Mike,

I'm as disgusted as you regarding where manipulation has taken us.

I also do not believe that ending manipulation will mean the end of the world.

However, I do believe that panic will set in once/if all the markets are allowed to trade freely now, or if the general populus were to become aware of how the manipulation has been allowed to happen. (I have voiced my opinion frequently and shown verbally, my disgust re: manipulation)

As for living in a world where gold and silver are much higher, I ask the question - Higher than what? The American $? The British pound? The Euro?

Gold and/or Silver WILL eventually become the backing for whatever currency eventually gets used; of that I have no doubt.

When you try to discuss ratios of something like Silver to Printed Money, based on todays rules, it is like comparing Apples to Oranges; no can do.

When you try and compare the ounces of silver per each person, same thing. Both vary on a daily basis.

When you look at the amount of fiat invested in both gold and silver, that alone tells me that the general populus does not have the same consideration for their value, and need to be considered into your equation. The amount invested in fiat has not risen in the same ratio as fiat has been printed. Until that happens, the naysayers will continue to have their followers.

Based on that alone, those that "manipulate" can still do so, and will do so.

Pounding the table will not cure the problem!

We live in sorry timeS, but we only have ourselves to blame!

Good Luck to all!