The latest hysteria regarding the US economy failing is vaguely reminiscent of the Y2K scare but the contributing factors are much more diverse, serious, and real.

It is hard to ignore the facts, but it is also difficult to not succumb to self-fulfilling prophecies. The current housing crisis became one once the morons at the mainstream media outlets decided that their celebrity news and related soft journalism was much more fun when it included fear mongering. Tipping points as such only end up with a deluge of panic.

Report a money shortage and there will be runs on banks.

Report a big weather event coming and people clean out retailers like it were Christmas Eve prior to the expansive and efficient shipping supply networks of the new millennium.

Report a food shortage and there will be one due to the sharp increase in demand.

Even rational people have to partake in the mob mentality because the ‘ostrich head in the sand’ approach does no good. Self-preservation and self-interest has always been motto of humanity. We, as a species, almost always value our own lives and those of blood relatives above those of others. Derivation from such innate instincts is often regarded by society as heroism and sacrifice.

The storm clouds of economic collapse seem to be gathering. The question on my mind right now - are there any silver linings anymore? With these seemingly insurmountable forces closing in, most everyday things seem almost pointless. Not meaning to be morose or defeatist - just realistic.