Our financial system is crumbling this week.

[lukethedrifter]

I'm not suggesting a new Stone Age but I think we have real issues ahead and the idea of riots and overthrows and such aren't that farfetched given the amplifying effect that a depression could have on the income disparity in this country.

[Popeye_Card]

I'm not suggesting a new Stone Age but I think we have real issues ahead and the idea of riots and overthrows and such aren't that farfetched given the amplifying effect that a depression could have on the income disparity in this country.

So I should get that Ruckus, and modify it to run off the blood of my vanquished enemies.

[TimeForGuinness]

I'm not suggesting a new Stone Age but I think we have real issues ahead and the idea of riots and overthrows and such aren't that farfetched given the amplifying effect that a depression could have on the income disparity in this country.

It's ok...these civil war things gotta happen every 150 years or so...helps get rid of the bad blood.

[lukethedrifter]

To be honest, my sour and cynical half sees something not so different from what he describes as not that unrealistic.

I think there are some very fundamental things wrong with our society/economy. Mostly that our economy thrives on the majority making poor decisions and abandoning common sense and cultural knowledge. We buy and borrow [expletive] we can't afford, we eat things that make us sick, we have abandoned and outsourced the ability to make things for the most part, we treat the land and water as if it's not our permanent home and we do all these things in order to, or is it as a result of, make our economy function as it needs to.

signed, Eeyore

I agree with that, but I don't think it will reach a point where we are considered an "undeveloped nation". I mean, we already have computers and such--we're not going to throw them away. I do think we could be facing a real depression, and possibly loss of status as a superpower.

computers don't mean much without power...unless you throw them.

We're going to lose electricity too? Are we looking at some kind of Mad Max free for all here?

If so, I'm getting a Honda Ruckus before it's too late.

You better armor plate that bad boy.

[Freed Roger]

To be honest, my sour and cynical half sees something not so different from what he describes as not that unrealistic.

I think there are some very fundamental things wrong with our society/economy. Mostly that our economy thrives on the majority making poor decisions and abandoning common sense and cultural knowledge. We buy and borrow [expletive] we can't afford, we eat things that make us sick, we have abandoned and outsourced the ability to make things for the most part, we treat the land and water as if it's not our permanent home and we do all these things in order to, or is it as a result of, make our economy function as it needs to.

signed, Eeyore

I agree with that, but I don't think it will reach a point where we are considered an "undeveloped nation". I mean, we already have computers and such--we're not going to throw them away. I do think we could be facing a real depression, and possibly loss of status as a superpower.

I also agree. In a way the nation needs to right-size. Nations rise and fall as economic powers. its happened throughout history. Before the US, England was a booming country for a long time. The US superceded it tapping into vast natural and people resources thanks to an enabling political market system. We were in growth mode.

Now we need to become a Cash Cow. Have an economy that doesn't depend on mindless consumption, endless borrowing and the need for infinite growth. That beast is not sustainable.

If we can avoid the riots and transition to a sustainable economy, and a partner in the world geopolitically - this will be a good thing.

nevertheless - I have plenty of camping gear and my wife's grandpa has a farm with 1000 head of cattle. so I can go the mad max route if need be.

[Arthur Dent]

Loss of sole superpower status doesn't seem all that unlikely, but the rest of this seems rather far fetched. The economy has made many significant structural adjustments in the past without collapsing.

[Hungary Jack]

My best friend's brother is one of these crazed conspiracy theorists who has noted that the government has been buying lots of butter lately (too busy making guns?). He has stocked his basement with a year's supply of canned goods and is now purchasing a handgun.

[sighyoung]

My best friend's brother is one of these crazed conspiracy theorists who has noted that the government has been buying lots of butter lately (too busy making guns?). He has stocked his basement with a year's supply of canned goods and is now purchasing a handgun.

This is conclusive proof that Marlon Brando is alive, aroused, and coming to your neighborhood.

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

If you think about it, the tech bubble popping took the market down to 8,000. Now we have the mortgages/loans backed securites popping. In this case, people have actually lost real money. Not to say losing it in the tech bubble was painless, but this is much more painful. I see the market dipping below 8K for a while (it already has I believe) and then having a lull for a year or two which will provide investors with great, great opportunities. Believe, that doomsday mumbo-jumbo if you want. But, it's just that.

How is America going to run out of food? Don't we produce enough in the heartland to feed ourselves? I could be wrong, but I didn't think we were importing many daily necessities.

[TimeForGuinness]

How is America going to run out of food? Don't we produce enough in the heartland to feed ourselves? I could be wrong, but I didn't think we were importing many daily necessities.

You can't get fruit and vegetables year round without importing them.