Gold is about 32 thousand dollars a pound. I know. I just looked it up. It might be off a few dollars. It doesn’t matter. I don’t think I’ll be buying that much.

The point is, let’s imagine that you are in the mountains of North Carolina and surrounded by the recent floods. Let’s say you can’t get away from your home. However, some kind man approaches you and he makes an offer. In one hand he holds a half pound of gold and in the other he holds a half pound of food.

He holds them out to you. You can have one or other. Which one would you want? How much is the gold worth at that point and how much is the food worth?

The reason I bring this up is to provoke thought. Every day, dozens of times a day, I hear these ads, “Buy gold. It will help in the case of disaster.”

So, I have put you in a disaster. For many, it is a very real disaster. So, are they clamoring for gold or do they want food. Some might even already have gold. None the less, they ask for water and they ask for food. After that, they ask for shelter.

The gold might look really nice but you can’t eat it. The silver is pleasing to the eye. However, it will not quench your thirst.

I am sure, most of those who are trapped in those flood conditions are far more interested in sustenance than any form of wealth. Those who were wise likely have enough water for maybe week. Hopefully, they have enough food to last a while.

On the other hand, my guess is that they have little of either. You make them an offer of gold, most of them would likely look at you as if you’re strange. Give them food and water and you’ve just made a friend.

The fact of the mater is, gold and silver are only worth what people will pay for it. Sometimes, that is nothing.