I wouldn't describe the US economy as 'premier' far from it. While it may be the worlds biggest by shear size it has substantial problems that by most plausible experts is becoming unfixable. I agree and think we are heading for more problems as our debt is growing. I use my wife's family along with mine. I see alot of people struggling and it looks bleak for most of them.Living pay check to pay check with no saving . Which to be honest is most Americans. Our government is <moderator: delete language> and our media only lets people here what they want to be heard.

 When 70% of GDP is government spending, when deficits climb by $1.3T/yr, when total debt and liabilities exceed $200T, when the economy continues to shift towards a low paid service sector economy then you have a basket case of an economy.  This job growth our government talks about is crap. The lower income job bracket Is where I see jobs. While I see alot of friends of  mine all suffer. The open check book our government is running is getting worse and worse. Now the  Iran  situation that scares the hell out of me. We can not afford another war.

All populations are resilient – matter of having to. There's nothing unique about americans. America is a great place and the people like me are proud to be Americans. The swagger we had is now gone we are a troubled nation with ever growing debt and separation between classes. The rich and poor the middle class will no longer exist in my eyes soon.

 It's getting to a point where I'm no longer surprised by what poly's and bankers will do to keep the FIAT ponzi scheme going. The longer it goes the worse the medicine will be at the other end. Here's the rub. There's money to be made in corners of any market regardless of the conditions. The challenge is always the right strategy to match the timing coupled with a risk appetite to suit. The current property market throws up opportunities everywhere.  That is true I like Charlotte and tell every one regardless of the current situation real estate is always good for me. It really just  depends on what I am doing and risk reward factor. Risk + strategy = reward and  or heartache just not sure which one . Great point though..

The problem is that this market, along, with all others, will get side swiped by the big correction in coming years. It'll hit different sectors of different markets at different times. How investors manage this will be interesting. I expect to see everything from; it's too hard lets bury our heads in the sand to others with complex hedging strategies. I have no doubt there's a correction coming. Absolutely none at all. Confused on this  last statement

The logic of it is irrefutable in my mind and many others smarter than mine. That's the least of my worries because it's relatively easy to develop a defensive position against it. What really worries me is if the correction is bad enough will it trigger conflict? The war mongers are already beating their drums. I just hope the common sense countering forces can prevail. There's 2 possible outcomes for the US (and other countries). I am hoping you are wrong here but some of this makes complete sense.

 They drop the ponzi scheme and let markets correct naturally through default and bankruptcy. Get rid of the debt and get back on a solid footing again could see a reinvigorated US. This could and should be the answer but not feeling to good about that. Outcome 2 is the worst case scenario. The ponzi scheme continues and draws to its natural conclusion – total collapse accompanied by social disorder and loss of control. War could be a real possibility in this case. That could drag on for years.

Note: Historically economic collapse has always ended badly. http://listverse.com/2010/08/10/10-great-financial-collapses-in-history/ If people think there is a magic bullet, an eloquent solution to debt on debt then your deluding yourself. The Pied Piper always gets paid!  I try to be rather optimistic which is hard some days. Looking around me and my immediate circle very few see or hear what you and others are speaking about . Which is the scariest part.