Duncan,have some faith,mistakes were made,but they can be corrected.Almost without exception,most of the world is hoping that the U.S.A. will turn their economy, and the way they are perceived as a people and a nation back to being respected and admired.Gold is a good place to invest,I also think black gold is also a commodity to have in your portfolio.I just got back from spending a week in Cuba and the citizens their are hopeful that Pres Obama will improve the relations with them.The people are very nice and it's amazing how they survive on so little, but yet are so proud.