Comment Re:G-O-L-D Baby. (Score 1) 868
Gold has no practical value. The only reason some people are willing to spend money on it is because they like shiny things. I would suggest that things that actually have a practical value (food or oil for example) are a better store of value.
Gold is very practical. What makes it so valueable is the fact that it has uses in many situations and across different cultures. In a society interested in manufacture, gold can be made into a very thin conductor that doesn't corrode. Practically all societies adorn themselves or their possesions with jewelry, and gold is shiny and able to be easily crafted which makes it well suited to that. Gold does not corrode and can be melted to remove impurities and reformed into new uses when the old form goes out of style. It's easy to store and carry requiring no special containment or transport conditions.
It's important to base a currency on something static, whatever that may be. As it is now, once I get my paycheck, it's worth less than it was when I worked for it. Until something changes, it isn't a bad idea to buy whatever you know you will need as soon as it is practical. Buying your grocieries as far in advance as you can is a good idea. At some point, the system will collapse. How hard is uncertain, but things can't go on like this. Ammunition might be a good investment. Even if thre is a bloodless revolution, you can still use the rounds for hunting or self defense. For the long term, gold is still the best bet, though.