here's where I differ from you conspiracy guys.
you see hydra sitting on it's throne of power, behind the scenes, moving chess pieces around controlling the whole world.

I don't see it that way. I look at it in the same way I'd look at weather.
A ZILLION tiny factors , constantly changing, to produce the current results.
Some blame the 'weather god'...or even more ridiculous HAARP..

I blame cold fronts..

Same thing with the world's economy today..

and by the way...everything is getting better and better for everyone.
today IS the 'good old days'.
its never been a better time to be alive...