To: Stock Farmer who wrote (53195 ) 5/20/2001 9:58:22 AM From: kvkkc1 Respond to Very reasonable response. I don't advocate anybody doing anything. I state my beliefs. People are free to ignore or read, makes no difference to me. I actually agree with a lot of your post. I don't think MO is going bankrupt unless gov't someday outlaws tobacco and alcohol. As far as buying and selling, covered calls, and once in a while call spreads are the only CSCO transactions I've made since my original purchase in 93. It's been a rough ride the last year, but I still believe there's money to be made in telecommunications. If you listen to the pundits, they all bury telecommunications as dead money. I think pure internet plays fit that mold. The large telecommunication providers will innovate and make money again imho. One other point, in spite of the claims of all these people owning stock/mutual funds, the average balances are much lower than a years salary for most. I don't have the reference handy, but have read it in a couple of different places. IBD periodically publishes statistics on the subject. That doesn't provide much income in the form of interest from fixed investments. I believe 80% of our population doesn't have anywhere near enough to retire comfortably or even above the poverty line. The small businesses, who provide the majority of US jobs, are not generous in their retirement plans, if they offer any. Not a slam on them, just a reality of the business. Government pensions for employees since 83/84? now rely on 401k's/FERS, not the old pensions system. I assume that many can't afford to contribute the necessary amounts to afford retirement as they either struggle to make current ends meet or live for the moment and figure the gov't will take care of them later. So the end of growth, definitely a possible theory, will be a large problem for the country if it in fact occurs.knc
