[mamelukesabre]

I think a “dark ages” prediction is a little bit over the top. We have fiat currency. They can always declare the currency dead and start over with new currency...the amero for instance.

There’s not going to be any dark ages. It may take a couple three new currencies before the people get a clue and throw the bums out of DC. There might be a semi dark year or two or ten...or 20. Ok maybe 50. There’s not going to be a dark ages that last several centuries where all higher education and technology ceases to exist.

We are too far past the point of no return. The planet cannot support even 1/10th the current population level in a dark ages like existence. Either this mess gets figured out or we have armageddon.

[Kartographer]

"There might be a semi dark year or two or ten...or 20. Ok maybe 50."

I agree your scenario is more like, but even then we will see things during such a time that make the depression of our grand parents and parents almost nostalgic. People just aren't as equipped today to deal with such as they were then and as you yourself pointed out there are a lot more of us now then there was then.

[vanilla swirl]

“There’s not going to be a dark ages that last several centuries”

unless something unrelated like an EMP or solar CME.
(I guess it might be related at that =/

[Travis McGee]

We are too far past the point of no return. The planet cannot support even 1/10th the current population level in a dark ages like existence. Either this mess gets figured out or we have armageddon.

Yes, yes and yes. And I don't see our "leaders" figuring it out.

IOW, it's time to fuel up your escape pod.

[The Duke]

...They can always declare the currency dead and start over with new currency...the amero for instance.

Well, for starters, such a move would undoubtedly precipitate WWIII.