Won't get an argument out of me on those points... agreed. However McCain would have been a disaster and the current bunch of contenders (with the exception of the totally ignored Mr. Paul) would be even worse. Just imagine Mr.Perry in charge! Lord oh mighty... if you think there is low expectations of the US now, just check out what happens if another rootin' tootin' Texas cowboy gets in charge. All in all politics are irrelevant. Fiat is dead and was dead in 2008. Metals look to be firming... AUM price is as gildage would put it 'like picking money up off the street'. Crazy. Just wish I had more Fiat to Purchase some money! Soul