Economics and Investing:

12 Economic Collapse Scenarios That We Could Potentially See In 2011

J.D.D. recommended this by Charles Hugh Smith: Social Security in far worse shape than you think

Pierre M. was the first of several readers to send this: A Path is Sought for States to Escape Their Debt Burdens. (That “path” is declaring bankruptcy and defaulting on their pension obligations!) Meanwhile, we read: DeMint: There Will Be No Bailout for the States.

Social Insecurity: Inside the ‘Trust Fund’ Illusion

Rick Ackerman: Bullion shorts in over their heads, says our man in London

Items from The Economatrix:

Home Sales Hit 13-Year Low; Slow Recovery Ahead  

Materials Stocks Fall on Fear of Chinese Rate Hike  

Gold Standard Now Supported By Greenspan, Person Who Destroyed USD  

China Devalues US Buying Power By 30%, Protects US Treasury Holdings  

Fresh Fears for US Housing Sector