Economics and Investing:

Several readers sent this: IMF calls for dollar alternative. Non-Dollar SDR bonds could replace the US Dollar in some international trade. This may hasten the demise of the US Dollar.

Fiscal Insanity: Here we are in the midst of a recession-cum-depression and the Federal government is swimming is a sea of red ink. They’ve amassed a National Debt that exceeds $45,500 for every man woman and child in the nation. But now Vice President Joe Biden is pushing for a $53 billion Federally-funded high speed rail system.

Air Force Dad sent this: Fed’s Warsh Quits; Bernanke Adviser Questioned QE2

The tightening of the screws: Cash for gold buyers regulated under proposed Washington [State] law. I expect that the “45 Day Hold” provision will push down the buyer’s bids by 10%, to hedge their risk of a declining spot price for gold. So who loses? The private seller. Politicians need to learn about unintended consequences, and when to respect private commerce! Mrs. Asay may be a Republican, but she certainly isn’t one of the libertarian variety!

Items from The Economatrix:

Why Another Financial Crash is Certain  

Bernanke Says Unemployment Will “Remain Elevated” 

Over at Zero Hedge: The Great Global Debt Prison  

Billionaire Fund Manager Tomas Kaplan on Gold  

Pricing the World in Gold: Four Charts  

Is This the End of America?