What Republicans do

[pbrower2a]

(06-02-2017, 05:56 PM)Odin Wrote:

(06-01-2017, 03:52 AM)Galen Wrote:

(05-31-2017, 06:50 PM)Eric the (insult redacted) Wrote: Neither Party now dominant is really committed to reducing the debt, although our current Party system could change. But I suspect the national debt will be huge for the remainder of the existence of the USA; however long that is. And large growth in the GNP may be unlikely in the future too, due to population declines and resource limits that are likely. If we go progressive again, though, innovation could increase, and better wealth distribution will help overall prosperity.

As usual your knowledge of history is as faulty as your understanding of economics.  One of the biggest signs that your empire is going down is ever increasing debt and monetary debasement.  The US has been doing this since at least 1971 but some would argue since 1913.   Another good sign that your empire is going down is a never ending string of wars. 

Now for the dollar.



You will no doubt entirely miss the point as usual.

That you think precious metals are still somehow relevant to the monetary system you are both showing your ignorance AND that one-track mind of yours.

Gold is simply scarce and desirable. It was once easy to extract, but now it is extractable only with dangerous substances including mercury and cyanide. Gold mining is an ecological disaster, and it is best that people put their efforts into doing something more likely to be of obvious use than extracting gold from low-grade sources.

Yes, gold would be used for many banal objects if it were commonplace due to its excellent conductivity of heat and electricity, its low toxicity, and its extreme resistance to corrosion and other chemical attacks.

For a real contrast in the direction of the price of the metal, just look at aluminum. As late as 1859 honored guests of Emperor Napoleon III of France got to dine with aluminum utensils  while less honored guests would have to settle for gold utensils. Today it is one of the cheapest of metals despite its utility.