So true, but I am thinking more like $70. Anyway, the FED has LOTS to do with crude and gold being where they are, as the FED is slaughtering the $, and they don't care!
They know damn well they are creating inflation, but refuse to admit it. Most economists don't say what they think when things are shitty cause they work for the Gov or Wall St. They aren't allowed to give gloomy forecasts for the fear that it may slow down consumption, 2/3's of the economy. Only listen to economists that have private blogs/firms. They are singing a completely different tune.
The ironic thing, is that I don't think any amount of rate cuts will help until all the crap is worked out of the financial system so that the banks will lend again, etc. The FED is just prolonging the pain, and creating stagflation in the process. The FED is not supposed to be political, but this has changed in the past few years. Now its no recession at any cost.