not that there isn't some serious bad you-know-what coming down the line with the bankruptcy filings of GM & Chrysler in the near-future. The continuing credit crisis shutting down the markets. And when there is a run on the banks, it'll be game over at that point [[the FDIC is estimated to have only 5% of the funds available in the event that they do need to pay back depositors).

Don't believe me about the FDIC being in dire straits, don't click here then.