Hi Cedar!

Hey, the Ides (sp?) of Sept are approaching, the spring wheat harvest is half in the bin (the other half stewing in wet swath unfortunately). Does that mean a fortune changing NR is around the corner?

I think you were bang on with much of your post tho I question your statement that the average guy is less well off now than 25 yrs ago. I think the average income probably buys a similar if not better home than it did 25 yrs ago, that home is more likely fitted with much better computer (obviously!) hooked to the net, has cable etc. He is paying more for gasoline as a % of his income, though not that much, but not a lot different for food etc. I am betting his interest rate on his mortgage was much higher as was his long distance bill, even before inflation. He likely has more toys like boats etc, though may also have bought them on credit, but at least the interest isn't eating him up. Add to that, if McCain wins the Presidency, his VP will be much better looking than Reagan's! We were closer to MAD with the Soviets (that's "Mutually Assured Destruction" and "Russians" for you teenagers). I'll take 2008 over 1983. Besides, my complexion was terrible then...

If there is a true financial meltdown, I think it will be different than any before, because just like the military, economists are prepared to fight the previous war. Lets hope we don't get to that.