We are cannibalizing ourselves for dollars which are dropping in value at a record pace.
Inflation adjusted DOW is way way down. Inflation is beating the DOW, so why invest in stock? But they still do because we are near "record highs"! What does that mean? Nothing! The NUMBER for the stock market is in perspective of the inflation rate.
If inflation rises 12%, and stocks go up 9%, do ya make $$$? You and I know the answer, but Joe Sixpack watches ABC/NBC/Fox or whatever and has no clue that it is down 3% adjusted. They see a 9% gain, woo hoo!!!!!! Lets all get on that boat, now, today, immediately!!!!
Most people don't want to be bothered looking under the billboard to see what is under the hood. Either hope, blind political alliance, hope, ignorance, hope, belief in faith, hope..etc.... guid them and they believe what they want to believe.
ie: Hardcore believers of the Bush team think the USD is rock hard solid. You can't convince them that the USD has lost 20% face value this year, they have thier "priests" tell them otherwise.
The USA has a 4.8 trillion dollar deficit for CY 2006, period. Paint that shit how anyone wants, but in my book 4.8 trillion dollars of dillution is a BAD THING, and it makes dollars worth less.
note: 4.8 Trillion is NOT what they want you to hear, so for any "Joe Sixpacks" out there, ignore that big number and go back to believing what you are told by your designated news source! I am simply quoting what comes in versus what goes out (that silly economic balance thing).
If anyone believes the Govt so much, try running your personal expenses the same way and see long it can function. Can't you just tell the power company you have a deficit this year? And every year following...forever....compounding.....accelerating? Will they say "ok, no prob"? or will you be cooking marshmellows over a candle within 30 days?
