As far as the economy goes, about 15% were forecasting nothing but our economy taking off like a rocket,
15% were forecasting a complete and utter collapse of the economy, and the rest (70%) were to one side or the other of the middle...
And that is just the way it is no matter where you go or what you do, that's why we have majority rule in this country, so the 15% super religious, the uber right wingers, and the 'Machine Guns & Survival Rations' types don't run off with the government,
OR,
The Anarchy & Chaos, or uber left wing socialist types, or the guys to the left of Lenin don't run away with the country...
Or country is already pretty far to the Right Of Center, and you can see where that got us...
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Inflation will happen when the 'Government' needs more money, so the print more...
Making it worth less since there is a limited supply of 'Resources' (Gold, silver, ect.) in government possession to back it up.
This country is no longer on the 'Gold Standard' so right now, there isn't anywhere near enough 'Collateral' to back up what is printed right now.
Inflation also happens on in international level when other counties perceive our money being worth less compared to theirs.
Inflation also happens when we rack up trade deficits, where we buy more foreign products than we make and export.
The difference is called 'National Debt'...
http://zfacts.com/p/461.html
Paper money really isn't worth the paper it's printed on right now, but we are still all agreeing that this denomination of currency will get you this amount of product...
It's a hand shake agreement between all parties involved, and it's based on the idea that if *I* trade 10 pounds of potatoes for a $5 bill,
I'm betting that bill will still buy me $5 worth of Coffee when I'm ready to spend it...
And that coffee seller is betting that slip of paper is going to be worth a gallon of diesel fuel when he's ready to spend it...
The only way there will be anyone pushing around wheelbarrows full of money to burn as heat will be if the entire government admits they are much too far in debit to ever recover... And there is nothing, like precious metals or stored equipment that printed money can be exchanged for.
After WW II German Marks (Their version of money) were worthless because the government was way past bankrupt, and the government that issued the certificates, (or 'I.O.U's) was no longer in existence.
It's much like the Commodore Computer stock certificate I have framed on my wall to remind me that ANY company, even the leader in computers, can become worthless virtually over night...
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'Martial Law' doesn't mean there will be 'Rations' issued or anythign else.
What usually happens when 'Martial Law' is declared, is prices are frozen (but gouging and gray/black markets will still exist),
There is usually a crewfew imposed,
And military or it's appointees are pretty much free to exert what ever force necessary to stop looting, riots, or any other crimes.
Shooting people in the streets doesn't happen here,
These are still American GI's doing the regulation (mostly National Guard & Reserves from the same area they will be assigned to),
and they know we are just their friends, neighbors and we are just trying to get along...
Trouble makers and profiteers can be held without charges, and without due process until the Martial Law is suspended.
Other than that, life will go on about normal...