I'd agree with your last sentence if you substituted 'goldbugs' for 'paperbugs' :) Some history for you: A USD until 1971 represented a thing. It was redeemabl

I'd agree with your last sentence if you substituted 'goldbugs' for 'paperbugs' :) Some history for you: A USD until 1971 represented a thing. It was redeemable for a specific weight of gold. After Nixon shock it become a concept. It is now only backed by the 'idea' that someone will exchange their goods or services in the future for the paper you hold - or the full faith and credit of the USG if you prefer. The value of the USD is only in the prices placed on the goods. If someone refuses to trade an item with you for your USD then what value is the dollar? If you also read up on Triffin's Dilemma, you will understand why the US must run a perpetual trade deficit - to provide lubricating dollars for world trade. So there are many many many more dollars in circulation than can lay claim to physical goods in this world. Eventually all paper money returns to its intrinsic value (Voltaire!). When it happens to the USD, it's going to be a doozy!