[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

"Also, when the excrement hits the air distribution device you can not eat gold."

You cant eat defaulted bearer bonds or stock certificates of failed companies either, although you may stockpile them for use in the outhouse or to start that fire in the fireplace. If it hits the fan it can also affect stocks. Land also cannot be eaten; it may decline in value, but if its good tillable land you can at least plant a garden to grow something to eat.

The historical ratio of the value of gold to iron is 1 oz to one ton. I would point out that in 2400 BC, an ounce of gold could purchase about 300 loaves of bread. With gold at $500 an ounce, and bread at approximately $1.65 (this includes tax) you can purchase approximately 303 loaves of bread in 2005 AD, and that's something you can eat. When viewed as a commodity relative to other commodities gold has been fairly stable. Perhaps the real value of gold is not in speculation, although you can play it that way, and many banks do, but to preserve wealth against future need.

[Toddsterpatriot]

Perhaps the real value of gold is not in speculation, although you can play it that way, and many banks do, but to preserve wealth against future need.

What price does gold preserve wealth at? $850 back in 1980? Or maybe $250 in 1999?

[Labyrinthos]

Talking Point No. 112.