>>>>>>
>>>>>>The stock market is a piece, but not the whole of free market capitalism.
>>>>>>Is it rigged for professional insiders? Yes
>>>>>>Does the Congress trade on insider information? Yes
>>>>>
>>>>>>Can a savvy investor still make a good amount of money. Yes
>>>>>
>>>>>That is exactly the problem. If savvy amateur can 'make' money, imagine what big WS sharks are 'making'.
>>>>
>>>>Who cares? There is not a fixed pie.
>>>
>>>If assets (money) are real then it is zero sum game down the line.
>>
>>Not unless that money is tied to something physical (ie gold). If it's intangible (faith and credit) then there is no zero sum.
>>
>>>You winning = someone losing. MF Global 'winning' - Corzine's account holders are losing.
>>
>>When MF Global was "winning" (making money) so were their account holders, now that they're "losing" so are their account holders.
>>
>>>Goldman Sucks (If I made typo here pls forgive me!{g}) 'makes' money - municipal/retirement bonds/funds lose their pants. And so for.
>>
>>Same principle as above. GS success is not inversely related to someone else's failure.
>>
>>>But assets are not real.
>>
>>Assets are as real and valuable as people make them. If I reach down and grab a handful of dirt, stick my hand out to you and say I'll give this to you for a buck. You'd place no value on it because you can do the same thing. However, if you're in an area with acrid soil and I'm in a fertile river valley, my dirt would have value to you.
>>
>>>Real value has been eaten probably many years ago, and it is by now all derivatives, leveraging,
>>>bets on bets etc. ( Some people estimate derivatives bubble/black hole at 700T. Bail THAT out if you can! )
>>>Whole global financial system is one giant house of cards that can be brought down crushing - by mouse fart.
>>>But who cares. Just buy gold and you are on the safe side right ? {g}
>>
>>Gold is a prized asset the world over, so yes, if you believe the whole world financial system is going to collapse then gold is a great the place to park your wealth. As would other tangible assets which do not rely on the intangibility of currency.
>
>I'm replying to myself becasue my update button isn't working for some reason.
>
>Nevertheless, I just read this story and got a chuckle. Here's a perfect lesson in supply/demand and what value people put on "important" things. ;)
>http://www.timeslive.co.za/world/2011/12/12/norway-butter-shortage-threatens-christmas-treats
>
>One final time, Merry Christmas All!

And a hearty flu free merry Christmas to you and yours Jake.