Once infrastructure is well developed, living standards do not drop by much.
Look at UK or even poor European countries like Portugal. Portuguese are still living off the infrastructure they built in the 1600's when they were dominant sea traders.
People who write of Americans ( I'm not referring to the subsidized farm states and the hill billy south) are being too pessimistic.
Look at UK or even poor European countries like Portugal. Portuguese are still living off the infrastructure they built in the 1600's when they were dominant sea traders.
People who write of Americans ( I'm not referring to the subsidized farm states and the hill billy south) are being too pessimistic.
Quote from m22au:
I understand your cynicism Ivanovich.
A more plausible scenario (one that I subscribe to) is that there is a gradual wealth transfer from the US to Asian countries.
There doesn't need to be a US collapse (although it could happen), however US living standards may still drop relative to Asian living standards, if for example, in the coming 10 years the US Dollar drops by 50% against all other currencies. This gradual US Dollar depreciation could happen without the quick and nasty "collapse" that some people look for.
For example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-ZZFmKFk1s
A 5% depreciation in 14 years would result in the US Dollar falling by 50% from current levels, and would result in an improved US Balance Sheet.
People dont buy gold/silver just because of 1 article. They gotta see it all over.