H,

Most here go from pay check to pay check. These are the people I know. Many remember the time before the "crisis" in 2000-2001 when there was a better life, with lots of money to spend., the good ol' days.

They wish for those times again. Energy is subsidized here. I dread the day when, like in Malaysia in April, the price of gas goes up 50% in one day when the govt no longer supports it.

I'm not in touch with the elite or rich here. My friends earn next to nothing and have little concern for the big picture, neither part 1, 3 or part 3.

I'm going to pour another cup of Malbec now.

Cheers,

B