Good point Robert, but ultimately I think the counter to this will be the trading of gold, crude oil, and other commodities in markets such as Dubai and Hong Kong.

This can only go on for so long and who knows how long it'll be. The one evenuality that I see is that either free markets take over or the public loses confidence in the "free" market system altogether. Or, the market moves some place else.

If the gold market is being manipulated, I don't think the powers that be are smart enough to know the potential consequences down the road.

I think we all need to ask ourselves, what is going to be valuable when everyone loses confidence in the paper market. I think they'll turn to hard assets, they just don't know it yet.

G