In 2008, Lehman Bros., Babcock& Brown etc. landed on 'Mayfair' that had 4 Hotels on it with a huge rental! They couldn't pay up hence they were out of the game. More players should of been out, but they all had IOUs owing to other players hence were allowed to stay. The banker (Ben is his name) took out more paper and the game went on. Round & round they went, and each time they passed "Go" they got $100 (read 'Bailout' money). 3 years later nothing has changed. No ones in jail except Maddoff ('coz someone had to go). The board is now filled with all the property all having 4 hotels on each, and the rent is astronomical on each. IOUs are off the charts, but Ben has taken out more 'paper' to keep the game going. Now picture this. Each country has their own monopoly game going with their own banks etc. They're funded/spotted/cashed up by the taxes from their people. The people are the spectators looking over the shoulders of the players - just like in a casino. The banks within each country have multiple IOUs between other banks on other monopoly games. The numbers on the IOUs are staggering to the point where they sound ridiculous - billion/trillion/quadrillion. As time goes by the players realise that the value of the paper that Ben has 'provided' has dropped lower and lower. Countries/governments that owe each other are now talking about paying each others IOUs via some 'side agreement' like Gold. Ben the Banker doesn't like it and his puppet masters call in the Bouncers (called NATO, CIA etc) to get everyone back in line (Venezuela/Iraq/Libya) The game(s) must continue, so now countries with some 'paper' money left are now lending to other countries that need more playing money (bailout) (re:Ireland/Greece etc.) It all looks pointless. Too many IOUs to everyone & vice-versa. Eventually all IOUs will be called upon but the 'paper' being paid means squat, as 'it's only paper'. Will 'the Fed' casino be allowed to go bust, or is there something afoot with a new 'better' casino about to be opened with 'better paper' backed by something tangible? That time is near.