Soon we will have to bring back the 500 and 1000 note just to keep pace with the cost of goods from the rest of the world.

Both the Euro and the dollar are floating currencies which naturally result in wide varying exchange rates, particulary with each other. But it is notable that the Euro is now worth nearly twice what it was 7 years ago.

Last edited by Johnny_Rotten (2008-03-20 02:54:27)

I recall needing to carry a backpack in Venezuela just to accomodate currency needed for a three day stay in Canaima as it was way too bulky to fit in my pocket.  A few months later, the government began issuing currency in much larger denominations for that reason.   

Of course, our inflation rate is not a big problem,  unlike the continuing slide in the value of the dollar.  That will haunt us, no doubt.  As will finding a way to adjust to the three trillion dollar war.  That will be with us for more than a lifetime, and for what?  At best, a very vague and uncertain benefit.

On the trade imbalance, it is a sad comment that we now depend on exportation of raw materials to improve our position, more like a third world country than we would like to admit.

Fled wrote:

I recall needing to carry a backpack in Venezuela just to accomodate currency needed for a three day stay in Canaima as it was way too bulky to fit in my pocket.  A few months later, the government began issuing currency in much larger denominations for that reason.   

Of course, our inflation rate is not a big problem,  unlike the continuing slide in the value of the dollar.  That will haunt us, no doubt.  As will finding a way to adjust to the three trillion dollar war.  That will be with us for more than a lifetime, and for what?  At best, a very vague and uncertain benefit...

Your kidding right. There is nothing vague and uncertain about the price of my Haliburtion stock.  In a move of cynicism I brought a small amount of both companies in the final competition for the no bid Iraq war contracts. Well to be fair I guess you can't really call it a competition for a no-bid contract.

It has done even better then the big oil companies. Its up 400 percent in 5 years!

Wow.  Your in denial.

Fled wrote:

Zookie - I'm afraid you miss the point.

No, I get the point. My point is that the point was over-stated.  If the worse you can come up with is that our economy is no longer larger than the combined economies of 15 European nations that doesn't exactly have the sound of a four alarm fire.  Yes, things are sliding.  I remember when everyone was losing sleep about how much stronger the Yen was than the dollar.  We're in a slide now - no argument there.  But I'm not about to jump out of any windows just yet.

I know it makes me sound like a far-right extremist to say this but I just don't jump onto every "Our country SUCKS!" band wagon that rolls by.

Agreed.  No need to jump.  Part of this immediate slide is payback for the housing bubble, fueled as it was by zany mortgage lending.  The worm will turn once again.

Yes, but the days of Amurikan Ascendancy are done, completed, kaput.

If you view the European Union as one Unified Super Nation (which it is now as the EU) then it is the equiv of the "United States"...  How either of you missed the whole Federation thingy is beyond me.

The Amurikan Century is over... We will now see a mad retreat from Empire, as we lash out here and there until the Barbarians are finally at the gate, and owning you (I have an out, dual nationality with that EU thingy and all)  Stick a fork in the US's Ass and flip it over, it's done.  And thanks for voting for the guys who finished it off, filling the pockets of the corporate few.

Dmtdust wrote:

Yes, but the days of Amurikan Ascendancy are done, completed, kaput.

If you view the European Union as one Unified Super Nation (which it is now as the EU) then it is the equiv of the "United States"...  How either of you missed the whole Federation thingy is beyond me.

The Amurikan Century is over... We will now see a mad retreat from Empire, as we lash out here and there until the Barbarians are finally at the gate, and owning you (I have an out, dual nationality with that EU thingy and all)  Stick a fork in the US's Ass and flip it over, it's done.  And thanks for voting for the guys who finished it off, filling the pockets of the corporate few.

Don't have a hissy fit Dusty.  These things come and go.  If you've been listening to the American media, who, for the most part, are the public relations arm of the Democratic party, you're getting filled with enough propaganda to make you want to jump off a cliff, or hopefully vote for a Socialist.  Relax.

Last edited by phreddy (2008-03-20 21:18:56)

Emmeran wrote:

Apparently many people here are basically clueless about the intricacies of the EU socialist bent, economic threat is not part of that equation.

Russia, India and China however are different stories.

Thank You.  I feel sorry for Phwedd and others who are happy to have a socialist set up for the corporations, but not for the hoi poloi.

Head to the Baltic's my son, t'eh Baltics...

USA! USA! USA!

Ooh, that felt good.

phreddy wrote:

If you've been listening to the American media, who, for the most part, are the public relations arm of the Democratic party. . . .  Relax.

You really have bought a wheelbarrow full of oozing wet fertilizer. 

Now tell yourself that Jeebus will come down and fix everything up nice and tidy.  If not Jeebus, then the Invisible Hand.  The part you have right is Relax

Emmeran wrote:

unbeknownst to population and pundits alike the media are secretly "for profit" businesses!!!!!

*GASP*

But, then...who can I trust?!