Someone once said "the greatest avalanches begin with the movement of a single snowflake". Having been in the U.S. of A. for the past few years I have to marvel at the change in my opinions of a lot of things, not the least of which is the magnitude of the clouds forming. Having been "sheltered" in Canada by it's economy and standard of living for all these years (a lot of them, believe me) and having been blessed with the abundance we actually underappreciate, it took being down here to truly understand.

The avalanche in 2008 being the economic collapse began with a few defaults, overlending, missed payments, the odd foreclosure, a few hedge funds amiss here and there and the odd layoff. Where we are now is mind-numbing and what prompted this narrative was looking towards the upcoming November elections here in the U.S. True, President Obama is likely to be re-elected, it's after the election when things really start to collapse (in my very humble opinion) Consider:

1. The U.S. is Trillions of dollars in debt and it's growing daily.

2. The ability of the U.S. to control this debt has, for all intents and purposes, been lost.

3. The U.S. continues to print money at breakneck speed and it is so pre-occupied with artificially propping up the economy in the eyes of itself and the world that it's "torpedoes be dammed" mentality is unbelievable.

4. People do not have jobs, 1/4 of the homes in a lot of markets are in or close to foreclosure, businesses can not borrow, banks are hoarding the bailout money they got, and while the stockmarket has returned a lot of what was lost in the collapse, it is artificial people, please believe me.

The hens will come home to roost...........it always has been and always will be. Without being very smart and simply offering these thoughts respectfully to friends of UC on Agoracom, if even part of the above is true then there will be consequences. Like:

1. 10% (plus) interest rates within two years. (Has to happen because of point 2)

2. Inflation at or above 15% within 2 years. (Has to happen because of the devaluation of the US currency)

3. Collapse of the stock market (say NYSE) to sub 5000.

4. Soaring commodity prices.

5. GOLD north of $3000 per ounce within two years.

6. Silver north of $100 within 2 years.

7. Another 30-50% drop in real estate values. (Interest rates too high to borrow and the resulting further increase of foreclosures.

8. Masses fleeing to safe harbours. (Can $, Gold, Silver, Etc.)

Now I know this seems rediculous and apocalyptic or grandios but I was 20 years old when interest rates were last at 18+ percent. Anyone seriously think it won't happen again when we are in a far dire situation in 2012 that we were in 1982?

You should hear the talk on the streets in the U.S. Actually, you should sit in a bar and listen if you think things are all going to be ok. As for me, I'm coming back to Canada soon and as for me...........Cash is King (Can$), Gold is Queen and Stocks (Bluechips) are for lighting fireplaces.

Come to think of it, where's my check book? Time to buy more UC.

Respectfully and with best regards,