In response to your question: picture me raising my hand.
You have been known to have a horrible memory (or sense of history). On average, every 7-11 years the Unitied States' economy goes through a trough -- some much worse than others. Every time, we have rose from the ashes. You discount that american virtue, and plan for economic failure. The only economic failure, however, will be your own. And since you cannot remember US history, how can we expect you to remember your own failed economic predictions on this board???
On November 20, 2008, you told everyone that they should take their money out of the stock market. On that day, the Dow was at 7,552. One year later, it is at the 10,000 level. Hmmm. You do the math!!! Your fear defeated you. Glad I didn't miss the boat on that ride. There will obviously be more drops in the markets, but you told people to get out of the market on the lower end of the spectrum. The wisdom is buy low and sell high... not buy high and sell low.
Yes, you also horribly predicted "black monday." Rather, the dow went UP 2.5% that day.
When I explained that Buffet was making a very smart move in shoring up GS, you had this to say:
"i read the article by buffet ... and while he's a smart man , he's going to be one of the very few running into the burning building ....
no lilly , too much has already occured for this to be anything close to historical as warren likes to link to ... "
Unfortunately for you, Buffet has made a $3 BILLION paper profit on that investment. If you consider that a "burning building" then shower me in gasoline.
You say you were only providing a hypothetical regarding the swine flu. Nice attempt to rewrite history. How do you explain your comment here:
"At this time my main worry is the econmmic effects .... as the weeks pass and reports of the flu spread , the fear will rise ... i think for the next month or two we may see a dramtica fall off in econmic activity as people shutter themselves inside"
You said that you would bet money that the Dow would close 2008 in the 7000 range or lower. On New Year's Eve 2008, the Dow closed at 8776. Not even close.
You ARE contractually obligated to pay credit cards. It doesn't matter if the debt is unsecured. I believe you stated in the past that you have a Visa credit card, among others. Here is a sample Visa
contract that is likely similar to the contract you entered. It says the following:
You agree to pay all charges (purchases and cash advances) to your Account that are made by you or anyone whom you authorize to use your Account.