As our faithful readers may know US Democrazy spend last Saturday investigating the future at The World in 2011 Festival.

At this wonderful event we had the chance to chat with the Executive Editor ofthe Economist magazine, Daniel Franklin.

At this event the voices on the future ranged from a member of Cambodia’s parliament to a US Admiral.  Such a diverse offering made us wonder how the Economist chose its speakers.

Mr. Franklin told USDEmocrazy the event was “all about ideas” and that they sought “original perspectives” and “views”.

The goal of this was to “surprise” and “intrigue” guests by providing ideas “out of their normal zone of interest.”

In spirit of the event we also asked Mr. Franklin what his prediction for 2011 was. He said that

America will be surprised on the upside.

So hey, keep your chin up; Things may not be so bad after all.