"He said" - Seriously, who do they think we are?

For those who remember, I made a trip to Dubai last year (for work) and was witness to the most amazing fireworks the world has ever seen.

Upon returning, I told lots of friends and family that Dubai is a bubble about to pop. The amount of development there defies all reason and logic. There is simply NO WAY that such grandiose development can be backed by ACTUAL MONEY... and must therefore be a farce of epic proportions. I mean, seriously, they are building islands (not just building ON islands... but building islands in the ocean... and THEN building on them) and selling bars of gold in the airport! Sound like a fairy tale?

It turns out, my gut feeling was right.

I love how that article ends:

Real estate investment may not soon return to pre-2009 levels, said Woertz, the economist, but he warned against dire predictions.

"Dubai is here to stay. It will not vanish into the sea," he said.

He said? Seriously? He said? We're supposed to feel better about all of this because "he said" so?

It's funny, because I come from a line of thinking which suggests that statements of this kind are required to have intelligent data behind them in order for them to be taken seriously. Sadly, countless people have made empty claims just like those from "Woertz The Economist" and have continued to suck in more and more fools, ready to part with their money.

This article causes me to wonder... IF I CAN SEE THIS CHARADE AND I AM NOT A FINANCIAL GURU... then WHO IS RUNNING THIS CIRCUS?

The world economy is teetering on the brink of cataclysmic doom.

So, since I seem to be smarter than the fine people who are building Dubai or bailing out banks and auto manufacturers, let me go ahead an educate you:

You cannot spend more than what you make and expect it to end well. It will not end well. Ever. The only positive choice is to live within your means. Sadly, in addition to that truth, the poor are paying the price for the thieves and liars who receive bailouts and build emerald cities on islands made from thin air.

To all of the foolish (and greedy) investors out there, I'd like to caution you. Building something from nothing, and then watching it crumble... that is the least of your worries. Your greater concern should be the millions of people you allowed to starve, rot, and fester in order to build your lie.

Kingdoms are not built for free, and flagrant inhumanity will not go unanswered.

There are no free rides.

Be prepared for what this may actually cost you.

In the meantime, for the poor and suffering of the world, may God have mercy.