"These are hard times for leveraged and perhaps some of the...

"These are hard times for leveraged and perhaps some of the retired holders. But we are in this together and I see the light is very near."

Hi Chi and Jaydog, I agree with your optimism and I agree we may see a global slowdown. You know I'm not one to think the rare earth fairy will sashay in, sprinkle terbium dust on things and make everything better...

I'm just not convinced that things are as bad as most folks seem to think they are. Let's see, robots are taking jobs but it won't be long before we realize it takes people build maintain and give the bots intelligence. Productivity has hurt us before but we always find solutions.

Greece is having debt problems. Newsflash? I don't think so.

China is aware they are at the top of the debt chain and a failing Greece is a failing China. They recognize this and sure, they get a bit cranky and become critical of us for not putting our house in order but the bottom line is a global economic crash helps no one. That includes China.

That aside, it seems the rest of the world is in pretty good shape. "Junior" countries are emerging (just like the miners :) and they want to play like the "big people" play. There is little chance for global thermonuclear war like there was just 30 years ago. The rebellions in third world countries is making them second world counties with new economies.

This global correction is to be expected but there is no force big enough to suppress the desire for people, or countries to succeed. We have been through job issues, economic irresponsibility and significant hostilities in the past. Look at the emerging middle class in the BRIC countries (and now includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Canada and even an island they call Australia.

Call me the eternal optimist but capitulation comes at the darkest hour. It has been getting pretty dark lately, we just may be there... JMHO...