Seriously, I'm really tired of reading trite political commentary which is written in bold, broad, fact-free opinion filled statements basically trashing anyone who thinks differently as 'brainwashed' or not understanding the very basis of how we have chosen to invest. Rubbish. I disagree with Pic and Priggly on pretty much every political topic going (however, I agree on many economic issues) and I have NO issue with their grandstanding as long as it is not emotive, provocative, patronizing, fact-free and/or downright offensive to those who hold different opinions.

Not wishing to get into a ****ing match with one who admits to being "leftist" on this board, but some of your comments shall not go unanswered. First of all, the commentary is anything but trite and would only be thus labeled by a smug individual who accorded it marginal importance if any. An individual who fails to see the inextricable link between political thought and economics has little if any concept of what makes the world go round. Is there a connection between the erroneous teachings and beliefs, however sincere but wrong, of Kaynes and the total financial mess the world now finds itself in? If the teachings of the Austrian school had been adhered to, would the world now be in the same mess? Are there not links between the politics of both and the economic consequences of both? Failure to grasp the absolute importance of "politics" as they relate to economics is to remain ignorant of just how the world got into its present economic catastrophe. The two are inviolably linked and an understanding and appreciation of that are central to an understanding of how not to repeat the grievous error.

I do not hold the same belief that the US became what it became solely due to conservative Christian principals. I do not profess to be an expert, but I do hold a political science masters degree in american politics (and in history), so I do know something of the topic. The US benefitted from a very complex array of circumstances; abundant resources, untapped land, a democratic and free system (including please note: freedom of speech), slavery... plus in the beginning of the 20th century, they saw their biggest competitors in Europe collapse under the weight of two devastating wars on their own soil (oh and made a lot of money off it in the process).

Whether or not you believe that America's conservative Christian principles were central to its development and mastery of the world's geopolitical and economic domains for almost two hundred years, the fact remains that that singular point distinguished it from all other countries. The existence of the resources, land, etc. did not exist solely in America (look at the entire continent of Africa, for example) and yet America solely propspered like no other country. Why? All of the degrees you state you possess apparently did not provide the answer and the issue begs for one. If not the Christian heritage, I know of no more obvious distinguishing factor and many millions down through the ages would not disagree.

Your dislike of Ron Paul and his son, Rand, are palpable, as well as the "air-headed puppet, Sarah Palin." For his part, Ron Paul remains the basically ONLY honest and knowledgeable Member of Congress and yet you demean and find fault with him and accord even worse to his honest and capable son without so much as a plausible reason why. WHY? Do you prefer Barney Frank? How about Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid? Are they more your cup of tea? I think those facts are most telling. Both Ron and Rand and Sarah Palin are well-meaning patriots who, whatever their relatively minor faults (do YOU know any perfect people?!) would serve the country well and help reverse its present move towards the cliff along with all the lemmings so anxious to follow the "change." Harry Reid, Pelosi, Frank and the other wrong-headed traitors whose insane policies are destroying the country never have and never will.

This whole issue highlights a critical point here on this and other PM boards that not one in a thousand understands or even cares about. We have seen post after post of egotistical, self-serving, shallow and ignorant individuals who say they are on the boards to "make money" and nothing else matters. That is precisely the attitude that is killing the country and, if taken to its ultimate conclusion, will result in abject slavery and/or poverty for many if not ALL - including those self-absorbed posters "here to make money." Why do they think gold and silver and the shares are going up in the first place? Very simply because everything else is going DOWN including the value of the currency and freedom which are inviolably linked. If there is no freedom, no preservation of purchasing power, nothing else will matter and the newly gained riches from the PMs will ultimately amount to nil as freedom is sacrificed and lost. And once lost, it is NEVER re-gained.

That, my friend, is the critical connection that absolutely demands airing and a recognition of its absolutely critical importance. Without freedom, which must be preserved at all costs, material gain will be as dross. Unfortunately, the shallow, materialistic individuals (not all of them) who post on the board know neither enough history or economics to understand the importance and connection between real money and freedom. They have simply been fortunate enough to "latch on" to a good thing solely because it is going up and they care not why or what it means because they are totally self-absorbed and will contribute nothing to the greater good at a critical time in the nation's history when the good, just an true must make their voices heard if the Republic is to survive.

The discussion of same is every bit as germane to the ECU board as the daily ups and down of the stock and anyone who thinks otherwise is destined for a very sad end.

One final but extremely cogent observation: it seems incongruous that the "lefties" on this board, here by their own admission to "make money" and the rest of the related commentary be damned, frequent a precious metals board in the first place given that the erroneous attitudes and beliefs which they espouse have gotten the country into the mess it is presently in which, of course, is the driving force behind the ascent in the prices of silver and gold. And yet they flock here to find a solution to the dilemma they themselves helped to create! A bit of a contradiction, it woud seem.