The apparent conversion of national governments across the western world to a new kind of uber-socialism that even Karl Marx probably could not have envisaged is certainly proof-positive that we are living in changing times.

At the same time that the US Government decided to use $700 bn of taxpayer's money to bail out the rich, the Chinese were putting a man in space. There is irony in that, even some Americans might see it. The US is in a financial crisis the like of which was not seen by those who peddle greed as a religion in that country, at the expense of millions of ordinary people of course and it is the tax receipts of those ordinary millions that will pick up the tab for the excesses of the rich.

Of course there will be no such handouts for families across the states who are losing their homes in their thousands. When the dust finally settles the west will be weakened massively and up to their necks in debt to the east. New ways will have to be found to generate income as many of the fantasy practices of the recent decade or so will be banned.

Whether it's Obama or McCain that inherits George Bush's poisoned chalice, the next US president could do worse than take a leaf out of Brian Cowen's book. You may think I'm insane for making such a suggestion, but bear with me. You see Cowen and his chums in the government have hit upon one of the best money making wheezes I've ever come across, one that could, if applied properly see the US in the black within a couple of years.

Now think about this. How do you take a moderate government income generator and suddenly increase the money it returns to you in the midst of the worst recession since the Great Depression? This revenue collection wheeze isn't even dependent on population, economic activity or the housing market. Yet more impressive, they've managed to increase the income it generates by an incredible 80 per cent in just three years.

What could it be you ask? Arms dealing? Body snatching? International terrorism? No, it's worse than that and devilishly simpler too. Speeding fines.

Yes, apparently the number of people speeding in Ireland has increased by a whopping 80 per cent in the past three years. That's despite the fact that most roads are filled with stationary cars most of the time and only rally drivers are able to reach the speed limit on most of what is jokingly described as our "national road network".