RE: US $ will eventually slideAs devastating as Katrina has been, we must also remember that this is still August and September is usually the peak month for huricanes. It's almost inconceivable that we will get through September (and October) without other significant storms and damage. So, the scenario you depict may well get even worse.
From some of the commentary here, tt seems that some of you have read "The Coming Collapse of the Dollar and How to Profit from It" by James Turk and John Rubino. It, or a similar treatise, is well worth the read for those investing in this sector and also provides much food for thought for anyone.
PIB