[bert]

-——but they clearly have not studied nor grasped the key lessons of history——

I would argue to the contrary. I would argue that they have not only studied their history well but have all more or less reached the same conclusion. The only way to conquer the debt is to inflate it away. The key lesson of history is that debt is dissipated by inflation

[Errant]

I agree that the ones behind the levers know history and know how to manipulate the controls of government machines to achieve their goal.

However, I think inflation (eventually hyper inflation) is primarily the natural outcome of all attempts at utilization of fiat currency.

The one advantage the world might have today from previous societies, thanks to the internet, is the ability to rapidly combined and spread knowledge. Using this technology, this time around, we may actually be able to overcome our inept governments and those who wish to run the world.

Below is a story on ZH as an example of a partial answer to some of the above. Some States are passing legislation to allow the use of gold. All States need to make preparations for the possible collapse of the US dollar, IMO.

Demand For Gold "CombiBars" Soaring