Screw the Economy!

[bobmcalister]

funny ....I was talking todaya to several guys who discussed the situation the same as you guys ...

what I am thinking is that we should ALL concentrate on developing some method(s) to get in the way of some of that 700 billion dollars ...

now that is a great assignment for you guys .....ponder me that .

where does the money go ? who gets the check ? and I am sure that I am not the first to suggest that EACh Amerikan get a check for his/her share of that PLUS our share of the Iragi boondoogle....

4371 dead in Irag ....how many died in the towers ? at a cost of over a trillion dollars ...those numbers amuse me ....no ONE knows how much a trillion dollars really is ...I can divide the same as Bush , but cannot really see the implications until you start dividing those billion by , say , the 200 million it would take to build a state of the art medical training university ...
or
say 1000 free medical/dental clinics across the US and fund em ...for 10 million EACH

and the youngsters get to pay for all this ...in deflated dollars ..in a defeated homeland ....

in the meantime, we need to develop a method to get as much of that 700 billion as possible

any ideas ?

[radioray]

Stand back..

1. Find a large group of people who are really excited about some particular subject in a near-fanatic way (you know like golf, football, Ferraris, losing weight, collecting "classic" computers, Star Trek, hair weaves, etc.)

2. Make sure they're already spending money on this subject... ideally on info-products of some kind.

3. Make sure there's PLENTY of competition already (in other words, other info products that you will compete against).

4. BUY them all.

5. Take their BEST ideas... re-work them and weave them together with YOUR best ideas (which are new, and fresh, and which fill in the "gaps" in the other products).

6. Create your own product now, that is BETTER than all the others.

7. Use the marketing knowledge you already have to SELL that product.

You will be SPENDING MONEY on other people's products.

You will be LEARNING and IMPROVING your life.

You will MAKE MONEY selling your own product.

Your customers will SPEND money and their LIVES WILL IMPROVE.

Repeat at will.

That's how you get to let some of that money that is out there, circulating. That's the ONLY way for us to "grow" the economy... by keeping the money (eg, the EXCHANGE OF VALUE) circulating. When we shut down and stop the flow.... bad things can happen.

This is what I have been getting at all along.

Now... go do SOMETHING!

:-)

[Income_Legend]

A wonderful thread with great, thought-provoking, and inspiring posts. In fact to see so much enthusiasm, positiveness and spirit in a time, which is considered to be bad, is really heartening.

Thanks for the thread, it has raised hopes of many. Three Cheers to the people who think they can, the real winners!

[Lance K]

Originally Posted by radioray

When I said "Screw the Economy" it was NOT (as has been suggested here) "ignorant". In fact, I chose the title -- and specifically the term "economy" -- because most people ARE using that term in ignorance. They talk about it as if it (the "economy") is a THING they can pin down and point to.

The "economy" is not some static THING that we can analyze. It is a term that refers to a system of knowledge based on observing the ACTIVITIES of... certain people.

Ray, I get the point you're trying to make. But do you really think the best way to make that point is to say screw the system of production, distribution, and consumption that our country depends on?

My point in implying ignorance was that no matter how driven and prosperous individual entrepreneurs are, if the system is crippled or fails it will effect everyone. If the haves vs. have nots gap becomes big enough and times get hard enough, a well oiled profit machine won't be worth much in a time of revolution? Not saying that that will happen. But turning your back completely on the possibility seems less than prudent to me.

Originally Posted by radioray

Why did banks collapse? Because they loaned money to people with bad credit records, no jobs, and low incomes. In other words, they made bad business decisions.

I couldn't agree more.

Originally Posted by radioray

It was to say simply that WE as ENTREPRENEURS can defy the odds, and make a positive economic change in the present economic reality.

I get that and I agree. But like it or not, the collective economy is bigger and more powerful than any of us as individuals. And I agree that given any situation short of catastrophic failure, the go-getters are going to get everything they can out of any given situation.

I guess the "present economic reality" may be where the confusion was. My point was to simply keep your finger on the pulse of the "present economic reality" as it changes.

Basically, I'm agreeing with you by saying don't obsess about the economy, but do observe.

[ninja newbie]

Originally Posted by Jeremy123

That's fine and dandy for now, but the US dollar is going to
be worth nothing eventually, protect yourself and buy other currencies,
or try and do business in another currency.

This crisis is simple: the US has borrowed too much money
from other countries and spent it, and now they can't pay it back.

The FED keeps printing more and more money to give the illusion
that they are helping, but all they are doing is devaluing the dollar.

America is broke, America is all based on debt.

Hyperinflation.

Interviews with Peter Schiff about the economy.

Euro Pacific Capital | Video Archives

You know what? It's been a long time comin'. Hey that was an awesome video by the way.

[JWB]

Understood that the economy may be perceived bad by the majority of people.....but does this perceived bad state of the economy Help or Hurt internet marketing ??

[seasoned]

Originally Posted by radioray

I enjoy a good spirited debate as much as anyone.

But my original point was (and still is) that ENTREPRENEURS are the ONLY people who will make a positive change in the "economy".

It depends on how you define the word!

Originally Posted by radioray

When I said "Screw the Economy" it was NOT (as has been suggested here) "ignorant". In fact, I chose the title -- and specifically the term "economy" -- because most people ARE using that term in ignorance. They talk about it as if it (the "economy") is a THING they can pin down and point to.

The "economy" is not some static THING that we can analyze. It is a term that refers to a system of knowledge based on observing the ACTIVITIES of... certain people.

Well, I don't like the idea of speaking in such a tone, and just about called it STUPID.

Originally Posted by radioray

Ever notice how most "economists" are broke? Why is that? In my experience, it's because they spend their time in an academic pursuit instead of in a wealth-creating pursuit.

Most "economists" are merely idiots spouting rehashed dreck. In any event, the job description doesn't call for providing anything of value, or even selling anything other than themselves and their ideas(which as I said are usually not really their own anyway).

Originally Posted by radioray

Politicians (and economists) do not provide jobs, reduce inflation, or "help" the economy.

Politicians COULD if they cut back on taxes and needless spending, and enforced various laws and charged duties. Economists COULD if they encouraged that as some can. Unfortunately, they are usually out for THEMSELVES!

Originally Posted by radioray

They do however, ARTIFICIALLY create FAKE jobs that the marketplace will not support (this these jobs must be funded by... you guessed it... MORE taxes!), temporarily manipulate inflation, and re-distribute money to further their own self interest.

YEP, in other words the HURT the economy by doing the opposite of what I often say will help it. They charge more taxes to pay for a needless program.

Originally Posted by radioray

I'm not against self-interest. The problem with the aforementioned groups is that they engage in a very specific practice in order to accomplish their aims: theft.

I wish more would act on the statement you just made!

Originally Posted by radioray

They steal from those who produce wealth, jobs, incomes, profits, etc. so they can give to those who do none of those things.

YEP, and they call THAT progress! RIDICULOUS!

Originally Posted by radioray

After all, who pays all those new taxes. Well, we all know..it's the "rich", of course.

I'm not that rich and yet I am paying enough in taxes to hire one or two americans at a good salary!

Originally Posted by radioray

You know, those "greedy bastards" who are just out to make a buck. Of course... those are the same "greedy bastards" who provide the jobs, goods and services everyone else counts on to keep their lives pleasant and comfortable.

What about the congressmen that work half of the year, or LESS, and yet START with $99k/year(almost 3 times the national average), SPECIAL pension, SPECIAL perks, SPECIAL programs, etc....?

Originally Posted by radioray

Why did banks collapse? Because they loaned money to people with bad credit records, no jobs, and low incomes. In other words, they made bad business decisions.

EXACTLY! And some aren't even legal residents!

[-RMH-]

Well, the DOW just ended its worst week ever in its 112-year history.

This inconvenient fact won't stop some from continuing to believe that "everything is fine" and "everything will recover shortly."

Moments ago, I read a comment from a guy predicting DOW 13,000 by Christmas. He must be delusional.

Today, Phil Izzo at the Wall Street Journal writes, "The U.S. economy has sunk into a recession and government action is critical to stem the damage, according to economists in the latest Wall Street Journal forecasting survey."

Economists Expect Crisis to Deepen - WSJ.com

Do I think all this is cause to become paralyzed by fear and do nothing?

No. Not at all.

Certainly, press forward with business plans, etc. And have a good contingency plan in place, too.

But to say the economy isn't hurting is plain stupid. Too many people have been blinded by so-called "abundance thinking."

Bowing to the golden calf ain't gonna save you from financial difficulties -- or anything else for that matter.

Ryan Healy

P.S. On a side note, not all economists are poor. Bill Bonner makes a princely sum as the founder of Agora Financial. You can read his views on the economy at:

The Daily Reckoning

[mrmcd]

No matter if the economy is going up/down or "Nose-Dive Crashing", it's never bad news for us online marketors. Infact, sorry to say, it's good. Well, I am not happy for everyone that is getting tight on cash, but from the perspective of making money online, it just makes it so much easier! Just have a think about it.

There are loads of ways to cash-in on the economy crash.

Firstly, you can put packages together that help people escape the rat race, "No longer having rely on a job or the GOVERNMENT", you can come with a very powerful and emotionally compelling offer, when you come with those sort of thoughts. People are scared, you can help them

[Sully Chaudry]

It's all mental; this recession is actually an opportunity for those with the right perspective. Certainly some sectors have slowed down to an almost grinding halt but that doesn't mean it's the end of the world as some people claim.

[seasoned]

Originally Posted by -RMH-

Well, the DOW just ended its worst week ever in its 112-year history.

This inconvenient fact won't stop some from continuing to believe that "everything is fine" and "everything will recover shortly."

Moments ago, I read a comment from a guy predicting DOW 13,000 by Christmas. He must be delusional.

Today, Phil Izzo at the Wall Street Journal writes, "The U.S. economy has sunk into a recession and government action is critical to stem the damage, according to economists in the latest Wall Street Journal forecasting survey."

Economists Expect Crisis to Deepen - WSJ.com

Do I think all this is cause to become paralyzed by fear and do nothing?

No. Not at all.

Certainly, press forward with business plans, etc. And have a good contingency plan in place, too.

But to say the economy isn't hurting is plain stupid. Too many people have been blinded by so-called "abundance thinking."

Bowing to the golden calf ain't gonna save you from financial difficulties -- or anything else for that matter.

Ryan Healy

P.S. On a side note, not all economists are poor. Bill Bonner makes a princely sum as the founder of Agora Financial. You can read his views on the economy at:

The Daily Reckoning

Actually, the dow just had a GREAT rally! Some MORON told a half truth, and set it back but, if not for that it might have been UP 100!!!!!! In fact, when that MORON spoke like the market was DOWN by such an incredible amount, before they could even SIT DOWN, the market RECOVERED, and was UP for the day! INCREDIBLE! After their stupid IDIOCY, the market AGAIN went down a LOT, and AGAIN bounced back! It ended up DOWN for the day but with some technical BUY signals! Will it be at $13,000? Probably not, but WHO KNOWS!?!?!? Some fundamentals are BETTER now!

Steve

[-RMH-]

Originally Posted by seasoned

Actually, the dow just had a GREAT rally! Some MORON told a half truth, and set it back but, if not for that it might have been UP 100!!!!!! In fact, when that MORON spoke like the market was DOWN by such an incredible amount, before they could even SIT DOWN, the market RECOVERED, and was UP for the day! INCREDIBLE! After their stupid IDIOCY, the market AGAIN went down a LOT, and AGAIN bounced back! It ended up DOWN for the day but with some technical BUY signals! Will it be at $13,000? Probably not, but WHO KNOWS!?!?!? Some fundamentals are BETTER now!

Steve

I assume "MORON" = George Bush?

And who are you referring to when you say "their stupid IDIOCY"?

I found your comment somewhat confusing...

Ryan Healy

[Mark M. Bravura]

Originally Posted by -RMH-

Let's not kid ourselves. Even if we are the engine of society, that won't help us if there is a complete economic collapse in the U.S.

At that point, gardening would be a more practical skill than marketing or copywriting.

So all those eBooks I've got on gardening might come in handy after all!

[balsimon]

By nature and through learning, people are problem solvers and opportunity grabbers. Those of us not taught to hate competition and winning are the hope for the future.

I have no idea how big a problem "this economy" really is. But I think there is much reason for optimism.

The main problem with "this economy" is that the people that most of us thought we could rely on turned out to be either asleep or incompetent (or worse). One of the reasons that confidence is so shaken right now is that we see our leaders flailing around and nothing changing for the better.

But they too are problem solvers. One can only hope that we like their solutions.

In the meantime - in the meantime - the time is now to learn and hustle.

Regards,
Bal

[Jeremy123]

From what I've been hearing on cnn and cnbc it seems many governments
are working together to fix this, Paulson now seems to be following the UK's plan.

Maybe this is just extreme greed, as always getting out of hand
every so often and not a neo-con Nazi conspiracy.

They need to sort out the cds market and guarantee inter-bank lending, libor.

Or...

conspiratorially, they are slowly consolidating the financial system and allowing
the gov. to buy into and own sections of the financial industry via using bailout money.

[The MLM Expediter]

What is the difference between a Recession and a Depression?

Recession: When your neighbour loses his job
Depression: When you lose your job

This is exactly what 'they' refer to when they say 'The Internet Is The Great Equalizer'. We no longer need to rely on an employer or the government to satisfy our needs. The internet provides us the ability to create our own destiny. What we learn can be taught to those around us and this allows us to improve our micro-community.

Perhaps this downturn in the 'traditional' economy will help people see the light. The early settlers did not come to America because the Indians were hiring. They came because they were offered a piece of land and the opportunity to make something of it. It was called Home-Steading.

The Internet has given birth to Net-Steading. For the cost of an Internet Connection and a Domain Name anyone can create thier own economy.

It is my feeling that we have just begun to see a resurgence of the Entrepreneurial Spirit that made North America great... And the world will be a better place because of it.

[jcmentor]

Here's a paraphrasing of a famous quote from the carmaker, Henry Ford...

If you think the bad economy will keep you from succeeding, you're probably right.

If you think it won't, you're probably right.

All the best,

Jack

[Cash Blasters Online]

You wrote your post in July now look what's happened.
When the world struggles with money I realize 1 thing.......it's time to pull out my guitar and play some concerts and STOP STRESSING, got to keep on living. I'm not going to sit down and wait this thing out for the next 4 years.

[-RMH-]

Originally Posted by The MLM Expediter

This is exactly what 'they' refer to when they say 'The Internet Is The Great Equalizer'. We no longer need to rely on an employer or the government to satisfy our needs. The internet provides us the ability to create our own destiny. What we learn can be taught to those around us and this allows us to improve our micro-community.

When I had a job, I read the book The Sovereign Individual by James Dale Davidson and Lord William Rees-Mogg.

It is a phenomenal book. It helped me to understand how the Internet is changing society, and helped me to adapt. I highly recommend it.

Amazon.com: The Sovereign Individual: Mastering...

On a positive note, imagine the most difficult business you could possibly be in at the moment. The one segment of the economy that is hurting the most.

I'm currently in that market... and with a single direct mail letter plus a single broadcast email, we've produced nearly 50 inquiries with combined MONTHLY volume of more than $40 Million.

If even half of these inquiries become clients, it will produce $240 Million of ANNUAL volume for my client.

And that's the WORST business I can possibly imagine being in at this moment.

So while you should be aware of what's happening, you should also have your "opportunity sensors" set to high sensitivity.

Even in the midst of hardship, opportunity abounds.

Ryan Healy

[TimPhelan]

Yeh, I can't believe it either.

I do think a recession is relevant to anyone, no matter what their financial standing is though.

Originally Posted by Jeremy123

can't believe the squabbling over a definition

recession is relative according to each persons financial standing,
whether bull or bear market

[olbiz4cash]

I have to agree with those who are posting that WE are what keeps this economy going. So go out and make your own future. Don't wait for the government to solve our problems...

------------------------------------------------------------

Tim Colletti
Fellow Entrepreneur

Copy My Wealth - Abundant Living Systems
eProspectFinder
http://www.riches4anyone.com
OnlineBiz4Cash - Start your own business | internet marketing solution | online website business | homebased business

[-RMH-]

Just came across this article:

Why the jobs report is so ominous - Nov. 7, 2008

The author, Anthony Karydakis, "is a former Chief U.S. Economist for JP Morgan Asset Management."

He writes:

"Any doubt that we're officially in a recession can be put aside. Fourth-quarter real GDP is likely to contract sharply. The rapid deterioration of labor markets points to a sharp decline in hours worked and output in the fourth quarter. This is likely to lead to a decline in personal consumption to the tune of 5% or so for that period. Since that makes up about 70% of the economy, the stage has already been set for real GDP to shrink at a more than 4% rate in the fourth quarter."

At this point, I think it's hard to argue that the recession is a figment of our collective imaginations.

For the next 6 months, it will be critical to remain vigilant in marketing and promoting your business -- and keeping costs under control. A dollar saved goes straight to your bottom line.

Ryan Healy

[AverageGuy]

I was in Southern China twice for about 5 weeks in the passing several months. The entire city is for manufacturing. Most products are exported to US or EU. About 4000 toys makers, there will have about 1700 go bankruptcy in this period of down time. Why? It is because US/EU consumers do not buy as many as before. Why? because US/EU economy is not good, US/EU consumers do not have enough $ as before to spend for their children. As a young father myself, this will be the last I will do. It means I have no choice. So, my conclusion is: the economy in US is really bad now.

I wish I'm wrong.


david

[Reeveso]

Here's my take on the situation...

There is ABSOLUTELY no point in arguing over it.

Personally, my plan is to do everything I can possible do to prosper in these economic times, given whatever resources I can use to make more money.

Do I think the US is gonna go completely bust? Probably not.

However, say the worst case scenario happens and our beloved US turns into a steaming pile of crap.

Then, I'll accept it as it is, do what I can to survive and prosper, and keep living my life to the fullest like I am right now.

If there's something we can change - change it.

If it's out of our hands - accept the fate and make peace with it.

Everybody else can have fun arguing, I'm gonna go keep editing the copy I'm working on so I can make myself more rich, then meditate (which I highly suggest learning how to do if you don't already - it helps in times like these), brainstorming up ways to increase my business..then go to bed

[Darrell Hagan]

I have a friend who, several years ago, was watching the stock market dive kinda like now. One of the plummeting stocks was Kmart. He quickly borrowed some money and bought 10,000 shares. Sears rescued Kmart, stocks went back up, and my buddy pocketed a quick $15k.....

[adamv]

I think all of the doomsdayers are absolutely right. The economy sucks and the U.S. dollar is worthless. So, anyone who wants to get rid of all of their useless U.S. greenbacks can send them to me. I'll be happy to take them off of your hands and dispose of them properly.

[Lifedreamer]

I feel the same way. The economy should not stop any of us going forward in our dreams and desires to be successful in multiple streams of income such as real estate, stocks and internet marketing. Onward and forward to our success. This is the time for us all to push forward people are going to need us. Let us all get going and keep our positive mindsets.

[traces2757]

Doomsdayers seem to get off on times like these. Seriously. They almost seem excited to suddenly have a springboard for their pessimistic predictions. Their ultimate high would be to be able to say "I told you so!" To them this would be pure bliss.

Fortunately, a lot of us know that spending time worrying, complaining and resigning ourselves to a grim fate doesn't get us anywhere but exactly where we predict we'll be. One of my favorite sayings is "Whether you say you can or you say you can't, either way, you are right."

It really is all in the attitude.

[Magic Mel]

Originally Posted by Angela V. Edwards

I keep telling everybody that all they have to do is give ME the $700 Billion dollars and I'd be glad to spend it and revive the economy.

Call me up when you get the 700 billion, dinner on you though..

[myob]

This is a great time for Internet Marketers. There are more people than ever wanting to have their own home-base business. Reach out to them in local newspaper ads and put a sign on your car, pass out flyers, etc. I have a sign on my car that says:

What Recession? Business is Booming!
Work At Home - Never Have A Boss Again

.. then my phone number and website.

I am getting more signups for my affiliate programs than ever before. And, I put everything over living expenses that I earn into the stock market. The economy will rebound; it always has and there always will be more downturns in the future to make even more money during these cycles. Home business signups boom when the economy sours, and becomes even more profitable for those home business owners who just started when the good times roll again. And they will. You can take that to the bank.

[TimPhelan]

It's official! We've been in a recession since 2007! Sorry. I couldn't resist.

It's official: U.S. is in recession - Economy in Turmoil- msnbc.com

The White House commented on the news without ever actually using the word “recession,” a term President George W. Bush and his aides have repeatedly avoided.

Instead, spokesman Tony Fratto remarked upon the fact that the NBER “determines the start and end dates of business cycles.”

[jazzyjeff]

Radioray,

There is a saying out there that says,"Get in when everyone is getting out." That usually only applies to real estate and stocks. However, do you see that all niches have the same chance of making money in this economy (besides real estate and stocks/forex)?

Jeff

[Josef_Benjamin]

The last thing I' think about is the shape of the economy. I didn't even know the economy was in this so called recession...strange, as I still make great money, meet awesome people, and am still having a great time.

It's all a matter of perspective.

I do feel for those who have been downsized because of the economy, but why are so many people looking for a pity party or a handout for their misfortune?

People need to wake up and smell the coffee. Nothing is guaranteed in life and people have grown to expect these guarantee's.

[BizBooks]

Ben Bernanke, in his Book, offers the following Comparison:

Originally Posted by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke;

“Those who doubt that there is much connection between the economy of the 1930s and the supercharged, information-age economy of the twenty-first century are invited to look at the current economic headlines -- about high unemployment, failing banks, volatile financial markets, currency crises, and even deflation.

The issues raised by the Depression, and its lessons, are still relevant today.”

Idea People, however, will be making money off the recession....

[Dainis]

Being clear about definitions is something sorely lacking in American Consciousness. I am relieved that folks are haggling out definitions here with determination and vigor!

[seasoned]

Originally Posted by -RMH-

I assume "MORON" = George Bush?

And who are you referring to when you say "their stupid IDIOCY"?

I found your comment somewhat confusing...

Ryan Healy

Well, I probably mentioned it earlier, but this forum now FORCES you to mkae your OWN thread references. Bush didn't have that kind of control even when he was PRESIDENT! Bernanke does though. Like in 1999 when grennspan raised the interest rates high, and pushed the market down.

Or how about BAKER that said they wanted to drive the dollar 30% lower in 1987 like the DAY before the 1987 crash?

Steve

[gdwebs]

Originally Posted by radioray

Hey gang,

I realize I'm probably "preaching to the choir" with this post, but...

If you're worrying about the economy... don't.

We're marketers. We are the economy.

Case in point: I just finished up a launch for a client where we did $1.2 million in seven days.

My client's business is not in the IM world... it's in real estate. In the middle of our launch, guess what happened? The largest bank failure in US history. Cause of said bank failure? Bad real estate loans.

Now, most people would have freaked out. Our launch certainly came grinding to a halt.

Then we gave it some thought and decided, "What's the real story here? Isn't this a great time to invest in properties -- when prices are plummeting? When you can, as the saying goes, 'buy low'? Of course it is!"

So we just fired up the email marketing machine and kept going... and we crushed it.

In fact, over half our sales came after the bank crashes!

For me, the moral of the story is: as a marketer, you've got the power to create your own economy. Just pay attention to what's going on in your market, respond in a way that helps them and supports your cause at the same time... and the rewards will come.

Now let's go keep the wheels of commerce turning, shall we?

;-)

So very true. I know about 20-30 property investors and they are having a field day

Of course, this does mean that people are losing out somewhere along the line, but I guess that's just business!

[Peter Adamson]

Interesting how relevant this revived thread is nearly a year on.

What I would like you to consider for a moment it the fact that before, during and after the recession there are a number of constants. In particular there are roughly the same number of people able to produce, and roughly the same number of people needing to consume. They are able to produce roughly the same number of things and they need to consume roughly the same number of things. The only thing that changes is the availability of liquidity to facilitate the exchange of goods and services. At the outside limit, if we were able to barter, there could not be a recession. However, bartering cannot accommodate the complex transactions we need to run a modern economy. It cannot accommodate partial transactions, transactions made over a distance nor does it facilitate the accumulation of buying power in view of a large transaction.

So we need currency. But currency does not create wealth. People do, and as I stated earlier, we're all still here. So where is the problem?

There have been quite a few references to fiat currency on this thread, mostly in a negative light. However the problem is not fiat currency. Further, we don't have fiat currency. I wish we did. What we have is debt currency, and this debt currency is the root of the problem. The debt currency we have whether US, UK or any place else is created through debt by private banks (the Fed is a private bank). Very little currency is created by central banks. In the UK it is less than 6%. 94% of currency in circulation is created by private banks for their profit.

Because all currency is created through debt, the sum of all interest accrued is rising constantly and must be paid back with borrowed money (since there is no other kind). More money must constantly be borrowed to pay the exponentially increasing interest bill until the debt market becomes saturated. At this point no matter how low the interest rates are set, no more money can come into circulation because everyone has borrowed to the hilt. What ensues is called a credit contraction. It is not a natural business cycle. It is the perverse and intended result of the debt money we use. When the credit contraction occurs, there must be defaults on loans. Houses, land and other forms of property must be seized to pay the loans. This is necessary to purge the interest pipeline and put permanent currency into circulation (a defaulted loan becomes permanent currency, a bizarre necessity in this system we live with).

We are not going to get away from this system any time soon. Be as long as there are human beings, there is the potential to create wealth. And history has shown that when people want to do business they find a way. During the banking strike in Ireland people virtually created their own system of IOU's and trusted third parties (usually pub owners) which temporarily replaced the banks.

So what can you do?
1) Stay positive. Whenever you complain two things happen. First you program your own brain for failure. Second you poison everyone who hears you.
2) Keep as much of your personal wealth as possible invested in hard assets such as real estate and precious metals. If possible, keep some of it offshore.
3) If you invest in the stock market hold both long and short positions.
4) Inasmuch as possible don't depend on a single market for your livelihood. Try to get business from more than one country.

My $0.02 worth.

[robvegas626]

My business has grown since this economic downturn. I sell the top dating programs for men who don't want to spend all their money pursuing women -- and want women to pursue THEM instead. Check out my links below.

I think that this downturn is causing millions of people to spend more time online. Some of them are broke and searching for jobs, but many other people are searching things on the internet because they HAVE money, but they're not spending it in restaurants, and bars, because they are spending more time at home to conserve money.

Realize this..and market to them. Check my links, you'll see...