Lanny you and I are more than just internet friends, so I know that I can disagree with you on some of the points you made and I will not get taken to task to badly. I believe we are going to have a meltdown worse than in 1929 BUT having said that, many people made good money and many survived during those times. I do believe that the commodities sector in general and the metals market in particular will prevail. I believe that many people will not simply lay down and die but will think of very clever ways of earning a living. Actually I think that hard times caused many to get stronger [internal fiber] and more determined.

During the depression my Dad made exact replicas [models] of the sailing vessels of old and the rich guys of that day [apparantly there were still wealthy people around] raced them arcoss lakes. The models were so detailed and perfect that dad got up to $400 for the larger ones. It took many weeks to build them but build them he did. When work came in he also worked 36 hours straight. You are a businessman and IF, [yes Lanny IF] things get as bad as I believe they will, you are certainly not going to lay down and die.

Interesting fact regarding the depression. The three biggest consumer products that were sold during that time of intense poverty and soup lines were: Alcohol, cigarettes and perfume and make up products. Someone I know is going to do real well if that happens.

Best wishes,

Jerry Francis