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Will recession turn to depression?


Monday, February 25, 2008 6:37 AM PST

Quite a long time ago, I remember my dad talking about a depression that occurred in the early and mid-1930s.

He said things were so bad here in America that people were standing in soup lines to get a bowl of soup and a piece of bread.

I wonder if that depression started out as a recession like the recession they talk about on TV nowadays?

As bad as they are, maybe another depression would be good here in America. It might serve as a good lesson to NOT spend more than you make as income.

Larry Johnson
Lodi

Reader Feedback

danielh wrote on Mar 1, 2008 10:26 PM:

" Why do you think Iran would have used boats, instead of fire control radars?

I suggest two possibilities:

1) to not divulge the exact frequencies of their L-bands??????

2) to minimize the level of stress, so that the small boats would not result in an air strike. "

danielh wrote on Mar 1, 2008 10:24 PM:

" A similar show of force was demonstrated against the USS Kitty Hawk Battle Group, in 1994, in the Strait of Formosa. Both China's lit up their fire-control radar, as demonstrated by hundreds of L-band emissions.

This resulted in Kitty Hawk transmitting a situation report, which was considered a possible "last" transmission.

Very effective.

Iran could have done the same, by just turning on the fire control radars. "

danielh wrote on Mar 1, 2008 10:22 PM:

" Back to my original statement: If Iran wanted to attack the US Navy in the Strait of Hormuz,

... they would engage an aircraft carrier with land-based missiles.

I believe such an attack from Iran, in the Strait of Hormuz, would result in severe damage in the US Navy, because I don't think the CG-class ships could successfully engage a simultaneous launch of over a hundred targets.

However, I think Iran would suffer some damage as well, in the American response.

As I am thinking while I am writing, I think the only reason to use boats is to minimize the threat.
"

danielh wrote on Mar 1, 2008 10:15 PM:

"
I agree that the Strait of Hormuz is NOT a war zone, although the state of "peace" there is based upon the use of restraint on the part of both the USA and Iran. Iran has missiles that it can launch at any time, and I would imagine that an aircraft could attack those missile batteries within 3 minutes if not sooner, and a US Navy ship could launch missiles against them as well, attacking them within 30 seconds.



"

danielh wrote on Mar 1, 2008 10:13 PM:

" Girard: I agree that the captain of the ship was using restraint if they were Iranian.

I agree that the captain will be held accountable if he gives orders to open fire.
"

girard74 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 7:53 PM:

" danielH wrote, 'Girard: This is all irrelevant to the probable contention that the vessels were American.'

I'll tell you what, let's split the difference and say that 'This is all irrelevant to the 'possible' contention that the vessels were American.' "

girard74 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 7:44 PM:

" danielH - I played war-games at Bitburg AB, Germany during the cold war in 1982-1985. Even then we had specific orders based upon specific sets of circumstances. Now, how that would play out when real bullets were flying and real F15s were actually firing overhead is anyone's guess.

But we followed the rules. "

girard74 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 7:39 PM:

" danielH stated, 'Rules of engagement? The rules are that there are no rules.'

Do you really believe that? Certainly once a battle is initiated, the rules are fairly straight-forward. However, the rules that apply prior to the first shot are much more defined. The Strait of Hormuz is not currently designated a war zone, is that not true? As such, the ships would not have been on General Quarters until the need arose. I believe it was the captain who had the responsibility to make the call as to when to open fire based upon the authority he was given. "

girard74 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 7:32 PM:

" danielH wrote, 'The boats were within 1/2 mile of the USS vessels. If Iranian, America would have been justified to shoot them.'

Justified, yes. But just as you suggest, there are others who believe that Bush is hell-bent on going to war with Iran. If this had been a set-up to further that goal, then there should/would have been an order sent down through the chain requiring an attack.

The fact that they did not fire, seems to me that they exhibited restraint, not that they were part of some conspiracy to start a war. "

danielh wrote on Mar 1, 2008 7:31 PM:

" Girard: This is all irrelevant to the probable contention that the vessels were American.
"

danielh wrote on Mar 1, 2008 7:29 PM:

" Rules of engagement? The rules are that there are no rules. Whoever lives, or still floats, is the winner.

The US Navy does not want to accidentally attack someone who has peaceful intent, or who is not attacking.

In the case of the fast-attack vessels, if they are within range to impact the ships, within a period of time that is too quick for the gunner to respond, then the ship should open fire. "

danielh wrote on Mar 1, 2008 7:25 PM:

" Girard: One thing every officer in the Persian Gulf agrees upon: The Persian Gulf is unpredictable. One minute you can think that you are at peace, and the next minute you can be attacked from any source.

Peaceful fishing vessels can be suicide attack vessels, or you can strike a mine. Irrelevant to the situation.

The boats were within 1/2 mile of the USS vessels. If Iranian, America would have been justified to shoot them. "

danielh wrote on Mar 1, 2008 7:19 PM:

" Girard: You said the captain of the USS Cole was an idiot. I agree. "

danielh wrote on Mar 1, 2008 7:19 PM:

" Girard: I know what it is like to traverse the Strait of Hormuz. I have been through it 8-10 times in 1996.

Captain was popping antacids. I saw him on the bridge when he came out of the Combat Info Center.

DanielH - One last series of questions -

Deal.

Being enlisted, I was not trained in official protocol, but I was observant.
Of course, a threatening intercept course is sufficient to open fire. Radio warnings give opportune for possible targets to establish peaceful intent.

"

girard74 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 3:21 PM:

" DanielH - One last series of questions -

Were you on the bridge when the fast-boats were taunting the ships?

Do you have knowledge as to the rules of engagement in place at the time the fast-boats were taunting the ships?

Regardless of your answers, then please answer as to exactly where did these fast-boats come from?

I am former Air Force and am knowledgeable about the general workings of Air Force protocols. However, I am no longer privy to any Air Force classified orders or instructions. Naval procedures, especially with regard to attack options, are classified. I believe you are no longer active-duty. "

girard74 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 3:03 PM:

" danielH stated, 'The difference is that in Sea and Anchor Detail, it is not unusual for small boats to come alongside, and the captain was not defending his ship.

The 'difference' between the two was not their status or positions. The recent incident involved 'multiple' small boats, whereas the Cole dealt with but one.

If (in the recent account) the commander gave the command to fire, have you given thought as to the consequences of that action? The contention is that while 'ready' to fire, they were ordered to refrain until the last possible moment.

The Cole's commander was an idiot. "

girard74 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 2:57 PM:

" danielh stated, 'Girard: Perhaps you would feel more comfortable with the understanding that conspiracy originates out of private entities, not the govt.'

The problem, Dannie, is that conspiracies are very, very difficult to prove; either in or out of a courtroom.

Your overreaching theories do not contain any evidence to back them up. The crux of my problem regarding your beliefs is that in order for the majority of them to be true, literally hundreds, if not thousands, of people would need to be in on each conspiracy. And they would ALL need to remain absolutely silent. While possible, nowhere near probable. "

girard74 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 2:51 PM:

" danielH - As I've emphasized before, simply stating or even believing that something is true, doesn't make it true and vice versa.

Back up your conspiracy theories with evidence and proof; only then can anyone take your claims seriously. Until then, you're just blowing hot air. "

girard74 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 2:49 PM:

" Leonard stated, 'The one thing I will ALWAYS do, regardless of what you or anyone else believes or thinks - I will ALWAYS give the benefit of the doubt to my country first and foremost.

I like this line. I hope you don't mind if I borrow it sometime.'

Feel free to borrow it any time and due to the 100-word limit here and limitations elsewhere, you don't need to credit me for its use. I certainly don't want you accused of plagiarism. "

girard74 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 2:48 PM:

" danielH stated, 'How about the death toll around the Clintons'?'

Ahhh, this is where you directed me (some time ago) to a website stating that Rush Limbaugh sided with the Clintons regarding the murder of Vince Foster.

My research revealed convincingly that Limbaugh was a staunch believer that Foster was, in fact, murdered. The public record backed him up in this regard.

Yet, since you cannot stand Limbaugh, you decided to voice your opinion that he did NOT support the contention. It was very difficult to determine just how you gleaned the 'facts' from your post. "

girard74 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 2:43 PM:

" danielH stated, 'Now that I have explained the difference between the USS Cole in Sea and Anchor detail, and a US Navy ship in the Strait of Hormuz, do you want me to explain it again, and would you like to say that I don't know what I am talking about?'

As I have always proclaimed about you, you DO NOT know what you are talking about. You see 'conspiracy' where you want to see 'conspiracy.' There is no arguing (in a sensible context) with you. You've proven nothing - just set forth your opinion. I believe your opinion is flawed. "

girard74 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 2:40 PM:

" danielH stated, 'Girard: I love my country, and I am exercising my duty and responsibility as a citizen to eduate (sic) the general public.'

You don't 'educate.' That would imply that you are presenting issues with factual background. What you are doing is putting forth your opinion based upon your disdain for the government.

Those who feel like they are being educated by your nonsense are only fooling themselves.

You have presented nothing but rumor, innuendo and baseless nonsense. If that makes your boat float, then by all means, carry on. I can see right through your B.S. "

Leonard wrote on Mar 1, 2008 7:08 AM:

" girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:21 PM:

The one thing I will ALWAYS do, regardless of what you or anyone else believes or thinks - I will ALWAYS give the benefit of the doubt to my country first and foremost.


I like this line. I hope you don't mind if I borrow it sometime. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:49 PM:

" Leonard: You will know that you have gotten under my nerves or that I am dead if I quit publishing because of your remarks. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:47 PM:

" Girard: I love my country, and I am exercising my duty and responsibility as a citizen to eduate the general public.

In your case, I don't understand how you can hide your virgin mind in the face of all the heinous acts that have been committed by our government, acting as agent for big bankers.

How about the death toll around the Clintons'? Noone seems to care, and someone is voting for Bill's wife without paying any mind for their past history.

America is ready to receive more punishment. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:42 PM:

" Girard: Perhaps you would feel more comfortable with the understanding that conspiracy originates out of private entities, not the govt.
"

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:38 PM:

" Girard: Since you give your country the benefit of doubt, in the absence of proof, in your own words, you are "intelligence-impaired," and you have not acknowledged accidental confessions that have occured from time-to-time.

"

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:35 PM:

" Girard: Duh.

Now that I have explained the difference between the USS Cole in Sea and Anchor detail, and a US Navy ship in the Strait of Hormuz, do you want me to explain it again, and would you like to say that I don't know what I am talking about?

Duh.
"

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:33 PM:

" The difference is that in Sea and Anchor Detail, it is not unusual for small boats to come alongside, and the captain was not defending his ship.

In the Persian Gulf, anyone that comes turns on an intercept course is hostile, and they can be shot with the .50 Caliber Gun Mount. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:31 PM:

" Girard: "Sea and Anchor Detail" is where sailors have broken out all the mooring lines, and for the sake of readiness, they are standing ready on the anchor.

Sailors have the mooring lines on heaving lines, and ready to heave ashore for people on shore to receive the mooring lines.

Always, a ship has a harbor pilot on board. It is expected that the harbor pilot will depart the ship when the ship moors. However, a tug boat could come alongside, or a small boat could come alongside for the harbor pilot to go down a ladder. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:25 PM:

" girard: Duh Duh Duh. You are a pain to communicate with. I already said why the USS Cole cannot be compared, and then you asked me to justify why the Cole cannot be compared.

I said the Cole was in Sea and Anchor Detail, whereby the suicide boat was acting as a member of the Yemeni port authority.

Perhaps you don't know what is "Sea and Anchor Detail," and in spite of your ignorance, you choose to believe that it is not important.

The captain did not follow security protocol to assure that the Yemeni "visitors" were not suicide bombers, "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:23 PM:

" Leonard - I know; but sometimes it gives my brain a good work-out arguing with the intelligence-impaired. It helps me train for the real debates to come. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:21 PM:

" danielH - The one thing I will ALWAYS do, regardless of what you or anyone else believes or thinks - I will ALWAYS give the benefit of the doubt to my country first and foremost.

In the absence of proof (real proof, not mere conjecture and baseless theory) that your so-called conspiracies exist, I will never side with those who choose to harm us-EVER.

I read and I absorb. When the NY Times prints something, I give it the appropriate attention and then search further for the truth. I may never know the truth - but I won't betray my country. "

Leonard wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:19 PM:

" Girard: Danni is like another flavor of Real Facts. You can argue with either of them until you are blue in the face but you will never be able to reach below the disease to touch the real person.

I firmly believe that Danni knows in his heart of hearts that the nonsense he spews is false. Unfortunately, the individual who knows these facts is so completely controlled by the delusions and compulsions that he will never rise to the surface. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:14 PM:

" danielH - If you have the courage, answer the question posed to you:

You REALLY believe that? If so, I cannot possibly understand how you could choose to remain in a country that would commit such heinous acts. ??? "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:12 PM:

" danielH states, 'Girard: You can't compare the USS Cole to the fast boat display in the Strait of Hormuz.'

I CAN'T compare them? Why not? You seem to be able to compare practically every other single event to one another in order to form YOUR theories. What, you've got a crystal ball sitting on your desk? You really think you're something, don't you. You've got an ego the size of Texas, and the brain the size of a pea.

You are entertaining, though. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:12 PM:

" Girard: In your lifetime, you are probably not going to have the mind to understand what happened to KAL 007. Forget it. You'll never figure it out. Too bad.

What color was the "ignorance is bliss" pill in the Matrix? You've taken it. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:10 PM:

" danielH stated, 'Just because it is too incredible for your virgin mind to understand doesn't mean it isn't true.'

And just because your demented mind believes all of these conspiracies to be true, doesn't meant it IS true.

I'll take my 'virgin' mind over your 'dementia' any time.

Again, I rest my case. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:10 PM:

" Girard: You can't compare the USS Cole to the fast boat display in the Strait of Hormuz.

The USS Cole was in Sea and Anchor detail, and the suicide bombers were thought to be members of the Yemeni Port Authority. The USS Cole stood down its defenses.

In the Strait of Hormuz 3 months ago, the ships were probably ready to open fire from the .50 caliber gun mounts.

"

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:08 PM:

" danielH believes that WE caused the following - 'Attack against Korean Airlines 007, and 9/11'

You believe that we (the U.S.) are responsible for the downing of a civilian airliner. You further believe that we (the U.S.) are responsible for the four airliners, two of which brought down the WTC; one that landed in the Pentagon; and the failed one that crashed into a field in Pennsylvania - all of which killed thousands of Americans?

You REALLY believe that? If so, I cannot possibly understand how you could choose to remain in a country that would commit such heinous acts. ??? "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:08 PM:

" Girard: You expressed, "incredibly stated that these are all conspiracies."

Just because it is too incredible for your virgin mind to understand doesn't mean it isn't true. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:07 PM:

" Girard: What is the source of your intelligence on Iran's capability? "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:03 PM:

" USS Turner Joy - 'Whether or not the North Vietnamese attacked the two ships on the 4th remains a mystery. Only they know for sure. It could well have been that bad weather and the freakish radar conditions—for which the Gulf of Tonkin is famous—caused radar echoes to appear on Turner Joy's screen and prompted her captain and crew to take defensive action in consideration of the events two days earlier.' (http://www.ussturnerjoy.com/tjhistory.aspx)

Or, as you and wtf and others believe, they simply wanted to start a war.

The problem with 'theories' is that they require substantiated proof in order to survive. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:58 PM:

" danielH also states, 'and they [Iran] don't have a nuclear capability.'

Which intelligence report do you believe? The one from last year where they state that their nuclear program was halted in 2003; or the most recent one that states that they are moving forward on their nuclear program?

How do you reconcile these two reports to your conspiracy theory? "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:54 PM:

" danielH stated, 'Girard: The US Navy ships weren't in any danger.'

How do YOU know? Was the USS Cole not 'in danger' either? Or was that ALSO a US-made conspiracy?

YOU don't know just how close they came to blowing those idiots out of the water. YOU were NOT there; yet you spew forth your nonsense as if you were at the helm. Absolutely incredible.

I ask you, with all of these conspiracies going on around you, just how secure is your home? How DO you sleep through the night? "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:51 PM:

" danielH, incredibly stated that these are all conspiracies - 'WW-I (sinking Lusitania), WW-II (Pearl Harbor), Vietnam War (USS Turner Joy), Attack against Korean Airlines 007, and 9/11'

As such, since HE believes them to be conspiracies, then the recent fast-boat incident near Iran MUST be an American-made conspiracy. I do NOT believe them to be conspiracies simply because they're senseless-without any merit.

danielH then challenges me to debate.

Debate what?!? You're convinced, absolutely CONVINCED based upon supposition, rumor and others' theories. There is no 'basis in truth' to your contentions. The only logical response from me to you, is, 'I rest my case.' "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:44 PM:

" and they don't have a nuclear capability. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:44 PM:

" Girard: If Iran really wanted to threaten America, they would turn on their fire-control radar systems. I know from personal experience of the captain of my ship popping antacids in the Strait of Hormuz, that the US Navy is threatened by Iran's missile batteries that are guarding the Strait of Hormuz.

When I was in the Navy, Iran had Chinese Silkworm missiles.

It is my understanding that they now have missiles that are capable of dividing warheads in flight, creating multiple threats, each capable of sinking a ship.

If Iran really was threatening the USA, they would turnitON! "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:39 PM:

" Girard: Was it you that was in the military? You should understand the threats that are represented by electronic emissions.

However, electronic warfare is invisible, and deniable. American people would not be impressed by electronic emissions, although they represent a substantial threat.


"

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:36 PM:

" Girard: The US Navy ships weren't in any danger. At best, these boats could have launched a small missile, or carried a suicide bomb. A good shooter on a .50 caliber gun mount could have taken-out these boats if they displayed a suicide run. The only effect of these boats was to provide a film display for America at home. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:32 PM:

" Girard: This time, I don't have immediate proof. I am stating that America has a pattern of behavior, or a "recipe" for entering into war.

The Iranian fast-boat display fits the recipe.

"

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:28 PM:

" Girard: My theory on the Iranian fast boats being American is based upon the fact that America has had at least 5 false flag attacks (or co-conspiracies with the enemy) since WW-I, and America now wants war with Iran.

WW-I (sinking Lusitania), WW-II (Pearl Harbor), Vietnam War (USS Turner Joy), Attack against Korean Airlines 007, and 9/11.

I don't think America was involved with the enemy with the Israeli attack against an American spy vessel, and on the Pueblo.

You wrote, "when someone makes incredible claims in a forum designed for debate."

The door is open for you to debate. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 5:23 PM:

" danielH stated, 'A "belief" is a theory. Take it, leave it, or make your own theory.'

That would define 'theory'. However, when someone makes incredible claims in a forum designed for debate, there should be some sort of support behind the theories presented.

Even Christians base their belief system on something other than air; it is usually accepted by them that the Bible is the Word of God - and that ends the argument. As such, there is usually no sense in arguing further except for the finer points.

"

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 5:18 PM:

" danielH stated,'I agree that the math does not add up for repaying the debt. But this is caused by the Fed. We cannot preserve the Fed for the sake of the problem that it created.'

Then what do you do with the debt? Erase it as if it never existed? What would be the consequences of that action? "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 2:36 PM:

" A "belief" is a theory. Take it, leave it, or make your own theory. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 2:35 PM:

" ...cont.

I agree that the math does not add up for repaying the debt. But this is caused by the Fed. We cannot preserve the Fed for the sake of the problem that it created. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 2:33 PM:

" ...cont.

Eliminating the Federal Reserve would reduce debt, because the debt is caused by the Fed. Without debt, the Fed could not function. The only reason why the IRS is needed is because there needs to be a mechanism for repaying the debt.

The only way to repay the debt is to have a trade surplus. A trade surplus would cause the gold to flow toward America. A surplus might happen if American productivity could happen by elimination of the IRS.
"

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 2:33 PM:

" Girard: Summary: we are talking about three items:
1) Getting off of the Federal Reserve so that congress can issue the national money.
2) Ending the social security system.
3) Getting onto the gold standard.

Problems:
1) Debt.
2) Expense of war - convincing America that it is not the world police that is responsible for war every time someone does not comply with the UN.
3) There isn’t very much gold in Ft. Knox. America would be vulnerable to foreign investment, where foreign gold would buy a lot of American currency.

...cont. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:29 AM:

" danielH stated, 'Girard: If I state that I “believe” something, it could mean that the statement is subjective, or I don’t have a footnote.'

Ditto Leonard's response as well as this:

Even a belief or an opinion should be supported by evidence, even if it is scant.

But merely stating something such as, 'I believe that the fast boats [re: Iran] belonged to the U.S.' or words to that effect, have no value without at least a modicum of substantiation beyond one's sole 'belief.' "

Leonard wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:21 AM:

" danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:28 AM:

" Girard: If I state that I “believe” something, it could mean that the statement is subjective, or I don’t have a footnote.


Chuckle.... a statement of "religious faith" as opposed to fact.

Danny believes in the tenets of Birchunism is the same way that a Catholic believes in the Trinity. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:31 AM:

" When I started to analyze the return to the gold standard, I didn't reject it out of hand. I started by doing the math. And it simply does not add up. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:30 AM:

" I have never been able to find anyone who actually understands just how the Dow average is created. Oh, I know how to do math. I'm talking about exactly what causes the market to fluctuate.

As an example, before the Fed adjusts interest rates, analysists and talking heads then start to 'guess' as to how the market will respond.

When they are wrong (much of the time), they then start making things up, e.g., someone burped, Trump said, 'Oh no,' or things just as ridiculous in an attempt to explain why things do what they do. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:27 AM:

" danielH wrote, 'Additionally, if the national debt exceeds the total money supply, then the US is bankrupt. Actually, the US already is bankrupt and you might have just realized this fact.'

Based upon returning to the gold standard, you are correct, it would bankrupt the nation. As such, the return is impossible.

I have been very forthright in my lack of knowledge of American economics. I try to use a 'common sense' approach which does not always work.

However, when I am told that prices are affected by a stock market move based upon 'fear,' I, like you, sit and scratch my head. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:53 AM:

" commonsense1: No intentions of interfering with conversation. I think it is an interuption for someone to intervene with statements that someone doesn't know what they are talking about, without giving any footnotes or counterpoints. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:49 AM:

" Girard: I am thinking about your question, because the Fed will accept payments in the form of its Notes, which are backed by nothing whatsoever, whereas I am proposing that a National currency be created.

I don't see any reason why the Federal Reserve would deserve to receive interest payments in a currency that is redeemable for gold.

Additionally, if the national debt exceeds the total money supply, then the US is bankrupt. Actually, the US already is bankrupt and you might have just realized this fact. "

danielh wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:28 AM:

" Girard: If I state that I “believe” something, it could mean that the statement is subjective, or I don’t have a footnote.

Therefore as a courtesy, I clearly label the statement as just my opinion. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 6:51 AM:

" I think they just enjoy seeing their names in 'print,' ad nauseum. "

commonsense1 wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:51 PM:

" danielh and real facts have a special skill in turning others away from commenting. It's like what's the point, these two idiots can't get over how smart they are. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:01 PM:

" danielH wrote - 'If you have a legitimate question, you are going to have to speak loudly over the background noise.'

I wrote earlier, 'My question, however, remains the same.

If the total amount of gold mined up to 2007 is $3.68 trillion and just the national debt is $3.5 trillion as of 2000, without even calculating the wealth in dollars that is distributed amongst all Americans and American corporations, how would it work?'

It's a rather simple question - one that calls for a 'real' answer. Stating that one merely 'believes' that it would balance out is not an answer. "

citizen wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:43 AM:

" Man this is easy. "

danielh wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:16 PM:

" citizen: You still haven't committed to a definition of your own words, "911 truther." "

danielh wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:15 PM:

" citizen: Blah Blah Blah back at you. "

danielh wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:14 PM:

" citizen: Your ignorance has prevented you from a gem of wisdom, in Feb 27, 2008 8:15 AM: Article I, Section 10 of the constitution.

You missed it; I don't think you have the intelligence to figure out what it means; and, I don't think you are worthy of an explanation. "

danielh wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:13 PM:

" citizen: Actually, I have come face-to-face with the very first person who ever responded to one of my letters. I couldn't believe when we were introduced, and what town he was from, so I knew.

He is a retired Colonel in the USAF, and today we are pretty good friends.
"

danielh wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:09 PM:

" citizen, I repeat: A response from disinformed provocateurs is expected.

Nice try to plea for Leonard's help. Leonard has been working on me for 2-1/2 years, and I'm still here.

I'm more well-informed today than I was when Leonard ran into me in the comments.

Leonard has only served the purpose of educating me on what kind of negative responses I can get for my publications.

I have sparred with much more ignorant and belligert oponents than you and Leonard.

The two of you seem to be the most disinformed that Lodi has to offer.
"

danielh wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:01 PM:

" citizen: ...and your ignorance is comparable to Leonard's. "

citizen wrote on Feb 27, 2008 7:30 PM:

" Blah Blah Blah, Daniel you are extremely boring. I would rather just try to get under you skin, rather than read through your long tedious blogs. Judging by your endless rants its working. If you really dont know what a 911 truther is, you must not be one. Well that would be one unannoying thing about you. I'll check back tommorrow night. Time to get back to my real life. Leonard please take over annoying Daniel for me. "

danielH wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:22 AM:

" That post is for entertainment only. Don't try it! "

danielH wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:15 AM:

" girard: I would like to offer a statement about Article I, Section 10, which you mentioned:

'No State shall . . . make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debt.'

If a human soul answers a charge against a "defendent," in State court, and the judge charges the "defendent," to pay money?

"Your Honor, 'What form of money would you like me to use to pay the charge?' "

Do you see where this is going? "

danielh wrote on Feb 26, 2008 11:11 PM:

" Leonard and citizen: FYI: a response of hecklers should be expected from disinformed provocateurs.

Your efforts to disrupt are expected.

If you want to get under my nerves, I suggest you get yourself an education and find a flaw in my presentation.

If it is your objective to disrupt my presentation, you will know that you have failed for however long it is that you see that I still publish. "

danielh wrote on Feb 26, 2008 10:57 PM:

" brokenl: A group of people of at least two persons has arrived with no intentions of participating in the conversation and seek nothing but to disrupt a conversation on the origins of the Federal Reserve.

If you have a legitimate question, you are going to have to speak loudly over the background noise.

It would also be helpful to declare your position.

Leonard also posts on Amazon to discredit references that discuss the origins of government corruption. "

danielh wrote on Feb 26, 2008 10:53 PM:

" citizen: If you are going to ask me a question into your own dimented world, I deserve to know your own dimented definition of "911 truther." "

brokenl wrote on Feb 26, 2008 10:33 PM:

" Wow....these guys are good. Very informative blog kids....please carry on. "

citizen wrote on Feb 26, 2008 8:09 PM:

" Sorry I am a little behind with the response to the tuning in your radio comment, but like most conservatives I actually have a job to go to. I am just now catching up to your endless rantings. It is entertaining to watch you and Leonard mix it up though. "

citizen wrote on Feb 26, 2008 8:04 PM:

" Daniel do you really not know what a 911 truther is? I just cant remember if you were the crazy guy who thinks that 911 was an inside job. If you arn't just say so. I could have you mixed up with someone else. If you are I would just like to know so I could remember to never take anything you say seriously. Nice post Leonard. "

danielH wrote on Feb 26, 2008 8:02 AM:

" I tuned in my radio to "citizen," and I only got static. "

Leonard wrote on Feb 26, 2008 7:58 AM:

" danielH wrote on Feb 26, 2008 7:46 AM:

" I hear a noise screaming in the background.


There are medicines you can take that will make that stop. "

danielH wrote on Feb 26, 2008 7:46 AM:

" I hear a noise screaming in the background. "

Leonard wrote on Feb 26, 2008 6:21 AM:

" danielh wrote on Feb 26, 2008 1:20 AM:

" Leonard: Is your name, "citizen"?


No, you can just call me "truth speaker".

I am, however, glad to see that you are finally admitting that your primary goal in posting your pustulent vomitus is simply rabble rousing. I have noticed that there is a certain kind of poster who's only goal is to attract attention. Negative or positive, it matters not as long as the light is shining on him.

If it is any comfort, I have never thought that you really believed a word of that nonsense. "

danielh wrote on Feb 26, 2008 1:20 AM:

" Leonard: Is your name, "citizen"? "

Leonard wrote on Feb 26, 2008 1:15 AM:

" danielh wrote on Feb 26, 2008 12:17 AM:

" citizen: What's a "911 truther"? I can't answer your question without knowing your definition. "


A 9/11 truther is a purveyor of political filth and pornography. Known for their syphlitic sense of propriety they are generally shunned by all decent Americans.

While it has been suggested that these individuals should be prosecuted for giving aid and comfort to the enemy in a time of war, I believe that, in most cases, the scorn of their fellow men is the best reward for these treasonous individuals.

Why do you ask? "

danielh wrote on Feb 26, 2008 12:17 AM:

" citizen: What's a "911 truther"? I can't answer your question without knowing your definition. "

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:39 PM:

" Cogito: Wiki is not a good source of information for anything pertaining to government and economics. If you look into the profiles of some of its contributors, you can see that some are self-confessed socialists.

The Federal Reserve is one of the most important topics for them to slant in favor of the socialist cause.
"

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:37 PM:

" Cogito: Wonderful! Thank you for your support. This is very helpful.

My next letter will be a sensitive topic, and if anyone has any questions, I will be quite willing to answer questions.

Although I have experience with Leonard, I don’t know if anyone ever has seen him blow all of his circuit breakers at the same time. "

Cogito wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:05 PM:

" I always appreciate your blogs Daniel. Even if I don't always agree, you always give me food for thought, and I usually learn something. Most of all, you're always interesting! "

Cogito wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:01 PM:

" Having never read the book, I can't relate. "

Cogito wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:59 PM:

" With the power the Fed has over our economy, I would prefer it to be as far away from Governmental influence as possible. "

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:55 PM:

" Cogito: Did you see wtf's reference, "Creature from Jekyll Island," by G. Edward Griffin? This is a masterful accounting of the Fed. "

Cogito wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:53 PM:

" Daniel, Wiki describes the Federal Reserve as "quasi-public (part private, part government)" "

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:52 PM:

" Cogito: Both the FDA and the Fed are cartels. An organization is a cartel if government receives a benefit from it, and if the existence of that organization is protected by the police powers of government. This is the true definition of cartel, whereas the Mexican so-called drug "cartels" only confuse the definition. "

Cogito wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:49 PM:

" Daniel you are sooooo correct on how much money we could make investing our S.S. money in the market. We would retire so much wealthier than with the lousy returns we get from the Govt. now. "

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:48 PM:

" Cogito: There is not a single drop of government blood in the Fed Chairman’s body. Identical response for the FDA. The Rockefellers were involved in the creation of both the Fed and the FDA.

I realize that the Fed chairman is approved by congress every 13 years, but this is completely a theatrical display. The Fed doesn’t need approval for anything it does.

Likewise, President Clinton accepted the resignation of the FDA delegate, who resigned from his staff, but this person’s role was entirely non-governmental.
"

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:36 PM:

" Girard: Good question. Daddy Warbucks could only snap his fingers to conjure-up money because it was not backed by gold or silver.

You are asking what to do with all the investors who hold T-bills. These need to be paid, and without further inflating the dollar by expanding the money supply without backing it by additional gold.

If the dollar were placed on the gold standard, and the Federal Reserve abolished, I believe the economy would improve so well, that it would be conceivable for the government to generate revenue through taxes to repay the T-bills.
"

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:24 PM:

" girard74: Perhaps I can impress you with the postulate that the govt is the LEAST efficient manager of our life savings and our investments. If I want to save for retirement, I would be better-off to invest the money myself.

If I invested the same money myself throughout my life, I think I could have made the money grow at least double what the government can offer in return for the same investment.
"

Cogito wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:51 PM:

" Daniel, a simple encyclopedic check would have told you "G-man" is slang for anyone who works for the government. Leonard, the piece I read put the figure of 90 billion on welfare and social services alone. The link was http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1610/29/idt.01.html. then add the fact that 30% of all federal prisoners are illegals and I think you get way past your number. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:41 PM:

" DanielH also wrote:
'Ron Paul offered to young people to opt out of the SS system.'

While this sounds like a great idea, it is premised upon the idea that these same young people will have the necessary fiscal discipline to save for their own retirements. While Social Security is usually not enough for most people to retire 'comfortably' on, it does provide a sort of safety net for those who either did not save, or were unable to save for reasons not of their own making.

Eliminating Social Security is not the answer; restructuring it in a responsible way is. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:23 PM:

" DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:23 PM: Daniel provided me with some simple terms.

My question, however, remains the same.

If the total amount of gold mined up to 2007 is $3.68 trillion and just the national debt is $3.5 trillion as of 2000, without even calculating the wealth in dollars that is distributed amongst all Americans and American corporations, how would it work?

Would Daddy Warbucks then be able to just snap his fingers and balance the books to the satisfaction of all? Or am I just asking a stupid question; or one that no one has an answer for? "

sam wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:28 PM:

" JUST A SEC... Thanks to you guys for a normal blog. Blog on. Your opinions are appreciated. "

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 6:12 PM:

" Lets all take a moment to note that Danny, as usual, has not presented any evidence to support his claims. "

wtf wrote on Feb 25, 2008 5:46 PM:

" Part of the problem is that when the currency was no longer backed by gold, the government began to back it with oil - the petro-dollar. Part of the reason Bush wants to invade Iran is that they plan on opening an oil bourse (commodity trading) with the oil being traded, not in U.S. petro-dollars, but in either Euros or Rubles - this would harm the U.S. economy quite a bit and would shift the balance of power. This is why we need to wean ourselves away from fossil fuels. "

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:32 PM:

" wtf: Yes, congress could print the money at no charge. "

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:31 PM:

" girard74: The countries that use the Euro have lost their sovereignty.

There is nothing wrong with international exchange of currency. If our currency is strong, traders will just have to convert into our currency if they want to trade with us. No problem.

When treaties establish international tribunals and a board of governors that encroach upon the sovereignty of its member nations, this is bad. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:21 PM:

" The ratio of earnings to cost would certainly have to be taken into account IF returning to the gold standard were to ever occur. I further submit that since we are so intwined in international economics, we can NEVER change back.

To do so would ultimately make someone who is a U.S. billionaire one day turn into a mere millionaire the next. While that "might" work within the strict confines of the US, it would never be acceptable within the international exchange of currencies.

I imagine that the only thing that comes close is when the Euro became a common currency. "

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:20 PM:

" cont.
The story of the Fed is best documented in wtf's reference, "Creature from Jekyll Island," by G. Edward Griffin. "

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:19 PM:

" cont.
7) Although the Fed was created by the excuse to stabilize the economy, it is used to fleece the serfs in boom-bust cycles.
8) Bankers who were behind the Fed or in partnership with it were behind the stock market crash, which the Fed was supposed to prevent. An elitist tours was given to entertain visitors with the spectacle of the crash.
9) J.P. Morgan notified 17 elite investors, including Joseph Kennedy, to get out of the stock market, 6 weeks before the crash. "

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:16 PM:

" Girard: cont.

4) Leonard has no opinion on the Fed; therefore, it must be important.
5) The campaign of the 10th president was against the banking charter. Although Jackson won, the banking charter returned anyway, some 15 years later.
6) The national deficit was launched skyward in the same year as the creation of the Fed. In the same year, the IRS was created to satisfy the debt-based monitary system that the Fed is. "

wtf wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:16 PM:

" You're right, danielh, bankers do fund both sides of war. An interesting book on an arms dealer is "Peddler of Death" by Donald McCormick. It's a bit difficult to find; but if you can, a good read.

Since the Constitution authorizes congress to mint money; part of the reason for inflation is that when the government turned it over to a private entity i.e., the Fed, they then had to *pay* the Fed to print the money that congress could do free of charge. More detail on this in "Creature". "

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:12 PM:

" Girard: You wrote: "in reality it simply makes no sense."

I assure you that it is understandable not to know.

Perhaps the following items will get you interested:
1) They prefer to keep us uninformed. For that reason, they'll never be honest on the 6:00 news or in school textbooks.
2) Henry Ford I said that if the citizens ever learn how much of a banking scandal there is, there'll be a revolution before sunrise tomorrow morning.
3) Banking funds all war. Bankers fund both sides so that they will be a winner no matter who wins. "

wtf wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:11 PM:

" Several people have mentioned the war in Iraq as damaging our economy. I, too, believe it is. If you look at this link, and go down to the bottom, it's very telling that the U.S., UK and Australia - the coalition of the willing - are in quite deep economically.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2187rank.html
"

wtf wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:00 PM:

" girard74 said, "I would submit the 'value' of paper currency currently exceeds our current supply of gold."

It does; from what I understand the pumped up paper currency figures are due to inflation, or what we are about to enter (as did Germany) hyper-inflation. If the dollar were backed by gold, the cost of things would go down.

It would also be nice if the practice of usury (charging interest) were stopped.

A good book to read is "The Creature From Jekyll Island" by G. Edward Griffin. "

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:59 PM:

" girard74: Actually, our economy is already in total chaos, and the gold standard would stabilize and end the problems.

In the book, "On the Horns of the Beast," William Still, it exposes four historical economies that were on an honest banking system. These were Venice, Italy, Carthage, N. Africa, Constantinopole, and Hamburg. The Bank of Hamburg was the most recent bank which fell when Napoleon B. raided the silver vault. "

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:54 PM:

" girard74: I think it matters about how many hours we work to earn a gallon of gasoline. Back in the 1960's, it cost 33-cents, but we earned $2.00 / hour, and our tax rate was much less. "

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:51 PM:

" Cogito: I give up. What's a G-man? "

citizen wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:45 PM:

" I know everyone thinks that getting the troops out of Iraq is going to save us alot of money. But just because they are out we wont be saving ALL that money that is being spent there. These guys still need to eat and live somewhere, and continue to be trained for future missions. I know we will be saving alot of cash but not everything that the media says we are spending there will suddenly not be being spent at all. Does that make sense? I dont if I worded that right. "

scout wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:40 PM:

" It would not be efficient or realistic to convert to a gold standard at this point. Our economy is so far removed from it that such a conversion would create more problems than solutions. It would be more feasable to take lessons learned from the gold standard and chart a course that would not require a revoluntionary restructuring of our economy. Specifically we need need to create financial stability in our country so the US dollar is as good as gold. This would deliver the same desired outcome. "

citizen wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:39 PM:

" daniel, remind me are you the 911 truther? "

nylodian wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:28 PM:

" Leonard: I agree with you too about the trillions being wasted in Iraq, while Halliburton, et al, get their pockets lined just fine. "

nylodian wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:26 PM:

" Cogito: I agree about the draining funds to pay for immigrants. The last number I saw for California was over $11 billion and for NY it is $7 billion per year. Hospitals are closing because they have to pay for the care of illegals, without being reimbursed by the federal government. "

Cogito wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:12 PM:

" Daniel, isn't the Chairman of the Fed a G-man? "

girard74 wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:09 PM:

" As I stated I am not an economist and the idea of restoring the gold standard is somewhat interesting to me. But from what I can tell, there would be no plausible way to convert to gold without embroiling the nation's economy in total chaos.

It makes a good political sound-bite, but in reality it simply makes no sense. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:06 PM:

" Merely 'halting' inflation doesn't seem to me to be sufficient to stabilize the economy if we were to once again base our currency on gold. Inflation would need to be REVERSED back to a pre-nongold economy. Simply put, a gallon of gas cost $.35 in 1972. If we were to adjust our currency's value against our stores of gold, it would seem to me that we would need to adjust prices accordingly.

Slate.com states that the national debt was $3.5 trillion in 2000. With the current value of the WORLD'S TOTAL gold at $3.68 trillion, how could it be balanced? "

DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:42 PM:

" Cogito: As for your professor, I'll agree it was brilliant, but in a negative, devious way.

You said that he was surprised that a govt could have thought of it.

Well, it is 100% private. Not one speck of government in it anywhere.

As for the distinction between the private sector and the public sector. I'll agree that this is the crux of the problem. "

DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:38 PM:

" The calculation of Dollars / amount of gold is only sensitive to foreign investment and take-over. If the amount of gold is too small, foreigners could easily invest their gold and buy America.

Otherwise, the attachment to gold would completely halt inflation and completely stabilize the economy. "

DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:36 PM:

" When we pay interest to the Fed, they did nothing whatsoever to deserve the money. They just created the money by a magician trick with promissory notes.

The Fed chairman has no accountability with congress and the president, whatsoever. This person is merely a figurehead.

Probably, campaign spokesperson would be a more appropriate title.

If congress did not approve this person's appointment, the Fed could appoint this nominee anyway. "

DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:33 PM:

" girard: If you remember the cartoon strip "Little Orphan Annie," the character "Daddy Warbucks" was a representation of "Paul Warburg," a major shareholder of the Federal Reserve.

If you recall in the comic, Daddy Warbucks would snap his finger to materialize anything he needed. That is the mechanism for creation of money in the Federal Reserve.

Instead of a snap of a finger, the Federal Reserve monitizes our signatures by a ratio of 10:1. This means that if a bank can produce promissory notes for $10,000 and present them to the FederalReserve, they will be reimbursed $100,000. "

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:33 PM:

" Apparently, the fact that Danny's plan would cause the complete collapse of the global economy is of no concern to him. "

DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:29 PM:

" girard: The US economy is currently using fiat currency, which means that nothing is behind the currency other than a promise for American labor if the currency crashes. "

DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:23 PM:

" girard74: In the most simplest of terms:

0) Repeal the Federal Reserve Act.
1) Calculate the amount of US Dollars in circulation.
2) Inventory the gold in Fort Knox.
3) Calculate Dollars / amount of gold.
4) Set the value of gold at that amount, and re-attach the currency to the gold. (This involves revoking whaterver law was established in the Johnson era, which detached the currency from the gold).
5) Rescind FDR's executive order which made it illegal for Americans to barter in gold and silver. "

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:20 PM:

" As for the idea that I would ask another poster to post my question in the hope that you would deign to answer it, I think we are both too old to be playing those sorts of silly childlike games. "

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:18 PM:

" DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:14 PM:

" Leonard: It is not my goal in life to convince you of anything. If you look at my posts, only one has your name on it. I was being very patient, and I was taking a risk.

Why don't you e-mail someone and ask them to ask me a question under their userID?


Well Danny, I am not in the business of believing unsupported nonsense. If you can't back up your statements with evidence and reasoning, don't expect anyone to take you seriously. "

Cogito wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:15 PM:

" Daniel, I had an economics professor in college(with a doctorate) who told us that the Fed was such a brilliant concept that he was amazed that the government ever thought of it. It had a fair amount of checks and balances, in both the public and private sector, to be run the best it could possibly be done. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt here. He also was more Smith than Keynes. "

DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:14 PM:

" Leonard: It is not my goal in life to convince you of anything. If you look at my posts, only one has your name on it. I was being very patient, and I was taking a risk.

Why don't you e-mail someone and ask them to ask me a question under their userID? "

girard74 wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:14 PM:

" Fine, I'm learning. Yet, how would it be done to return to the gold standard? "

DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:10 PM:

" girard: The clause, "No state shall . . . coin Money;" refers to member states issuing currency that conflicts with the US currency. If California could issue US Dollars, they could inflate the dollar without permission of the other 49 states. "

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:37 PM:

" Girard: Yes, I was employing a bit of hyperbole at McCain's expense. That said, I don't think anybody seriously disputes the fact that American troops will be engaged in serious ground combat in Iraq for years to come.

That is not even to mention the fact that once the country has been finally pacified, it will need to be rebuilt and that process will be very expensive, even without the cost of doing business with Administration leaches like Halliburton. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:25 PM:

" As for McCain's claim to be in Iraq for 100 years, the actual meaning was '. . . U.S. troops could spend "maybe 100" years in Iraq -- saying he was referring to a military presence similar to what the nation already has in places like Japan, Germany and South Korea.' (http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/14/mccain.king/)

Our presence there would be to have the same effect as after WWII; to insure stability. That would not only be positive for the region, but it would be in our best interest as well. "

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:18 PM:

" Daniel: To be clear, I am neither for nor against the Fed.

You have, however, made some bold accusations and, for me to be convinced, you are going to have to back them up with strong evidence and powerful arguments.

I stand ready to be convinced if you can make a persuasive case.

-LP "

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:12 PM:

" Daniel: How, specifically, would getting rid of the Fed result in an increase in revenue for the Government?

Manipulations of the interest rates by the Fed is generally thought to be one of the key tools employed to avoid recessions. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:09 PM:

" Here's something interesting to think about: '[I]t is estimated that all the gold ever mined in the world (160,000 tonnes as of 2007), could be placed in a single cube roughly 60 ft. on a side, with a value of $3.68 trillion.' (http://www.usagold.com/reference/properties.html)

If an attempt were to take place to return our economy to the gold standard, how, exactly would that be accomplished. The $3.68 trillion of gold is world-wide. What is the dollar amount of our paper currency in circulation now? I would submit the 'value' of paper currency currently exceeds our current supply of gold. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:01 PM:

" Since I ran up against the 100-word limit I really meant to express that '[w]e've become numb to the enormity of it all, and as such the majority of citizens are not 'adequately and sufficiently' shocked or perplexed when these amounts are discussed as actual money spent or lost. "

DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:00 PM:

" The damage committed by the Federal Reserve is so severe that its elimination would solve a lot of problems, including the Social Security problem, and a lot more.

We general public (lower and middle class citizens) do not have sufficient influence over our leaders to cause a solution, unless we have a substantial revolution (of public opinion), through extensive campaign and publication. For as long as people don’t understand the exact nature of the Federal Reserve, it’s not going to happen.

Ron Paul offered to young people to opt out of the SS system. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:59 PM:

" Since we're talking about numbers and money here, it is amazing that very few of us can actually visualize a 'billion' or 27 'billion' or 338 'billion' dollars. Mentally and psychologically I believe it is incomprehensible. Yet, 'billions' is tossed about so cavalierly by economists and politicians. Even 'trillions', although used far less, is put out there as a number to be easily understood when it certainly is not. We've become numb to the enormity of it all, and as such the majority of citizens are not shocked or perplexed when these amounts are discussed as actual money spent or-lost. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:51 PM:

" Actually, Article I, Section 10, Clause 1 is more explicit - 'No State shall . . . coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debt.'

This is very interesting to me; I think further research is necessary to discover/uncover the crux of the issue. "

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:50 PM:

" Cogito wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:26 PM:

" I have read estimates that put the cost of imprisoning, educating, paying for health care, etc. of illegal aliens to be over 338 billion dollars a year. I think that's a significant amount


I think you misplaced a decimal point there. The cost most often cited by reputable anti immigration sources is $27 billion a year. The accuracy of that figure has been widely challenged by pro immigrant groups but it is a good place to start. "

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:44 PM:

" DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:01 PM:

" Leonard: I am being very patient with you. Article I, Section 8 gives congress the duty and responsibility to "coin the money."

The Fed is private.


So, you are arguing that Congress is somehow barred from contracting that work out? "

wtf wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:31 PM:

" Here's something to ponder...the United States is at the very bottom.

Rank Order - Current account balance

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2187rank.html
"

wtf wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:30 PM:

" I've run into several older people who thought we were heading for a Depression; but, as girard74 pointed out, safeguards were instituted to prevent (hopefully) the drastic results that were encountered in 1929.

Recessions, Depressions, Inflation, etc. are manipulated by the Fed, and many Americans are living beyond their means. Unfortunately, with the housing bubble, rising heating, food, gas costs, etc. some people put these items on their credit card and then are saddled with interest payments on top of the high prices.

“Give me control of a nation's money and I care not who makes her laws.” Mayer Amschel Rothschild "

Cogito wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:26 PM:

" I have read estimates that put the cost of imprisoning, educating, paying for health care, etc. of illegal aliens to be over 338 billion dollars a year. I think that's a significant amount. "

DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:01 PM:

" Leonard: I am being very patient with you. Article I, Section 8 gives congress the duty and responsibility to "coin the money."

The Fed is private. "

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:00 PM:

" Daniel: Yes, a lot of the bonds used to finance the record deficit are being bought by the Chinese. Of course, many of them are also being purchased by American investors (tax payers). "

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:58 AM:

" Daniel: I am curious. How do you think we should go about solving the Social Security crisis? "

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:45 AM:

" Danny: If you get rid of the national currency, I guarantee you that we will experience a Depression. "

DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:26 AM:

" Leonard: I think the deficit is financed by selling bonds to the Chinese. "

DANIELH wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:24 AM:

" This is a very important topic.

For however long that the Federal Reserve is granted cartel approval to issue the national currency, America will be in danger of another depression.

FDR’s confiscation of the gold was a sham. Gold has the effect of stabilizing the economy, not vice versa.

The Fed (having foreign shareholders) is not constitutionally authorized to participate in govt in any way. In fact, congress delegated its duty and responsibility granted under Article I, Section 8 of the constitution.

In the late 1960’s (Johnson or Nixon), the currency was removed from the gold standard. This is another sham. "

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:18 AM:

" Of course, Iraq pales by comparison to the ever looming Social Security crisis. This is a problem that HAS to be addressed and, when it is, it is going to cost us dearly.

Bush at least tried to put forth a possible solution to the problem in 2005 and he was spat on by both parties for his efforts. "

Lodian wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:18 AM:

" Leonard (11:16 AM): Boy, just thinking about that is a reality check.

"

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:16 AM:

" The fiasco in Iraq is costing us billions of dollars a week and all of it is being financed by an ever expanding deficit. If this orgy of spending is to continue for the next 100 years (as John McCain has suggested), responsible leadership will have to find a way to pay for it, either by slashing the civilian budget or raising taxes. "

Leonard wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:14 AM:

" It is true that we cannot raise our income to pay for our bad judgement. That said, many Americans have adopted the simple policy of paying for their lapses by increasing their debt load and that has been the policy of the current Administration as well.

"

Lodian wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:24 AM:

" Cogito: "...we can't raise our incomes to cover our bad judgment, and neither should the government."

WELL SAID!

Gee, I'd love to go to the employer and say, "Hey, Boss, I spent too much money last year so I need you to give me a HUGE bonus!...I'll try not to screw up next time"

LOL! Sure, that would work.

"

Lodian wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:21 AM:

" girard74: You explained that very well. "

Cogito wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:38 AM:

" Hey, I agree wholeheartedly with Larry on not spending more than you make as income. I can't think of a better place to start than with GOVERNMENTAL budgeting. And don't raise taxes to do it, we can't raise our incomes to cover our bad judgment, and neither should the government. "

nylodian wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:06 AM:

" I think Larry brings up a valid point about our nation's spending habits. Look at the amount of Americans in debt, look at the foreclosures because banks lent to anyone with a pulse, many believe the media-driven command that we need to buy the latest "toy" and the obscene waste that accompanies it, and many don't research (or care) how their buying habits affect American manufacturers or workers. Hopefully, a recession will be avoided, but I'm saving more than spending right now in case. "

Cogito wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:52 AM:

" Larry, girard is correct, many things were learned during the depression about how to prevent another one, and it is highly unlikely to repeat itself. We are currently in much better economic shape than we were during the Carter presidency. One of the biggest contributors to the depression was the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which sought to protect American businesses from competing imported goods. It caused foreign governments to retaliate in kind, and killed the American job market. There are other differences between now and then (gold standard), but not enough room to discuss here. "

danielh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:33 AM:

" This letter is realistic. Our govt has been funding wars, either expanding the money supply or allowing China to invest in America. "

girard74 wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:02 AM:

" Larry - First, our nation's economy is not even in a 'recession.' All of what has been happening is as a result of people 'fearing' that there 'may' be a recession.

A 'depression' will never happen again. Most importantly, the actual word 'depression' has been stricken from the economic dictionary. There's not much difference between a recession and a depression.

As for the stock market crashing as it did in '29, 'circuit breakers' have been installed on Wall Street that will automatically slow or halt trading if a certain downward threshold is reached. It's all artificial anyway. "

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