Opinion

In 1977 and in the following years, countless young people danced in discos to the tune of “Stayin’ Alive.”  That was a long time ago, but in a sense that title is even more relevant today.  The proof: Numerous people believe the sky is about to fall down, and they’re making elaborate plans to stay alive if the unthinkable happens.  

The market crash on Monday, August 5, was an awful event and it may yet end up becoming even worse than that.  Meanwhile, Wall Street carries on as usual.

Energy experts say that the Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most important shipping route for energy.  It’s also the most dangerous.

Ardent basketball fans, caught up in the excitement of games, often chant “De-fense, De-fense.”  There are several reasons why they do, but all boil down to supporting the home team and discouraging the opposing team.  “De-fense” also can be important to Wall Streeters.  Has the time come for investors to become defensive? 

Many people are enthusiastic about silver, which is quite surprising because it has disappointed for so long.  Which of the following best describes these people?  Are they savvy investors and speculators who know a bargain when they see one?  Or are they true believers, completely out of touch with the markets?  There’s probably truth in both of these answers.  

A hungry man is an angry man.

– Proverb

 Henry Kissinger once said whoever controls the food controls the people.  Well, there’s a shortage of food around the world and it’s becoming more serious.  At some point, governments will have to take charge of this crisis.  The question becomes: Are you prepared to be controlled?