>> QUAKE + NUCLEAR cleanup will cost BILLIONS >>> Japan may DUMP US DOLLAR ASSETS, TREASURIES | |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1285245 United States 03/12/2011 01:47 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Treasuries Slip on Japan Fears By RANDALL W. FORSYTH | The earthquake leads to reported and anticipated selling by Japanese investors of U.S. debt issues, as they seek to repatriate foreign assets A major Japanese earthquake long has been a fear for the U.S. bond market. Japan is the second-largest holder of Treasury securities, with $882 billion at the end of 2010, following China's $1.16 trillion, according to U.S. Treasury data. [link to online.barrons.com] Last Edited by oldboldpilot on 03/12/2011 03:07 PM "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1285245 United States 03/12/2011 03:04 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Japan could be the next economy to dump treasuries in light of the cost required to rebuild after the tsunami that tore through the Northern part of their country today. As bond insurer Pimco lead the way earlier this week in selling off all their bond holdings, Japan will need to find an income source to help rebuild its infrastructure, and get its economic machine going again. ...Japan has a track record of dumping their treasuries after large disasters to protect and rebuild their country, and with the tsunami that hit the mainland today, the likelihood of this happening is very good, and could bring strong influence to the economy of the US as well. [link to www.examiner.com] "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1168836 United States 03/12/2011 03:06 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1285245 United States 03/12/2011 03:10 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Who would buy them and wouldn't it be at a loss? Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1168836Someone would buy them, but only if we paid them more in interest...the same way junk bonds have to pay more in interest to compensate for the risk Higher interest rates = real estate market tanking, as ever .50% rise in rates makes houses even more unaffordable Higher interest rates = higher credit card, auto loan, and other borrowing costs, putting another burden on the economy Higher interest rates = higher rates the US government itself must pay on the trillions and trillions it owes, meaning that debt servicing will make up even more of the federal budget. This would not be good news for us at this point. Congress is soon to vote to raise the debt ceiling limit, which is going to risk our debt getting downgraded from AAA as it is, which already meant higher interest rates ahead. This could compound the problem "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1285245 United States 03/13/2011 11:41 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1285245 United States 03/13/2011 11:44 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | [link to hken.ibtimes.com] ... The US also took a financial hit as US government bonds were sold in order to do this which made the US treasury more than just a little nervous as Japan continues to be the second largest bond holder of US treasuries after China. "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1285245 United States 03/13/2011 11:46 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Seismic shock for fractured global economy following Japan earthquake March 14, 2011 UNTIL the Japanese earthquake rocked the world on Friday, the two biggest threats to the global economy were a potential oil supply shock triggered by the political turmoil in the Middle East and the worsening debt crisis in the eurozone. Even before the earthquake, some announcements were made by legendary investors that gave cause for alarm. This included the decision by Bill Gross, of Pimco, to sell all his US Treasury bonds and the decision by billionaire hedge fund manager Carl Icahn to give his investors' money back. In a letter sent to clients and released in a regulatory filing, Icahn said: "While we are not forecasting another market dislocation," he said. "This possibility cannot be dismissed. Given the rapid market run-up over the past two years and our ongoing concerns about the economic outlook, and recent political tensions in the Middle East, I do not wish to be responsible to limited partners through another possible market crisis." [link to www.smh.com.au] "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 855691 United States 03/13/2011 11:49 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Honcho User ID: 825463 United States 03/13/2011 12:26 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1294647 Canada 03/13/2011 07:49 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | You saw it here first Japan holds enormous American government debt (US$882.3 billion of Treasuries at the year-end) and will want those hundreds of billions of dollars back, right now, to begin rebuilding its infrastructure and industry; that means America will have to substantially increase interest rates to get foreigners to buy enough treasuries to pay out the Japanese, or face the equivalent of foreclosure. When those interest rates jump, so will U.S. loan and mortgage rates — something tens of millions of Americans with mortgages, credit card debt and other bills cannot afford to pay. |
Anonymous Coward (OP) User ID: 1285245 United States 03/16/2011 06:24 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | [link to www.thecomingdepression.net] Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1294647You saw it here first Japan holds enormous American government debt (US$882.3 billion of Treasuries at the year-end) and will want those hundreds of billions of dollars back, right now, to begin rebuilding its infrastructure and industry; that means America will have to substantially increase interest rates to get foreigners to buy enough treasuries to pay out the Japanese, or face the equivalent of foreclosure. When those interest rates jump, so will U.S. loan and mortgage rates — something tens of millions of Americans with mortgages, credit card debt and other bills cannot afford to pay. Here I go again...don't say I didn't call this one early: [link to www.marketwatch.com] Dollar drops to new record low vs yen SYDNEY (MarketWatch) -- The dollar fell as far as 76.32 against the yen on Thursday, a fresh record low, as worries deepened about the nuclear crisis in Japan.... The BOJ will NOT be buying treasuries any time soon....JMHO |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1285245 United States 03/16/2011 06:31 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Tsunami of Inflation to Hit U.S. With Japan Crisis, Warns NIA [link to www.prnewswire.com] The earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster that hit Japan this past week and the destruction that it caused is nothing compared to the tsunami of inflation that will soon hit the U.S. as a result of this crisis. A tsunami of inflation in the U.S. will mean a complete collapse of our monetary system, which could lead to millions of deaths due to a lack of food and heat. 44 million Americans are now dependent on food stamps, but when the U.S. dollar becomes worthless as a result of hyperinflation, the government will no longer have the power to support these Americans and many of them will simply starve to death. All Japan has to do is sell their U.S. treasuries and they will have the financial resources necessary to rebuild the parts of their country that were destroyed by this past week's disaster. "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1285245 United States 03/16/2011 06:33 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Yen Reaches Record High Against Dollar on Repatriation Demand March 16 (Bloomberg) -- The yen rose to a post-World War II high versus the dollar as risk of radiation leaks from crippled nuclear plants in Japan added to speculation insurers and investors will redeem overseas assets to pay for damages. [link to www.sfgate.com] "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
Vietvet User ID: 1274202 United States 03/16/2011 06:53 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | There are no old bold pilots.....everybody knows that from the old adage!!! LOL LOL (from an old timey helo pilot) Good info Bud. Thanks for your work on this. The economy is very fragile and has been for a long time and it doesn't take much to break the eggshell. One good natural disaster on home shores would finish it off also. Or maybe just gas going to $6 a gallon. |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1301792 United States 03/23/2011 05:26 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Nuclear cleanup to cost billions 'We have no precedents for something like this' AFP March 23, 2011 5:02 AM The Fukushima nuclear crisis will leave Japan with a cleanup problem that will last for years or even decades and carry an astronomical cost, experts said. Credible estimates of the bill are impossible right now... Never before has any country had to deal with the aftermath of partial meltdowns occurring simultaneously in three reactors and highly radioactive spent fuel rods lying in two crippled cooling tanks. "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1301792 United States 03/23/2011 05:30 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | There are no old bold pilots.....everybody knows that from the old adage!!! LOL LOL (from an old timey helo pilot) Quoting: Vietvet 1274202Good info Bud. Thanks for your work on this. The economy is very fragile and has been for a long time and it doesn't take much to break the eggshell. One good natural disaster on home shores would finish it off also. Or maybe just gas going to $6 a gallon. LOL...yes, I shouldn't be alive :) And our economy is so fragile, so many states are already in recession...higher interest rates and higher gas prices are all it could take to push us over that tipping point For years, apparently, a nightmare at the Fed has been the possibility of a Japanese mega-quake, and the implications on the Treasury auctions Now, with QEII (and QEIII looming) losing one of our most important buyers would be devastating As if the quake weren't bad enough, add to it the total Black Swan of yet untold nuclear cleanup costs...and we aren't even factoring in "what-if" Tokyo becomes seriously impacted by this (Tokyo, home of some of the world's most expensive real estate)...and this could be a collapse that will take down more than a few economies with it "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1301792 United States 03/23/2011 05:32 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | So, who is going to pay for all of this??? [link to www.ndtv.com] No insurance for radiation exposure www.ndtv.com Mumbai: Even as the threat of nuclear radiation exposure becomes more real in light of the meltdown in Japan's Fukushima Daiichi plant, MiD DAY has found that no insurance company in the country covers the specific outcomes of such an eventuality. 'Nuclear radiation' is, in fact, a standard exclusion in the text of most policies. A spokesperson for Tata-AIG Life Insurance Company said, "We do not have any products that cover radiation and I am sure no other insurance company does either." When this reporter asked him if any such policies were in the offing, he replied in the negative. "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1301792 United States 03/23/2011 05:34 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | [link to www.telegraph.co.uk] Impact of Japan earthquake puts property fund in limbo Commercial property has become the latest industry to be struck by concerns about a nuclear accident in Japan after a major German fund banned investors from withdrawing money because it cannot value its assets in Tokyo. The suspension highlights the unprecedented situation that businesses in Japan find themselves. None of Union Investment's properties were damaged by the earthquake. In a statement, it said: "With the impact of the nuclear incidents in Japan still unclear, especially at the Fukushima plant, and the economic consequences impossible to predict at present, Union Investment Real Estate contacted its external experts to request a revaluation of its properties in Tokyo. "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1283030 Netherlands 03/23/2011 05:37 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1301792 United States 03/23/2011 05:43 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Hope they will dump the US Dollar! Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1283030Japan may not be buying many Euro bonds either, bro...so don't be so quick to wish doom on others. Japan was there just a few months ago, when Europe needed them. Now they have to focus on their own problems. This is a domino falling that may take down quite a few overly indebted areas with them...and that includes Europe. Read the headlines today about Portugal by chance? I know you all hate the US, but think of the bigger picture first...we're all in this together, like it or not. [link to www.businessweek.com] Jan. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Japan plans to buy bonds issued by Europe’s financial-aid funds, its finance minister said, joining China in assisting the region as it battles against a debt crisis that prompted bailouts of Ireland and Greece. Japan will use existing euro assets in its foreign-exchange reserves to buy more than a fifth of bonds to be issued later in January by the European Financial Stability Facility, Noda said. Japan’s reserves total $1.096 trillion, the government said today. "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1102470 United States 03/23/2011 05:44 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Japanese bonds rose, snapping a two-day decline, on speculation the central bank’s injection of a record amount of emergency funds into the financial system will encourage investors to buy government debt. |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1301792 United States 03/23/2011 05:47 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Japanese bonds rose, snapping a two-day decline, on speculation the central bank’s injection of a record amount of emergency funds into the financial system will encourage investors to buy government debt. Quoting: PhalidityJapan's debt to GDP ratio is already 200%...they are one of the most indebted governments in the world. It is only their strong export economy which has kept them afloat However, the headlines are all about companies shuttering plants...and as you know even a few weeks of downtime can cost billions of dollars in revenue and tax income. Japan's automobile companies have been especially hard hit...and that is a major tax income stream for the government Do you see how this could all end very badly within a few months? "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1301792 United States 03/23/2011 05:52 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Look at the big list of companies which have been shut and impacted by the earthquake or tsunami...this doesn't include the yet uncalculated costs of loss of farm revenue from the Fukushima region...nor the impact on japan's finishing industry of tainted seawater...nor the possible writedowns of property in Tokyo Japan Manufacturers Shut Plants on Earthquake Damage, Power Outages: Table By Theresa Barraclough - Mar 23, 2011 2:29 AM ET The following table summarizes what major Japanese manufacturers have said about closures following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that damaged plants and crippled nuclear reactors, causing electricity shortages. [link to www.bloomberg.com] "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1283030 Netherlands 03/23/2011 05:55 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Hope they will dump the US Dollar! Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1283030Japan may not be buying many Euro bonds either, bro...so don't be so quick to wish doom on others. Japan was there just a few months ago, when Europe needed them. Now they have to focus on their own problems. This is a domino falling that may take down quite a few overly indebted areas with them...and that includes Europe. Read the headlines today about Portugal by chance? I know you all hate the US, but think of the bigger picture first...we're all in this together, like it or not. [link to www.businessweek.com] Jan. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Japan plans to buy bonds issued by Europe’s financial-aid funds, its finance minister said, joining China in assisting the region as it battles against a debt crisis that prompted bailouts of Ireland and Greece. Japan will use existing euro assets in its foreign-exchange reserves to buy more than a fifth of bonds to be issued later in January by the European Financial Stability Facility, Noda said. Japan’s reserves total $1.096 trillion, the government said today. LOL, You selfish American you think i care about the Euro? No it is time this "Economy" falls, it is all based on greed, power and selfishness. The UN just made a agreement on a *CHOUGH* mission *CHOUGH* non of the fucking countries CAN AFFORD! Why do it? Because now they can "justify" it! All bullshit. The economy as we know it is bullshit and corrupt to any extend. Time for a "reset". Not just the US but WORLD WIDE! |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1283030 Netherlands 03/23/2011 06:13 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1301792 United States 03/23/2011 06:25 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Hope they will dump the US Dollar! Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1283030Japan may not be buying many Euro bonds either, bro...so don't be so quick to wish doom on others. Japan was there just a few months ago, when Europe needed them. Now they have to focus on their own problems. This is a domino falling that may take down quite a few overly indebted areas with them...and that includes Europe. Read the headlines today about Portugal by chance? I know you all hate the US, but think of the bigger picture first...we're all in this together, like it or not. [link to www.businessweek.com] Jan. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Japan plans to buy bonds issued by Europe’s financial-aid funds, its finance minister said, joining China in assisting the region as it battles against a debt crisis that prompted bailouts of Ireland and Greece. Japan will use existing euro assets in its foreign-exchange reserves to buy more than a fifth of bonds to be issued later in January by the European Financial Stability Facility, Noda said. Japan’s reserves total $1.096 trillion, the government said today. LOL, You selfish American you think i care about the Euro? No it is time this "Economy" falls, it is all based on greed, power and selfishness. The UN just made a agreement on a *CHOUGH* mission *CHOUGH* non of the fucking countries CAN AFFORD! Why do it? Because now they can "justify" it! All bullshit. The economy as we know it is bullshit and corrupt to any extend. Time for a "reset". Not just the US but WORLD WIDE! First of all...how do you know I'm American? I was raised in Canada, and my father is French I didn't insult you, yet you insulted me...that speaks more of your POV than mine. I am not being selfish when I point out that this will affect ALL of us... And no, I don't wish people in Europe Asia South America or the United States to suffer...which is what will happen when there is a crash you wish for. You must be very young, or very full of hate to be so angry. I'm sorry that life has treated you so harshly. I won't judge all Dutch people by your insults...only you. |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1301792 United States 03/23/2011 06:27 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | LOL and the OP has nothing to say anymore. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1283030LOL and the OP has nothing to say anymore. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1283030My computer shut off on me.. I have just responded to you. I have no idea why you wish to pick a fight with me...why so angry? I am merely pointing out a probabiity that is rising with each additional piece of bad news from Japan. "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1301792 United States 03/23/2011 06:38 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | A crash of the US dollar doesn't just affect the United States...it affects anyone who buys commodities...food, oil, cotton...are all priced in dollars. When the US dollar crashes, it drives the price of all these things much higher This has already been happening since August, when the insane head of the Federal Reserve effectively began printing money in the trillions. That is why the price of food is up 50-100% in 6 months When the US dollar crashes, it will multiples worse...not just for the US, but for everyone. The food riots happening in Egypt, in Tunisia, even in Asia...are all a result of the effective crash of the USD to date. Imagine 10x that going forward Perhaps that is what the PTB want...upheaval and chaos everywhere However, many ordinary decent people who just want to take care of their families and be left alone, will truly be facing a difficult time I am sorry for the people in Japan and the unfolding tragedies there....and I sorry for what I see ahead for the world economy. I didn't care for globalism...but they didn't ask me. Now that it's here and deeply entrenched, whatever happens in Asia, affects us all within a day or two. "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1283030 Netherlands 03/23/2011 06:40 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Hope they will dump the US Dollar! Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1283030Japan may not be buying many Euro bonds either, bro...so don't be so quick to wish doom on others. Japan was there just a few months ago, when Europe needed them. Now they have to focus on their own problems. This is a domino falling that may take down quite a few overly indebted areas with them...and that includes Europe. Read the headlines today about Portugal by chance? I know you all hate the US, but think of the bigger picture first...we're all in this together, like it or not. [link to www.businessweek.com] Jan. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Japan plans to buy bonds issued by Europe’s financial-aid funds, its finance minister said, joining China in assisting the region as it battles against a debt crisis that prompted bailouts of Ireland and Greece. Japan will use existing euro assets in its foreign-exchange reserves to buy more than a fifth of bonds to be issued later in January by the European Financial Stability Facility, Noda said. Japan’s reserves total $1.096 trillion, the government said today. LOL, You selfish American you think i care about the Euro? No it is time this "Economy" falls, it is all based on greed, power and selfishness. The UN just made a agreement on a *CHOUGH* mission *CHOUGH* non of the fucking countries CAN AFFORD! Why do it? Because now they can "justify" it! All bullshit. The economy as we know it is bullshit and corrupt to any extend. Time for a "reset". Not just the US but WORLD WIDE! First of all...how do you know I'm American? I was raised in Canada, and my father is French I didn't insult you, yet you insulted me...that speaks more of your POV than mine. I am not being selfish when I point out that this will affect ALL of us... And no, I don't wish people in Europe Asia South America or the United States to suffer...which is what will happen when there is a crash you wish for. You must be very young, or very full of hate to be so angry. I'm sorry that life has treated you so harshly. I won't judge all Dutch people by your insults...only you. Because there is a AMERICAN FLAG under your name! You talk from a AMERICAN point of view! That is why. You are saying i wish doom upon other countries, show me where i said that! You are insulting me that i'm heartless and i wish bad things upon others! You are talking about the AMERICAN DOLLAR, so then you came back with the response "Japan may not be buying many Euro bonds either, bro...". Think about it. A world economy crash will inprove life on earth! Because currencies we have now will be worthless therefor wealthy people would loose power and control! A new foundation can be made then without any intent of personal wealth and power. I have no anger, i just point out the obvious that you clearly can't see yet. No hard feelings and you can judge me all you want. This is something i don't care because your judgement doesn't mean anything to me. You only see the negative aspect of a economy downfall worldwide, I don't. |
oldboldpilot (OP) User ID: 1301792 United States 03/23/2011 06:50 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | ... Quoting: oldboldpilotJapan may not be buying many Euro bonds either, bro...so don't be so quick to wish doom on others. Japan was there just a few months ago, when Europe needed them. Now they have to focus on their own problems. This is a domino falling that may take down quite a few overly indebted areas with them...and that includes Europe. Read the headlines today about Portugal by chance? I know you all hate the US, but think of the bigger picture first...we're all in this together, like it or not. [link to www.businessweek.com] Jan. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Japan plans to buy bonds issued by Europe’s financial-aid funds, its finance minister said, joining China in assisting the region as it battles against a debt crisis that prompted bailouts of Ireland and Greece. Japan will use existing euro assets in its foreign-exchange reserves to buy more than a fifth of bonds to be issued later in January by the European Financial Stability Facility, Noda said. Japan’s reserves total $1.096 trillion, the government said today. LOL, You selfish American you think i care about the Euro? No it is time this "Economy" falls, it is all based on greed, power and selfishness. The UN just made a agreement on a *CHOUGH* mission *CHOUGH* non of the fucking countries CAN AFFORD! Why do it? Because now they can "justify" it! All bullshit. The economy as we know it is bullshit and corrupt to any extend. Time for a "reset". Not just the US but WORLD WIDE! First of all...how do you know I'm American? I was raised in Canada, and my father is French I didn't insult you, yet you insulted me...that speaks more of your POV than mine. I am not being selfish when I point out that this will affect ALL of us... And no, I don't wish people in Europe Asia South America or the United States to suffer...which is what will happen when there is a crash you wish for. You must be very young, or very full of hate to be so angry. I'm sorry that life has treated you so harshly. I won't judge all Dutch people by your insults...only you. Because there is a AMERICAN FLAG under your name! You talk from a AMERICAN point of view! That is why. You are saying i wish doom upon other countries, show me where i said that! You are insulting me that i'm heartless and i wish bad things upon others! You are talking about the AMERICAN DOLLAR, so then you came back with the response "Japan may not be buying many Euro bonds either, bro...". Think about it. A world economy crash will inprove life on earth! Because currencies we have now will be worthless therefor wealthy people would loose power and control! A new foundation can be made then without any intent of personal wealth and power. I have no anger, i just point out the obvious that you clearly can't see yet. No hard feelings and you can judge me all you want. This is something i don't care because your judgement doesn't mean anything to me. You only see the negative aspect of a economy downfall worldwide, I don't. I have a job which brings me to the US for extended periods, this is one of those periods. You make an awful lot of assumptions about a person you don't even know, based on that flag...that seems pretty hasty. I have just driven the length of the US, 3000 miles, and there are as many different kinds of people here as you will find from Africa to Iceland, good and bad, selfish and kind. Don't be so quick to judge all people...it reflects more on your education than on the group you are trying to tar. A little thing my father impressed me with , and I pass on to you now. I just spent 10 months back in Canada, and there people are very conscious of what happens with the US dollar, because what happens to the US affects us there as well. The economies are entwined. As far as a crash, I do not see that improving life on earth. I have lived through currency crashes. I was raised in Rio de Janeiro and I lived through the Brazilian currency crash of the 1970s and 1980s...I saw hyper inflation wipe out cousins and friends. I watched people who once had a comfortable life suddenly reduced to living 4 in a 1 bedroom apartment, and working round the clock just to survive. And guess what...that crash didn't ever bring Brazil back to what it had before...all it did was open the door for the banksters to come in, through the IMF, and pick up all kinds of national assets at pennies, to force laws through so they could own strategic businesses which previously had been illegal for foreigners. They talk now about how Brazil now has a middle class...as opposed to the old one which vanished. Well, all they've now done is bring in more access to more debt, so people can buy over priced things they can't reall afford. No, sorry...I've lived through this. Crashes rarely solve anything...the same way that revolutions usually usher in dictatorships even worse than the one the people thought they had kicked out Last Edited by oldboldpilot on 03/23/2011 06:54 AM "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius |