[SandwicheGuy]

Sources of my knowledge? Several years of graduate studies leading to a Ph.D; reading subsequently books, various research papers and reports for the past twenty years; attending seminars given by professors from various universities; speaking with colleagues; and, doing my own research.

Ah, another one of those guys who think that academic paper is a substitute for common sense. Undoubtedly you have never met Joe the plumber and are dismayed that he makes as much or more than you.

[TopQuark]

"Ah, another one of those guys who think that academic paper is a substitute for common sense."

And where on earth have you drawn that conclusion from? We were discussing the existence of Fed. If you think that this issue can be addressed by common sense, I feel sorry for you.

"Undoubtedly you have never met Joe the plumber and are dismayed that he makes as much or more than you."

You are putting now the second foot into your mouth, and only because you choose to talk about something you have no idea about. And you cannot imagine how silly you look: I had worked in construction, on farms, and at a factory.

Looks to me that you have an anti-education bias: mere mention of a degree irritates you. Sad.