Gold means independence. Gold allows the citizen to escape total reliance on the state-sponsored financial system. It's a perfect asset for ultimate protection, no matter how dicey things get. Gold's value may be affected by the U.S.'s economic performance, but far less than other assets. In fact, if the mainstream financial system breaks down gold maes up because people turn to gold .in a crisis.
Gold does best when everything else suffers.
Most people have their assets within the Wall Street - Washington financial axis. Many are totally dependent for retirement benefits and income from this alliance of government, business and central bank. It's where everybody keeps their money. That's because the people believe the government will always protect and take care of them. Of course the government wants to foster economic growth, prosperity, security and investment profits.