Straight Talk input

It seems to me that the powers that be can manipulate, procrastinate, cogitate, and every other -tate the economy to the extent that the much-anticipated ECONOMIC collapse may never occur. (More likely a slow bleeding-out over the years to come.) But, energy is a different animal altogether. Their dog and pony show won't keep vehicles running when the gas is gone (too expensive to be bought by the middle class). So, I would like to hear from an expert on the earth's use of it's energy VS. projected growth paths. (I'm reminded of the IEA's chart showing projected oil supplies- every two years it is lowered quite a bit.) If accurate (I know that is a relative term) trajectories can be shown for just the next 5 years, I think it will lead to meaningful conclusions for many fence-sitters. As an example, say in three years China needs another 5 million barrels per day (assuming current growth rate, for example) since production will not keep up with that demand, prices will go up by xxx dollars. When oil is at xxx dollars, US gas costs $7.00 a gallon. So, in three years, how will $7 gas fit into your budget?

Yes, I realize this is all hypothetical and all variables are constantly changing. But, it seems to me that someone could put together an algorithm that would extrapolate a near-miss scenario. The person that could do this is who I would like to be interviewed as part of this series. As always, we desperately need information about likely future outcomes. In a perfect world, these algorithms (assuming there may be other applications in addition to oil use/prices) could be updated on a regular basis- like monthly. This way we would have some point of reference as to what direction different aspects of life are heading.

Thanks for asking- and listening. Just my two-cents worth.

Two people I'd love to hear from are Dr. Steve Keen (Australian economist) and Nicole Foss (Stoneleigh from TAE).

Dr. Keen could be asked about what he believes led to the global financial crisis, and where he thinks the global economy is headed from here. Also he could be asked about his views on peak oil/resources and how that affects his views on how the debt deflation will play out.

Perhaps a debate between Dr. Keen and someone who is convinced we will have hyper-inflation in the short term? Like John Williams.

Mrs. Foss could also be asked about all of those issues, with perhaps more focus on peak oil and preparation.

Has anyone ever heard of Tyler Durden from ZH giving an interview? I would think he would refuse based on ZH's strong commitment to remaining anonymous. Maybe he would do an email interview?

I second Steve Keen

If there were a mandate that Jim Rogers fire one and only one man for his involvement in the financial mismanagement of the country and it had to be either Timothy Geithner or Ben Bernanke, who would get the axe and why? If you had to choose someone to fill the vacancy who would that be and why? 

Ask him if he rides much anymore. And Paul his BMW mechanic from Oklahoma says hello.

V

ps Ask him if he thinks there are ANY political solutions

Adam:  This is fantastic.  How many times have I wished I could ask Jim Rogers something, and here is my chance! 

I've read two of Rogers' books (the most recent trip around the world with his wife, Paige, and his first trip, solo), watch every youtube video of him that I can, and try to follow whatever it is he is doing.

I think I have a pretty good idea of where Mr. Rogers stands as far as any investments are concerned, or I can guess what he'll say.  So, rather than ask him about the markets or his predictions, I have always wanted to know this, and have never seen him answer it anywhere:

1)  Jim, which books/authors have influenced you the most and why?

2)  Your knowledge of history, including economic history, is remarkable.  Which would be your top 3-5 book recommendations to someone desiring to gain an appreciation of economic history such as your own?

3)  Which current economic writers/market followers do you follow and why, even if you do not necessarilly agree with them?

BTW Adam

I just happened to see your solicitation for questions for Jim Rogers under the recent comments section.  Once this was off the "recent comments" list, your request got buried in the website.  Is there a way to put that on the home page?  Otherwise, community members won't know to pose any questions

thanks

Brian

Chalmers Johnson, John Perkins, Michael Hudson, Derrick Jensen, Noam Chomsky, Gore Vidal would be my short list

V

I'd like to ask Steve Keen how long he thinks the debt deflation will last in America, how severe it will get, whether some countries will fare signficantly better than others (and if yes, which ones) and whether he thinks it will set up the possibility of hyperinflation down the road.

Adam

questions for James Kunstler

You've been talking about the perils of suburbia and peak oil for a long time.  Are you able to tell (either based on your website viewership or book sales, or from any other source)  what part of the country your teachings are gaining the most traction? 

It seems inevitable that the suburbs and 60 mile commutes (in places like Los Angeles) will die?  How do you think the surburbs in medium size communtiies like  the Capital Region NY will fair?

I don't hear you speaking much about storing food or gardening.  Is this part of your preparation for peak oil?

thanks  Blue

For both.....

What is the single most pressing issue facing us right now and what can we do about it?