Thoughts for the day

If gold is a barbaric relic, why is the state with the highest GDP called the Golden State? And why is the Denver Mint the top coin facility in the world?

Read your history books, and remember the years 1849 and 1858. The whole western United States expansion occurred after those dates. Blood, sweat, tears, and death went toward producing something of value, unlike an instantaneous computer key-stroke to create trillions of dollars out of thin air.

Today's "prospectors" work around the clock to build value for customers: smarter smart phones, better search engines, smaller computers, faster internet connections, and effective treatment for diseases. Their form of alchemy is transforming sand (silicon) into better communications, deeper knowledge, higher entertainment value, and better health.

These entrepreneurs should be left unfettered to create more value and generate prosperity for all of us, while increasing our quality of life. They are the growth engine of our global economy. They shouldn't be punished for bankers gone wild and politicians gone crooked.