It is perhaps a good thing that the dollar is not backed by gold. Many countries have dollars, and could easilly buy all the gold in the reserve, rather than buy products from here that would help the overall economy. Are you sure you want the dollar backed by gold then? It is backed by "our products" which is better. After all, we buy their products and help their economy, and expect the same in return. Using gold could easilly lead to a "trade imbalance" if they don't then use that gold to buy our products, and then more unemployment. Likewise, countries without much products, or even gold for that matter, need to use dollars to keep their economy/survival afloat. Gold is basically nothing more than a "high end", elite product/investment where money can be stored and it is only a matter of consciencness and trust which makes men beleive in it having an unnatural high value.

The quality of an item is not necessisarily a luxury. Some countries with large populations may concentrate more on quantity than quality. For an item to last a long time, it usually needs to be made with quality in mind, however the price for a quality item is a bit more than one made for the sake of being cheap itself.

With the tight economy, I have noticed how things are appreceiated more, not taken for granted, which is a very good thing.

About "Prepping". Food comes first. Don't think you can buy you way to survival with gold and silver, it may take any value or be worthless to people who need real goods or bartered work where your skills are your currency. I'm guesstimating, but gold might only be worth $100 an ounce in a shtf survival world.

Please make more cooking vids, i love them so much.

GROW SOMETHING. Get in touch with nature. Be more mature and responsible, grow at least some plant that you can eat or trade for something else you would like to eat. Start a few seedlings, have some fertile soil and sunlight. Or are you out of the loop?