Monster, although I agree with most of what you say, I take exception to a couple of points. The US as a world power is far, far from over. The size and commitment of the US military will not wane for decades. Even this year, the budget for the military is 7 times that of Chinas. The US govt will ensure that any closing of the gap would be addressed. It is also worth pointing out the quality gap, which is also significant. I can assure you that US Carrier Groups will be a presence in the South China Sea well past our lifetimes. As for Obama 'wrongly' being held accountable..? He has embarked on the attempted socialisation of the US economy and society on a scale not seen since FDR. While unemployment has accelerated at an historic pace, he has focused on 'health care reform', something which only 25% of the population says is a 'priority'. The fact that he has lost 3 important congressional elections in a row shows that the people of the country are strongly against his agenda. He basically controls the car companies, the banks, the insurance companies, co-opted the health care companies, and basically has meddled in nearly every area of the economy. Never mind the ridiculous attempt at 'Cap and Trade', and his willingness to turn over soverign control of the economy to a 'world' global warming govermental agency (thankfully that has died it's deserved death). Obama will be a one term president because the country will rightly throw him out for incompetence. As for Gold, I agree it will come of it's highs, but the reality is that the dollar will eventually collapse, and Gold will be the safe haven for all investors and soverign buyers. It can only see historic rises over the next decade or so.