To start 'on topic', I'm rather pleased to see how strong ECU seems at the moment, even if my trading pattern is nearly always badly timed (I could never, ever be a day trader). I bought my largest holding ever on the way up at 1.28, but in the long term I'm really not concerned. One thing I've learned on this board (and believe) is that trying to time markets is a fools game... So on that side, when trying to get in I'm usually the fool :). For the record, I really have only sold ECU once, at 3.20 or so and bought back in at 3.00. My wife often looks at the holding I have now and rolls her eyes. The past few weeks she more interested now that I bought in big chunks in the .55 range. Plus I now have a lot of silver... all of which is looking increasingly good.

On the 'other topic' as with every other time I've chosen to speak my mind, I am reminded that the overall make-up of this board is rather right of center and my personal rating gets hacked. I knew that was coming when I wrote last night, but I've ceased to care really... I made 'president' for a few months now, but realized (like most real prez do) that it doesn't really mean much (not even a suit and tie!.. Ha ha). Anyhow, the hub leaders here have way more knowledge on the topic than I do, so I'm more than happy to just provide an alternate view now and again and perhaps provide some prospective from my time in Hedge. I left the world of finance in the past few years as I could no longer stand the arrogance, the selfish attitudes, the total disconnect from the world around us, and in many cases the pure evil I walked amongst day to day.

I will be the first to admit that I am sensitive in nature (maybe even 'bleeding heart'!)... But I usually don't resort to personal attacks, questioning others motives or trashing others ideologies. What set me off yesterday was this continued delving into politics, not to actually discuss it, but to basically trash anyone who disagrees with certain peoples opinions. I for one learned a lot from pic on investment strategy and think his 'nads' must be made of steel :)... However, I can't see how pic stated that some other posters are hypocritical liberals and didn't expect that to reverberate and bristle some other posters? Perhaps you didn't mean me and you've often said that you won't listen to calls for 'toning it down'... so I guess I'll just continue to read your posts and mine it for informative tidbits which I can learn from and ignore anything that feels like a slight.

I'm not a liberal, not a democrat (heck I don't even live in NA), but know that some of my views on 'looking after others' is too kumbaya for some on the board to think I may be rather neutral. To be pessimistic, I agree wholly with Gildage... We can rant all day and vote Dem, Rep, Tea, Looney Party... Won't make a spec of difference as long as the world still expects 'growth' as a sign of good times. We've seen time and time again recently that growth often means misery and environmental disaster for some and and increasingly huge wealth for others. I'm in the 'top 1%' wealth wise I'm sure, but I haven't lost my desire to see a bit more looking after each other and our planet... Call me what you will. All in all, I think the planet is in big, big trouble and capitalism as a whole is a big, big part of that problem. What's the solution to that... no idea. We're too darned greedy and nasty as a race to embrace any kind of communism and too greedy and nasty to embrace anarchy... we're basically in trouble because we're humans.

On the other hand, I have kids and a much poorer family out there and they all aren't as, or perhaps won't be as lucky as I have been. Who knows what situation my grandkids will be in... Forgive me for caring about their well being and trying to rise above human nature.

Anyhow, my hand is extended as always to anyone I've offended or been testy with. Probably an over-reaction, but I'd just like arrogant dismissals to stop. How can anyone be so sure of their own opinions? Personally a number of my opinions have actually changed when reading informative, well written and thought out posts on this board... And to be honest a lot of those posts had little or nothing to do with ECU. That said, with no fan fare, I've decided to leave the posting to more informed individuals for a while as I have little to add to the ECU conversation for now and don't think my other points are well received or really helpful or necessary really.

I would however like to thank the thoughtful posters on this site, especially many of the hub leaders who provide clearer explanations of our beloved company that the company often does itself. ECU (preaching to the choir now) is an amazing opportunity, I see it as a once in a lifetime chance to be a part of something big. We all know the story, but I do find it remarkable how the company has accurately judged investor sentiment and made (almost) all the right moves (granting shares to insiders at inexplicable times a noticeable exception). I hope for a drilling program, plans for a 'big ass' mine and massive findings in the future. for the record, I'll keep reading as usual no matter your political slant as one never knows where wisdom may be found.... A bit like looking for metals really. I may also jump into your personal mailboxes now and again for some more direct wisdom, my own little 'drilling program', thanks in advance for any time you spend enlightening me.

No drama- peace be upon each and everyone. Lets meet face-to-face sometime with real names and have some beers.

Soul