I've known Andy many years and respect him. And, his frustration at the performance of precious metal mining stocks since 2008 is understandable...we have all been through hell.

Although I disagree with his decision and advice to "sell all mining stocks" and limit purchases to strictly the metal, I understand where he is coming from. That is his personal and professional decision.

What mining stock shareholders must realize is that Andy now works for a precious metal dealer---a business which in many ways competes for the same dollars as mining stocks.

So, he is going to continue to discourage share ownership in his new role and his argument will never be 100% objective. Case in point---he focuses on the sell-off of PAAS in their recent acqusition of MFN, but never credits MFN shareholders for the 25% overnight gain. Besides, the selloff of the acquirer is more the rule than the exception in a takeover in any sector. PAAS is very likely to recover with any sustainable gain in gold/silver.

I happen to agree with Sinclair, Embry, and others who believe that the hedge fund shorts will eventually be overwhelmed. I would no more go out and sell all my mining stocks because Ranting Andy recommended it than sell short ECU/AUMN because incognito paid-promoter Otto Rock suggested it.

For those that did follow Ranting Andy's suggestion at the end of 2011, you've missed a 60% gain in 3 weeks with AUMN which dwarfs the short term rally on gold/silver.

The last thing I would like to add on AUMN is the recent decision by Bob Blakestad to retire. At 66, I'm sure this is a natural and personal decision. Perhaps he grew tired of the endless travel requirements to Argentina and Mexico. My assumption is that the company will replace him with another highly-respected exploration/geologist who will greatly assist the company with drilling analysis of the properties they maintain and the valuation assessment of those they plan to dispose of.

Silverbull50