"the oil market is not as easily manipulated as the gold and silver exchanges, so oil might trade at $85/bbl if we had a sound dollar."

hummm....I agree that we would be seeing $85 if we had a strong dollar.

OPEC cutting production, Storms in the Gulf of Mexico, a weak dollar, and Terrorist are the main drivers of the oil I would say. I'm sure there are half a dozen more... But off the top of my head... But I would agree that is a good hedge against a falling dollar.

Oil is Just as easily manipulated as the price of silver and gold if anyone wants my opinion.

OPEC is no different then the Pilgrims Society or the Shorts or the dumping of silver and gold by our governments.

But one day they will run out. Maybe they will say they will take our Gold from us for 10% above spot and then make it illegal to own it as it is a strategic metal. Who Knows.

Once upon a time Gold followed Oil that link is lagging now as Gold and Silver are trading inversely to the purchasing power of the dollar once again.

If we see a dollar rally as I think we will see in the next couple months and with the US in a recession we just may see oil down to 80-90 relatively stronger dollars. But who knows...

But in the long run I'm saying screw the buck and buy Silver and Gold.

And none of that Paper silver cr@p.

IMHO