[RSmithOpt]

3 trillion is approximately 25% of our GDP. My point is that those kinds of losses in our GDP will be significant from the beginning of this year. AT this point in time, I don't for of the economic skid we're heading towards. Congrats on having your home paid off. How much has your yearly real estate taxes and insurance gone up in 30 years? Just curious.

The sub-prime mess will be a drop in the bucket compared to the S&L crisis and dot.com / NASDAQ implosion.

[HD1200]

Uh, increases in the valuation of our homes has never been a part of our GDP, which is a measurement of the goods and services PRODUCED by us.

Good lord. Try fathoming the total valuation of all homes, businesses, structures, infrastructures in this country!

The sum is HUGE!

[HD1200]

Insurance is under $1,000; much of the value is in the land and I carry HIGH deductibles.

Taxes have gone from $1,000 per year when I bought it to $6,000 per year today.