I am out right now for the record The reality is the world is still running even with the PIIGS in the crapper. What is happening right at this moment, even if there was never any growth again, is that the coal, oil, food etc being consumed is what it is. The population of the world is growing so it is INEVITABLE there will be more consumption or at the least a steady consumption of commodities from now till however long it lasts. THAT IS THE REALITY! Even in a depression people need housing, transportation, fuel, food, water and clothing, maybe less, but they still require it. The short term is just that short term, the reality is a stated. Eventually we will all be dealing with less, it is impossible to continuing growing like this, the planet can not take it.