I’ve been a fan of Thomas Friedman since I read From Beirut to Jerusalem years ago. He is one intelligent, articulate guy.

Now he’s cool, as well. Jon Stewart interviewed him on The Daily Show this week.

I highly recommend Friedman’s greatest book, an overview of where we are at in the evolution of this planet. The world is flattening. Trade & political barriers are falling. The internet makes it possible to do business or pleasure with anyone, anywhere.

I just got an email from Jason in the UK, for example, telling me about a product I have been seeking for years.

Friedman is an optimist. But I think the flattening of the world could go either way. Certainly we will see a huge backlash soon. The USA, for example, might put up trade barriers against China.

The best idea in the book, I thought, was Friedman’s call for the USA to set energy independence as the #1 goal for the future. He lays that argument out brilliantly. Jon Stewart was not convinced.

Rocketboom featured the Webby Awards with a short video clip of Friedman, their Man of the Year. Soundtrack by Prince.