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Pushing the big problems into the future appears to have been the
working strategy for both the Fed and recent Administrations, yet the U.S.
dollar and the budget deficit do matter, and the future is at hand. The day
of ultimate financial reckoning has arrived, and it is playing out according
to John Williams, founder of Shadowstats.com.
In further edited excerpts from Slavo’s original article* he
goes on to say:
Williams sees** the U.S. economic and systemic solvency crises of the
last two years as just precursors to a Great Collapse – a
hyperinflationary great depression. [To be specific] he sees:
a) a complete collapse in the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar,
b) a collapse in the normal stream of U.S. commercial and economic activity,
c) a collapse in the U.S. financial system as we know it, and
d) a likely realignment of the U.S. political environment.
Mr. Williams further maintains that the current U.S. financial
markets, financial system and economy are highly unstable and vulnerable to
unexpected shocks, the Federal Reserve is dedicated to preventing deflation
and debasing the U.S. dollar. and that the results of those efforts are being
seen in tentative selling pressures against the U.S. currency and in the
rallying price of gold.
Looking at each of Mr. William’s points from a worst case
scenario perspective, here are some things one can expect:
1. Collapse of Purchasing Power
Imagine stock markets initially rising to new highs. While many in the
public will truly believe we are in a new boom time, the reality will be that
prices on everyday goods will be increasing at a rapid rate. Hyperinflation will
not be recognized right away, but eventually the public will catch on. Howard
Katz has written that we can expect price increases of 70% within a year or
two. Imagine gas at $7 – $8 a gallon, a can of tuna for $3 and your
favorite flavored latte for $10. This will be the opening act and primary
indicator that the system is getting to a breaking point.
2. Collapse in U.S. Commercial and Economic Activity
As the purchasing power of the dollar diminishes, foreign creditors
and suppliers will become concerned. Even short-term credit extensions for
essential goods like food and oil will collapse. When Iceland’s
currency collapsed, the government was unable to purvey basic food goods from
international sources because their currency was no longer trusted.
Expect to see store inventories slowly (or perhaps quickly) lower,
from basic foods to apparel. If the dollar were to go Zimbabwe, then it would
be nearly impossible for merchants and suppliers to accurately price goods,
leading to daily, perhaps hourly price changes.
The effects of this type of currency collapse will infect every aspect
of the economy, leading to mass layoffs and a sudden stop in transportation
via trucks, rail and dryships. Trade goods will cease to move across the
nation.
3. Collapse in the U.S. Financial System
If you haven’t read James Rawles’ book Patriots, do so.
The opening two chapters deal with exactly the scenario forecasted by John
Williams. As mentioned, we will see stock prices and stock markets probably
go through the roof initially, in nominal dollar terms. Once it is realized
that the dollar has been destroyed, along with all US denominated paper
assets, we may see a shut-down of US Stock markets. While there may certainly
be other signals, a freeze in the trading of stocks as a result of
hyperinflationary pressure on the US Dollar should be a warning alarm to all
of those with a bug-out location. Complete system collapse will not be far
behind- — and we could literally be talking days, not weeks or months.
4. Realignment of the U.S. Political Environment
It may be hard to believe, but it is certainly not outside the realm
of possibility. The political system as we know it, like voting for
representatives, may deteriorate quickly, meaning that martial law may need
to be implemented. Local law enforcement and emergency services will break
down, as responders will opt to protect their own families. This will force
the hand of the Federal Government, as there will be no police to deal with
looting, violent crime, and civil unrest resulting from a collapse in trade
and essential supplies.
If Mr. Williams’ forecast plays out as described, then
preparation will be a key to survival. As Mr. Williams points out, and many
observers feel deep down, the problems that have been pushed into the future
have now come home to roost.
Indeed, pushing the big problems into the future appears to have been
the working strategy for both the Fed and recent Administrations, yet the
U.S. dollar and the budget deficit do matter, and the future is at hand. The
day of ultimate financial reckoning has arrived, and it is playing out.
How much time do we have? Mr. Williams, has recently adjusted his
timelines based on the data he is interpreting:
“The intensifying economic and solvency crises, and the
responses to both by the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve in the last
two years, have exacerbated the government’s solvency issues and moved
forward my timing estimation for the hyperinflation to the next five
years….The U.S. government and Federal Reserve already have committed
the system to this course through the easy politics of a bottomless
pocketbook, the servicing of big-moneyed special interests, gross
mismanagement, and a deliberate and ongoing effort to debase the U.S.
currency. Accordingly, risks are particularly high of the hyperinflation
crisis breaking within the next year.”
For those who hope for change, we’re sorry to inform you that it
isn’t coming, because it is too late: “The U.S. has no way of avoiding
a financial Armageddon. Bankrupt sovereign states most commonly use the
currency printing press as a solution to not having enough money to cover
obligations. The alternative would be for the U.S. to renege on its existing
debt and obligations, a solution for modern sovereign states rarely seen
outside of governments overthrown in revolution, and a solution with no
happier ending than simply printing the needed money. With the creation of
massive amounts of new fiat dollars (not backed by gold or silver) will come
the eventual destruction of the value of the U.S. dollar and related
dollar-denominated paper assets,” says Williams.
Folks, if Mr. Williams and others are right about this, then I am
afraid that we are going to experience something in the United States that
will be written about for centuries in the history books. What can be done
now? The answer is nothing. It is just a matter of time.
*http://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/hyperinflationary-depression-no-way-of-avoiding-financial-armageddon_12152009
**http://www.shadowstats.com/article/hyperinflation-2010
Lorimer Wilson
Lorimer Wilson is Editor of www.FinancialArticleSummariesToday.com (F.A.S.T.) and www.MunKnee.com (Money, Monnee, Munknee!) and an
economic analyst and financial writer. He is also a frequent contributor to
this site and can be reached at editor@munknee.com.
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