vhf is absolutely correct in sizing up the enemy. It's war out there and you should NEVER underestimate, under any conditions, your opponent. These guys, the invisible orchestrating hand, that R. Buckminster Fuller describes in his book "Grunch of Giants" are mean SOB's. Fuller created the word Grunch, it stands for "Gross Universe Cash Heist." Grunch of Giants was originally published in 1983 by St. Martin's Press, new edition 2008.

From the book:

Who runs Grunch? Nobody knows. It controls all the world's banks. Even the muted Swiss banks. It does what its lawyers tell it to. It maintains technical legality, and is prepared to prove it. Its law firm is named Machiavelli, Machiavelli, Atoms and Oil. Some think the second Mach is a cover for the Mafia. Grunch didn't invent Universe. It didn't invent anything. It monopolizes know-where and know-how but is devoid of know-why. It is preoccupied with absolute selfishness and its guaranteed gratifications. It is as blind as the Swiss banks are mute.