>> They are the ones who hoard gold and silver - then rue the day when those commodities drop
Gross oversimplification. There are many other ways to hedge against the debt trap.
The best hedge is to not be a slave.
The second best hedge is to be the primary master over slaves.
Just like bonds (debt), there are different levels of payout when things go south. Those holding debt with the higher ratings get paid first. Those holding preferred stock get paid first.
In other words - Be the first lender in line, so that you're first in payout before all others.
What's the easiest and safest way to do this?
US Treasury securities. Buying US debt makes the purchaser (lender) first in line.
Simply holding cash is a second derivative, since "cash" in a claim on "money", which is a claim on "debt".
Commodities like gold and silver are even worse - since many people use cash to buy and sell for cash.
That makes gold and silver a claim on cash, which is a claim on money, which is a claim on debt (3rd order).
Those holding commodities are 3rd in line if/when things hit the fan.
That's the way the system works - I know many have been taught differently, but they've been lied to.