The Secret to Amplifying
the Attention-Getting Power
of Your Next Headline
Dear Business-Builder,
What are you doing reading this?
You should be somewhere else — thanking a soldier, for instance.
I see — you’re a workaholic, too; right?
You’re focusing on ways to make a bundle so you can pay more taxes so Washington will take better care of our returning vets?
Oh — alrighty then, I salute you.
So here’s a fun little idea that has made me a bunch of money over the years …
Say you’re at the point where you have to write the ultimate headline for your new promotion.
So what do you do?
Well, most writers begin by writing something that contains the benefit the product offers.
Or maybe you decide to begin with a headline that’s dripping with intrigue and irony. A John Carlton “How a bald-headed barber saved my hair” kind of thing.
Or maybe you’re playing with one of the 42 other headline idea-starters I covered in those DVDs of the Power Marketing Summit you borrowed from a friend.
Here’s a thought — why not NOT do any of that?
Why not open your browser and search Google Images instead?
See, if there’s anything that’ll punch up the power of a headline, it’s a photograph that amplifies its emotional intensity.
Some time ago, for example, I decided to go to my rich old white male conservative investor prospects with a headline that read, “The DEMOCRATS are Coming!”
The deck copy of course, explained why that’s bad … and why reading the bookalog could save you from the plagues that are about to descend upon all of our houses: Higher taxes, bigger government, less privacy, more regulation, and of course, an economic and stock market catastrophe of Biblical proportions.
Still though, the copy just didn’t quite do it for me — and at first, I couldn’t figure out why.
Then, it struck me. My prospect isn’t afraid of “Democrats” — he’s terrified of specific liberals and their harebrained schemes for his life. Like Hillary. And Obama. And Howard Dean. And Teddy Kennedy. And Charlie Rangel.
So I jumped online and found images of each of these miscreants … added them to the headline … and — voila! — the headline came alive.
Take a look …
Big difference. Right?
So the other morning, I was working on a piece that sets Fed chief Ben Bernanke up as the bad guy responsible for the plunging dollar and rising inflation. And since I didn’t have the first clue what my headline would be, I decided to start by scanning Google Images for photos of Mr. Bernanke.
Here are three — all in the same vein …
Now — what do you suppose Mr. Bernanke is PRAYING about?
Is he praying that foreign investors won’t figure out that buying US treasuries is a sure-fire way to get your head handed to you after inflation and taxes?
Is he beseeching the Almighty to keep the greenback from getting hammered — again — on the world currency market?
Maybe it’s just before the CPI numbers are about to be issued and he’s praying that they’ll stay low for just one more quarter?
Or is he begging God NOT to let anyone figure out how phony his inflation numbers really are?
Perhaps he’s just praying that my prospect does NOT read my promotion and discover how violently he’s getting screwed.
What’s your take? Think you can write a headline that leverages this photo to knock one out of the park?
Here’s another pic of Bernanke that has potential …
Looks like he’s telling a whopper — right? Instead of showing us how big that fish he caught was, maybe he’s illustrating how big that inflation club he’s beating us with is.
What kind of headline would you write for this photo?
OK — so the lesson for today is, photographs have enormous emotional power. And when combined with a powerful headline, they can amplify the attention-getting power of your lead exponentially.
And your ASSIGNMENT for today is this:
Give me your best headlines to go with these photos and if I think yours is best, I’ll send you something real nice.
Happy Memorial Day — now go hug a soldier.
Yours for Bigger Winners, More Often,
Clayton Makepeace
Publisher & Editor
THE TOTAL PACKAGE™
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111 Comments »
Join the Discussion!
Let us know what you think. Or ask us anything. Or offer your own sage advice.
The only rule: RESPECT THIS HOUSE! Postings that contain abusive language and/or personal attacks will be cheerfully VAPORIZED. One cross word and – POOF! – your well-thought-out post will be gone in a puff of smoke.
– Clayton
Comment by Joachim Klehe — May 26, 2008 @ 9:34 am
"I’m telling you, my nose will only get to be this long and no longer! Really! Trust me!"
Comment by Reed — May 26, 2008 @ 9:38 am
Bernanke whopper pose–
suggested title- - - - "I was once this close to being right."
Comment by Derek Naylor — May 26, 2008 @ 10:21 am
"What fed chief Bernake Prays You Won’t Discover and How To Prepare for The Next Big Blow The U.S. Dollar Is Going To Take"
Or how ’bout:
"When our fed Chief and most of Washington Do Nothing But Pray for a Turnaround, Elite Investors Use These 14 Secrets To "Bernake Proof" Their Dollars."
Comment by Roy Everitt — May 26, 2008 @ 10:35 am
"I just hope to God no one sees me praying!"
"The deficit? About this many zeros."
Comment by Kevin Adam — May 26, 2008 @ 10:37 am
Hi Clayton,
How about this:
"Bernancke’s New Strategy: Pray Your Way to Solvency!"
Could be the only strategy for millions of Americans…
Kevin
Comment by lukas — May 26, 2008 @ 10:39 am
wow, sorry mr. makepeace, but that print is really..junior! and bad in sooo many ways, we did this funny collages on primary school. shame :/
Comment by Michelle Lord — May 26, 2008 @ 10:40 am
For last photo: No Fooling - Foot long subs are only $5.00 at Subway!
Comment by Kenneth Holmes — May 26, 2008 @ 10:42 am
Bernake’s… Hopeful Economic Recovery?
Comment by Bonnie — May 26, 2008 @ 10:47 am
How about:
"Dear God, now who do I blame???"
Comment by Dan Eitreim — May 26, 2008 @ 10:49 am
Praying hands headline. "Please make them stop calling me a bonehead and I promise to start thinking through my decisions!"
Separated hands headline. "I deserve this job…I read a book this thick once!"
Comment by Daryl Thompson — May 26, 2008 @ 10:50 am
For the last photo:
"Darn! I was THIS CLOSE to getting us all out of this mess ALIVE!"
Comment by ann-marie giglio — May 26, 2008 @ 11:06 am
Prayer photos:
Bernanke Seeks Divine Intervention
Comment by Maciej Rydel — May 26, 2008 @ 11:11 am
Dear Lord, Thank you that I didn´t damage anything today yet.
Comment by Larry Foster — May 26, 2008 @ 11:15 am
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep..
When I Wake Up, They’ll Still be Sheep
Comment by Michelle Kapty — May 26, 2008 @ 11:21 am
First of all Lukas, relax, Clayton was just proving how easy it can be to create a great headline from use of a picture…for some newbies out there it is a good learning tool…and a little fun for the rest of us who know what fun is.
"But seriously folks, my lie was only THIS big…"
Comment by Clarke Echols — May 26, 2008 @ 11:28 am
I’m new to headline writing, but here’s my feeble attempt, using the "additional" picture with his
hands held up as if telling a fish-tale whopper:
Headline: Be Afraid of a certain bearded man with a bald head and
Wearing an expensive business suit… Be very afraid… Because You Know He’s Lying Again –
And Your Entire Life of Toil and Sacrifice…
Of Careful Saving and Prudent Investing…
Is About to Go Up in Smoke Unless…
Comment by Stephanie — May 26, 2008 @ 11:33 am
LOL Michelle Lord! Loved it! But since competition is the cornerstone of good business, I’ll have to come back with:
"I got a foot-long at Quiznos with more meat than Subway, and it’s still only 5 bucks."
Comment by Rob — May 26, 2008 @ 11:35 am
Depending on what you are trying to sell:
Ben says…no, really…this is one male enhancement product that really works!
Your Economic Future is in Jeopardy! Ben throws up his hands and finally admits…I don’t know what the heck I’m doing!
Run For the Hills! Ben says…we’re just this close to turning this economy around!
Trust me…liberals care about you this much…no really…I mean it, just ask ‘em.
This is how far we’ve come in totally destroying the U.S. economy.
Comment by John Scola — May 26, 2008 @ 11:35 am
When Mark Twain said, "Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are more pliable…"
He was probably talking about this man
(picture of Big Ben Bernanke)
Discover Why 99% of the Americans Will be Kissing Their Ass Goodbye Next Year:
$300 for a barrel of sweet crude oil
$15 dollars for a gallon of regular gasoline
$3000 for a ounce of goldAnd much, much worst…
But you won’t care…
Here’s how you can finally tap into gains of up to 433% every time "Helicopter Ben" speaks…
Comment by Deanna Sykes — May 26, 2008 @ 11:56 am
Don’t know what you’re selling, but assuming it’s something to make money, here’s my headline - goes with any of the praying hands pics:
"What’s Your Strategy for Stretching your Shrinking Dollar? (Maybe it’s time to get serious about that little side business of yours…)
Comment by Conversion Copywriter — May 26, 2008 @ 11:59 am
"The Road To HELL Is Paved With Good Intentions.
LORD HELP US!
They All Laughed At Me When I Told Them It Was This Big
But Then I Showed Them
If My Brain Is A Pea
Then, This Is The Deficit
Comment by Peter Lampert — May 26, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
Hi Mr. Makepeace,
nice lesson!
My 4 Headlines for the photo Mr.Bernanke is praying:
"The dollar is low as never before in history. Foreigners invade our country and buy what keeps the stuff. - How you can profit?"
Or:
"The dollar is low as never before in history. Bernanke prays that China don’t buy-out America with his war chest in the amount of 1400 Billion Dollar! - How you can make big profits?
Or:
"Bernanke desperates: The dollar is low as never before. The world crashes on America like hornets! Stand America before the biggest buy-out in History?
Or:
"The dollar is low as never before in history. Foreigner buy like hell and china has a war-chest with 1400 billion Dollar! - Stands America before a buy-out?"
For the second picture, my headlines:
"Bernanke shows: America is nearing the abyss! The dollar is low as never before in history and foreigners buy like hell! - How you can profit?"
Or:
"Bernanke is desperate and do not know further: Is America before the abyss? - How you can secure your money and benefit?"
Greetings from Germany
Peter Lampert
Comment by Michael Zipursky — May 26, 2008 @ 12:10 pm
Great idea Clayton. Had to get in on this…
Comment by Brian Andrews — May 26, 2008 @ 12:10 pm
If You Truly Understood The ‘God-Like’ Power This Man
Holds Over YOUR Financial Future…And How He Plans
To Use It Against You In The Coming Weeks… I Guarantee You’d Drop Whatever You’re Doing Right Now And Devour Every Last Strategy I Reveal In This Short Report About How To Stop Him NOW…
Before It’s Too Late!
Comment by Pat Becker — May 26, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
Bernanke’s praying:
Please Don’t Tell Mama!
The Kids Aren’t Going To Summer Camp This Year
Comment by Jay Milliorn — May 26, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
I pray gas prices dont rise to much this next month BUT if you only drive "this much" you should be OK! LOL
Comment by Pat Becker — May 26, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
I’m hugging my soldier next weekend before he leaves a wife and two boys to go to Iraq.
Bernanke hands wide:
Master Storyteller Spins Another Whopper
Get The Truth About Where Your Dollars Are Going
Comment by Ron — May 26, 2008 @ 12:50 pm
I’d like to submit the following headline regarding his podium position with hands spread apart (the last picture):
Do you know what Fed Chairman Ben Bernacke is measuring? Inside: The definitive game plan for protecting your assets from the Fed’s upcoming secret actions.
Clayton, that’s about all you’re going to get from me on a holiday.
Keep up the great work!
Comment by Jon Rozek — May 26, 2008 @ 1:13 pm
Why is the Fed Praying When It Should Be Leading?
Don’t make your own investing an act of faith. Instead, see inside how you can follow a clear, profitable path through these tough economic times….
Comment by Tom — May 26, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
At Last: The Politician Doll Is In Full Production!
Pull The String Behind The Back And See……
It Tells Lies For Thirty Seconds And Then Watch…….
All The Hair On The Head Falls out!
I just could not pass up on this one!
Comment by Tom — May 26, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
More serious !
"I Am A Rat! About this much bigger than normal roof rats."
Or
" I can stretch my rubber check book this much"
Or
"My next decision is going to take a bite out of your a**, and it is going to be about this big"
Comment by Lori Matisse — May 26, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
Clayton,
This was a great exercise!
Praying for the dollar to rise? Even Bernanke knows to invest in foreign markets. Learn his secrets in the following report.
Bernanke has told a lot of fish stories in the past about inflation. Why not follow his own investing strategies and get answers to all those late night prayers?
Quit praying… invest like Bernanke.
Last one… silly as it is. Bernanke leads the morning prayer, "Thank God I put my money underneath the mattress last night."
Comment by John McCabe — May 26, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
Bernanke, hands spread:
(caption)
"I promise that a dollar’s worth of gas will take you at least this far!"
(Headline)
Will This Man’s Promises Put You in the Poor House?
Comment by Dave D — May 26, 2008 @ 2:42 pm
Headline for praying photo:
Bernanke Can Print Money And Pray You Don’t Catch On…
…But His RECKLESSNESS Is Quickly Ruining You!!!
Fish photo:
HOW BIG IS THE LIE THAT BERNANKE IS TELLING YOU ABOUT INFLATION TODAY???
Comment by Mark Schwandt — May 26, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
Hello folks,
Not sure the exact positioning of Ben’s follies, but here goes,
1st pic)
REVEALED: The policy fumble that’s been bringing Bernake’s hands together…and the economy to its knees!
2nd pic)
Ben separates his hands for a moment to show how far Americans will have to stretch every dollar to make up for his ineptness.
Comment by David — May 26, 2008 @ 3:13 pm
Bernanke praying photos – headline:
Are You Attending The Dollar’s Funeral?
The Cause Of Death Has Been Ruled A Homicide.
Bernanke hands & speech photos – 2 headlines:
1/ What Are These Hands Doing To Your money?
2/ Would You Let Colonel Sanders Babysit Your Chicken?
Comment by David — May 26, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
Correction:
1/ What Are These Hands Doing To Your money?
*The headline is in 14pts … but the word money is in 8pt. - the font size adjustment didn’t work.
Comment by Larry Foster — May 26, 2008 @ 3:19 pm
Dear Lord, forgive Allen Greenspan for the mess he gave me.
(Hands spread picture.)
If only Greensapan had left us this much wiggle room…
I could have gotten out of this mess.
Now, prayer is the only option.
Comment by Joe C — May 26, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
A Prayer For The Dying Dollor
Lord Help Us… Has it come to This?
Comment by Phillip H B — May 26, 2008 @ 3:25 pm
Hi Mr. Makepeace,
Some ideas that came to me - but you already have tons of good suggestions! Thanks,
Here are four of my headlines as captions to the images:
Bernancke: Your Dollar will only loose this much value in the next 6 months!
Did I say the dollar lost only this much value? Sorry….the bad news is… Lets put our hands together and pray that the greenback doesn’t sink in the next 6 months…
Oh Father, let the Dollar be worth more than a Quarter this Quarter.
Cheers,
Phillip H
Comment by Joe C — May 26, 2008 @ 3:39 pm
WWI - Guilty as charged. Writing while intoxicated… thats me.
That is a Prayer for the dying DOLLAR.
Sorry, had a few beers. Bad idea, mixing holiday fun with a communication contest…
Happy Memorial day to all!
Comment by David — May 26, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
This is a blast … another one popped up.
Bernanke hands & speech photos:
"Some Pickpockets Don’t Wear Pinkie Rings"
Comment by David Philips — May 26, 2008 @ 3:54 pm
As politicians promise more taxes and bigger government, Ben Bernanke prays you won’t discover the truth about your loss.
Really, I only intended to increase the money supply this much.
Comment by Joe C — May 26, 2008 @ 4:44 pm
" Heck, Voodoo Economics Worked…
Can’t Hurt Praying "
Comment by Yoav — May 26, 2008 @ 4:49 pm
For the prayer image -
Head:
"Thank you lord for giving me the wisdom to SHORT the dollar back in January…"
SubHead :
Discover 10 Investment Strategies that Bernanke wishes he could employ on his own finances (but that would send him to directly to prison for using insider information)
Deck
-Discover what you can do NOW that’s even better than SHORTing the dollar on January
-See why a recent change in international FOREX trading makes THIS middle-eastern currency a gold mine
-And much more
DISCLAIMER
Clayton - I have zero knowledge of stock options and trading , so I hope I didn’t mess up the terms…but I just couldn’t resist this contest
Comment by Sharon B. — May 26, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
(Bernanke praying)"Now I lay me down to restI pledged that I would do my bestTo keep inflation’s truths from showingNow PLEASE, God–make my nose stop growing!"
Headline:"BERNANKE’S LIES HAVE GUTTED YOUR FUTURE–STOP THE CARNAGE NOW WITH THESE THREE SIMPLE STEPS."
Comment by Sharon B. — May 26, 2008 @ 5:09 pm
ARRRGH! Lost the format!! Does anyone know how to keep this from happening? Thanks!
Comment by Bob F. — May 26, 2008 @ 5:15 pm
Ok Clayton,
For the clasped hands-"Dear Lord, Please let me impress Oprah with my style. Maybe she’ll invite me to be on her show".
And the second one -" If it weren’t for Prep… H, I’d be in this much pain".
Comment by Doug C — May 26, 2008 @ 6:11 pm
"When the dollar is this big, everything will be ok again!"
Comment by Tia Dobi — May 26, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
(prayer pix header)
Why Is The Fed Chief Praying?Is it because he hopes you won’t find out about…
10 Changes at the Federal Reserve Following this November’s Election that the Government Doesn’t Want You To Know
(pix #2 header)
"Regarding the Great Depression. You’re right, we did it. We’re very sorry. But thanks to you, we won’t do it again…"
Click here for the FREE report "6 Ways the Fed Chief Could Be Draining Your Stock Portfolio Today."
P.S. Thanks Clayton for giving us a forum to use our brains.
Comment by Sharon — May 26, 2008 @ 6:30 pm
Here Clayton,
How’s this one:
"I pray that my wallet will, at least, get this much thicker."
or….
"OH Lord, I pray that my noes will be back to normal. Because if it gets any longer than this, I’m gonna start praying that I am a reall boy. Ah……I mean, man."
Comment by Mitchell Dominguez — May 26, 2008 @ 6:33 pm
Headline #1 For the Triple Photo:
The Time For Belief In Our Monetary System
IS REALLY OVER!
Review Our Solutions.
Your Highly NEEDED Portfolio "CHANGES"
Are Finally Here.
Headline #2 For The Second Photo:
This Man Cannot Save You Anymore!
Our Financial System Is Really
BROKEN THIS TIME!!
Here Are The 3 Ways
To Save & Remarkably Grow
Your Finances Before
The End Of 2008!
Comment by Todd — May 26, 2008 @ 6:40 pm
Clayton, Surely you cannot fear the Democrats so. It’s 7 years of the Neos that have created this mess. I think the Reps generally say: "it is your own stars Horatio that have screwed you" while the Dems say "the system screwed you - let’s fix it." Surely there is truth in BOTH of these positions. Can we not talk and find that common ground? Or are we doomed to continual inane grand-standing? Todd
Comment by Joe C — May 26, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
Let’s Pray Bernanke Gets a Clue
Comment by Dave D — May 26, 2008 @ 6:55 pm
Barb weighed in with this for the praying hands:
Bernanke Implores You To Trust Him To Right The Economy…
…What Price Are YOU Paying By Banking On Him?
Protect Yourself And Your Family By Implementing The Strategies In This REPORT!
Comment by Michael Cooney — May 26, 2008 @ 7:42 pm
(praying hands)
‘God help us all’
invokes Fed Chairman Bernanke
What does he know that you don’t?
Inside: Proof that Bernake "cooked the books,"
and why he now knows IT’S TOO LATE to…
–halt the dollar’s slide towards becoming
the "North American Peso"
–etc. etc.
Or…
Fed Chairman’s last ditch effort:
Praying for recovery…
as the once-mighty U.S. Dollar rushes headlong
into oblivion and becomes the
"North American Peso"
Ben Bernanke already knows IT’S TOO LATE to stop the freefall
Learn what you must do NOW–THIS VERY DAY–to protect your life savings and make "sure-thing" investments that rocket upwards every time the Dollar slides further into the abyss.
Comment by Chick J — May 26, 2008 @ 8:11 pm
But President Clinton told me it was this long.
(I couldn’t resist such a straight line. : - })
Comment by David Foley — May 26, 2008 @ 8:28 pm
OK, just for fun … and maybe for the prize.
This is intended for the "wide hands" photograph, the last in the series.
Pre-head: Bernanke at Senate hearings
Headline:
"All I know is that Clayton Makepeace and his posse of cunning linguists just make the problem this big and, that, Senator, is not the truth."
Lead:
Inside: Why the Chairman of the Federal Reserve shakes in his boots when a freelance 50-something writer posts a message on his blog.
Comment by Kevin — May 26, 2008 @ 8:44 pm
Regarding the "praying" pics (I especially like the top-right one)…
"Please Alan, If You’re Listening… I Could Sure Use Some Help Right About Now!"
Comment by Nick — May 26, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
"It’s going to take a miracle to fix this economy"
" FED chairmen calls for divine intervention to fix the broken economy"
"Thank god they’re going to blame this whole mess on Bush"
Comment by Janice — May 26, 2008 @ 9:16 pm
Praying hands
If You’re Depending OnThis Man,
You Don’t Have A Prayer.
Save Yourself With Proven Strategies
That Will Earn a Mountain of Money While The Dollar Tanks
Comment by Nick Teetzel — May 26, 2008 @ 10:11 pm
Baranke predicts Massive Panic Outbreak
after releasing … Latest Inflation Target!
Comment by Harun — May 26, 2008 @ 10:13 pm
Bernanke’s Bold-Faced Lies!
While testifying before Congress and the American public – promising us that his top priority was the Economy and that he’d do everything in his power to reign in inflation and get us back on track …
Instead, he primed up the printing presses and bailed out Bear-Sterns and further enriched his Wall Street buddies …
… He blatantly disregarded every American’s wishes and continued to rape the Dollars value by lowering interest rates and encouraging record high gas and food prices…
Inside this special bulletin:
Seven simple steps you MUST take right now to protect your portfolio from Bernanke’s continued bloodbath…Go for gains of up to 741% thanks to this secret investment vehicle that was formerly reserved for the ultra-rich…
Comment by John P — May 26, 2008 @ 11:10 pm
After going through my swipe file of many of the greatest headlines ever written to get the juices flowing and seeing some that could be used with the prayer pictures:
"Banking Secrets That Banks Don’t Want Published!"
Or…
"Can You Pass This Money Test?"
I decided to go with
"Fed Chairman Prays You Don’t Find Out What New Report Reveals About Making Money In The Upcoming Recession…It Could Cost Him His Job!"
The picture of him with hands spread was a bit more challenging but I decided on
"How Much Do You Want To Grow Your Investment Portfolio?…
17 Inflation Beating Ideas Can Be Yours Inside Of 10 Minutes!"
New E-Book Gives 17 New Buisness Ideas That Work In Growing Economic Times…Even Better During A Recession
Comment by Dean M — May 26, 2008 @ 11:28 pm
We might have a winner here but I’m biased.With praying hands: “When the FED chief is praying for a miracle you should too” “Be afraid, he thinks he has God on his side” “This is your answer to Bernake’s prayers”Open hands: “You’ll need a stack of $10 this thick to fill up your gas tank” “Oh my God what have I done?” or better yet “Oh my God what have I started?”
Comment by Mel McCormick — May 26, 2008 @ 11:52 pm
Bernanke Catches the BIG ONE… the $150 Billion Stimulus Package… Only to Release it to China…
Comment by Kevin Dawson — May 27, 2008 @ 12:01 am
First photos:
"Dear God, What Have I Unleashed on the American People?"
Second:
"You’ve Got This Much of a Chance Shielding Yourself … Better Move Quick!"
Comment by John — May 27, 2008 @ 12:18 am
I Prayed For Forgiveness For Keeping You This Far From The Truth.
Comment by David Philips — May 27, 2008 @ 1:37 am
Second effort at 2;30 in the morning. amazing what your mind comes up with.
First set of photos:
Please God don’t let the American people find out the truth about the socialization of our economy and the loss of value of their money and investments.
Learn how to protect yourself from the falling dollar and rising inflation.
If you wait just so looong everything will return to normal.
Comment by Phillip H B — May 27, 2008 @ 1:58 am
Sorry - couldn’t resist:
We’re still THIS far away from economic Armageddon… Are you also praying with Bernanke? Hoping that the Dollar doesn’t die out this Summer? Bernanke needs more than faith to save your dollar from Global extinction.
Comment by Benedict Paul — May 27, 2008 @ 4:05 am
Hi Clayton and the TP Gang:Here’s my take. Happy Memorial Day to everyone. Sincerely, Ben (No, not thaaaat guy!) - - - - - - - <<<< Collage Image >>>>Option 1HEADLINE: Fed Chief Or America’s Praying Mantis?SUBHEAD: How You Can Protect Your Home And Hard-Earned Money From The Federal Cannibalization Of The Dollar Option 2HEADLINE: “Pray, BENd Over America….”SUBHEAD: Kiss Your Financial A**e Goodbye Or Get This Man’s Grubby Hands Off Your Dollars With This Special Report AND “Fed-Proof” Your Home…Starting TODAY! <<<< Standalone Image >>>>Option 1HEADLINE: Could This Be America’s Public Enemy #1?SUBHEAD: Special Report Reveals The Secrets To Protecting Your Home And Your Dollars From The Mob Boss Of The Federal Recession Mafia Option 2HEADLINE: “Reverend Recession Wants To Condemn Your Dollars To Hell….”SUBHEAD: Special Report Reveals Secrets To Protecting Your Home From The Sins Of The Fed AND A Shortcut To Greenback Heaven - - - - - - -
Comment by Kerryj Jacoby — May 27, 2008 @ 6:35 am
For the "praying" set of pics:
INFLATION……THE DOLLAR IS PLUMMETTING…..
GAS GOING HIGHER EVERY DAY…….
FEARS OF RECESSION……
[PICTURE]
Even Fed Chief Ben Bernanke knows the answer isn’t in his hands….it’s in HIS.
The solution won’t come from the White House, or the Houses of Congress. It’s where it’s always been….in the House of God.
Now, more than ever. Pray for your nation.
And for the hands outstretched picture:
Fed and Washington establishment to Congress: Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain! Your electric car will only go THIS far before having to be recharged! AND it’s hazardous to your health!
Comment by David — May 27, 2008 @ 6:40 am
I’ve got my headlines in but I can’t resist going after the Fed a little further. It might make people mad enough to create new content.
Most Americans know they are getting screwed - they just don’t understand how or realize how bad. Our Gov has conned them into believing that a diabolical fraud is actually the way things are supposed to be - and it all started with the Fed.
The deception starts with the name "Federal" and it works because most people believe the Federal Reserve is a branch of the government. It’s not. The "Fed" is a private corporation chartered in Puerto Rico - that consists of a cartel of banks and the world’s wealthiest people. The deception is further supported by the traditional CEO appointment by the President, while no President ever appointed the head of this Cartel. He is handed a few names and picks the one they want - it’s nothing but another smoke ceremony that serves appearance. Can you imagine the Cartel forefathers like the Rockefellers, JP Morgan and the Bank of England handing over this authority to a moron like Bush - at the risk of having some Texas crony as CEO of their Banks!
Will of the people be damned, the Gov has given fiduciary authorities to the Cartel and oversight of the Cartel’s 12 "Federal" Reserve Banks throughout the states. This further legitimizes the "Fed Brand" as being part of the government and a "good faith actor" on behalf of the people.
The fraud was born about 100 years ago. The bankers polled their money and formed an offshore corporation; The Federal Reserve - with the sole purpose of financing the Gov and Military Industrial Complex - and collecting $Billions in interest. But they had one big problem to solve … if they could succeed it would mean making more money than anyone could ever imagine - forever. Problem: Where is all the $Billions in interest payments going to come from? Of course the American people were the target, but the Supreme Court had already ruled that a Direct Tax on income was unconstitutional. Money buys everything so …
Say hello to the 16th Amendment and the birth of the IRS. The Cartel paid off Senators and had a friend and personal lawyer (Knox) as Secretary Of State. He certified the ratification, but exhaustive research has "proven" that only "2" states voted for it! There were 48 states and 3/4 (36) were needed to amend our Constitution. The Gov has been petitioned many times over the years to produce proof of the 36 states and will not respond or even issue a statement. It just keeps taking our money under threat - not law. And 100 years later, where does all our federal income tax still go? You guessed it - interest on debt - $430 Billion "a year" as reported on 60 Minutes.
We don’t get a damn thing for paying federal income tax. Corporate tax has always covered the defense budget with many billions left over. You pay separate taxes for SS & Medicare - property & state taxes for schools and local entitlements - you pay for highways when you buy gas.
We’ve been scammed into working until April to make the Gov’s interest payments and they have conned the people into believing it’s normal and legal. And pulling the strings behind it all lies a Private Banking Cartel controlling all the money. Getting the Gov to illegally tax us for interest payments wasn’t enough for these bastards - then came credit card divisions. Payoffs to congress resulted in usury laws disappearing and another $35 billion a year in interest profit. It’s no accident that America has become a society of hamsters in an interest treadmill - and victims of the most diabolical and illegal scam ever perpetrated in our history.
When Bernanke and the Cartel act - what they are really doing is keeping a system going that keeps screwing us and making them rich. Did you know that the Fed issues stock? … Sorry, it’s by private invitation. You’ve heard about $30B going to Bear Stears but they issue money without any disclosure all the time. Bernanke and his board are the public face - no one, not even a President, knows who the big Cartel players are throughout the world.
Wow - I couldn’t stop writing. How’s all this for a headline?
Comment by Rob — May 27, 2008 @ 7:10 am
David…you are correct sir. For anyone who doubts what you say they should read the book…The Secrets of the Temple by William Greider. Great post but the longest headline I’ve ever seen!
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — May 27, 2008 @ 7:57 am
Great ideas, everyone, keep ‘em coming! I’ll announce the winner next Monday.
For the praying pics – how about …
"Please, God, don’t let my mama find out I’m Fed Chairman. She thinks I play piano in a cat house!"
Comment by Zack Fogarty — May 27, 2008 @ 9:25 am
Why Bernanke needs a miracle…
And where to hide your savings if God ignores him.
Comment by Joe C — May 27, 2008 @ 9:40 am
The Power of Prayer!Wow, so it was Divine Intervention that created from thin air, all those Bailout Billions for Wall Street
Comment by Adam — May 27, 2008 @ 11:43 am
OK, I’ll admit it… I’m a little confused. Are you?
This post is a bit like vegetarian lasagna - sure, you can get by on it… but you’re left scratching your head asking, "where’s the beef".
I started skimming through the responses and it looks like very few are actually headlines. Most are captions, if that. And I’m not surprised…
You can’t write a (direct response) headline without knowing what product you’re selling - or to what audience you’re selling it. That’s the problem with this post.
Without those two mouth-watering morsels we can spin our wheels till the cows come home (sticking with the beef theme) but we’re not going to generate anything that speaks to the reader.
I like SuperBowl commercials as much as the next guy… they’re entertaining, just like a lot of these responses. But wasn’t the challenge to develop a headline for a direct response piece?
Comment by Ernie — May 27, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
What exactly have finger nails to do with hair growth? See inside for Bernanke’s unique secret!
Comment by Ruth — May 27, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
Praying hands:
Do you think Chief Bernanke is praying about confiscating your
wealth to bail out the slipping real estate and banking industries?
Open Hands:
What does Chief Bernanke know about recession that we don’t–
that it is still likely in spite of recent stablization?
To all: This is the best country on earth. Let’s try to make it
better instead of grousing about it’s ills.
Comment by Brett — May 28, 2008 @ 3:00 am
Nice posts everybody. Can’t finish reading all them 80 posts above though. So I’m quickly putting in 2 headlines before resuming … :o)
Open Hands Headline:
""Read My Hands, What Can Be Sooo Breathtaking and Awesomely HUGE?" One Would Think Bernanke May Still Be Dreaming In His Bed… But Mark These Words, The Rippling Magnitude of The Coming U.S. Dollar CURRENCY DROP Will Be History’s Greatest Debacle The World Will Stand To Witness. Bigger Than The Black Monday of 80’s and More Far Reaching Than The Great Depression. Laugh, If You Are Ready To Profit Richly From This Rare But Immense Destruction. And Tune In To These Early Special Warnings, Painstakingly Filtered Into Sharp Writings From All The Blurs Around!"
Praying Pic Headline:
"Lets All Pray Only A Tiny Number Of Savvy Investors Are Around to Clean Up And Get Rich From This Round Of Financial Catastrophe, While The Uninformed Masses Get Screwed And Lose Their Shirts - Thanks To Me, Good Ol’ Wily Robin Hood Bernanke…"
Cheers All!
Comment by Seth Chong — May 28, 2008 @ 4:10 am
Can’t hold myself back from the storm of (hilarious) ideas that came… but here’s a partial expression
Praying:
"God, Spare Me from My Sins?"
And… lol… hands opened:
"If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands"
Comment by Seth Chong — May 28, 2008 @ 4:20 am
I like Kathy’s and Joe’s –
Kathy:
"But seriously folks, my lie was only THIS big…"
Joe:
"A Prayer For The Dying Dollar
Lord Help Us… Has it come to This?"
Now for some serious thought, will it be possible to know results from these few headlines if they’re going to be tested?
Will be really interesting. Thanks for the fun practice
Comment by John — May 28, 2008 @ 9:10 am
Bernanke prays you won’t uncover his lies - but you’re THIS CLOSE to the truth.
Comment by Michael Z — May 28, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
Comment by Fred Black — May 28, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
Some of these are great… and some are really funny! Here are mine…
For the praying hands photos… Headline:
Father, forgive me; for I know what I do…SubHead:
How the sins of the FED will visit the sons, and the four steps you must take right now to save yourself from becoming a pillar of salt in this Sodom and Gomorrah economy.
For the fish story photo… Headline:
I’m a Puppet on a String…SubHead:
Guarantee your financial future by discovering the puppeteers that pull the strings on the FED’s puppet – and - the exact financial prescription you need to double, triple, or even quadruple your income while everyone else is going broke and loosing their life savings from the FEDs blundering mistakes and greed?
Comment by Brett Pete — May 28, 2008 @ 6:31 pm
Oops, I forgot to add an afterthought to the Praying Pic Headline:
"Dear God, Please Save The People From Me, Good Ol’ Robber Hood Bernanke… For I Steal From The Poor Overworked Masses And Give To The Rich Luxuriating Bastards! See, I Have My Gold Watch To Prove My Success. Forgive Me For Quietly Bearming My Lifetime Achievement…"
This is bordering on disgust, I know… but that’s something deservingly reserved for the truly heartless characters who form the Feds.
Cheers All!
Brett
Comment by Dave D — May 28, 2008 @ 8:16 pm
Bernanke praying hands:
BERNANKE BEGS YOU TO BE ANOTHER GULLIBLE AND STUPID AMERICAN…BUT YOU’RE MORE INTELLIGENT THAN THAT!
I’m making money today and so can YOU!
I’ll send you an easy to follow guide with 7 top stategies to keep the FEDS out of your pocketbook.
Don’t lose another dollar to this recession…
TODAY IS THE DAY… START SHOWING ‘EM HOW SMART YOU REALLY ARE!!!
Comment by Joe C — May 28, 2008 @ 9:57 pm
Headline: I’d Be Praying Too
Subhead: This Man Has Created a Perfect Storm for The Biggest Financial Disaster in U.S. History
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — May 29, 2008 @ 9:22 am
Thanks everyone, fun stuff!
A few comments I should address:
First, I’ll post the winner in this space this weekend – NOT on Monday.
Second – this is to Lukas who noted that the image of the bookalog was really "Jr." – like the stuff he used to do in college. You’re right, buddy – it’s just a mock-up, NOT the final proof of the mail piece. I’ve used it for demonstration purposes only.
Third – to Todd, who feels we should not fear the Democrats and asks if we are doomed to continual inane grandstanding. Sorry, Todd, but if history has proven anything it’s that the Democrats in Washington are either idiots who don’t know how the economy works or so ambitious they’re willing to make promises to win them votes at the cost of destroying the economy.
The Republicans in Washington have committed an even more egregious sin. They’ve become Democrats.
And to Adam who says there’s no beef in this post … and that you can’t write a headline unless you know what you’re selling and to whom you’re selling it …
Maybe you missed my description of our prospect above: "rich old white male conservative investor prospects."
I plead guilty to failing to mention this was for a promotion selling a financial newsletter to investors.
I do agree with Adam, though … most of these ideas are interesting captions – not headlines. So keep the ideas coming!
Comment by John — May 29, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
(here’s one more)
Would you let this man tell "tall tales" (hands open picture) and bank your financial future on wishful prayers (praying picture) ?
Comment by Dave D — May 29, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
Or how about this:
Bernanke Prays You Won’t Discover He’s
Running…
THE BIGGEST PONZI SCHEME IN HISTORY !!!
Find Out Now How To Be At THE TOP
Of His Pyramid…
…And Walk Away FILTHY RICH…
When The Whole Thing COLLAPSES!!!
Comment by Fred Black — May 29, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
I reworked my previous two…
For the praying hands photos…
Headline:
Is Ben Bernanke Praying for Forgiveness or Guidance?
Subhead:
Will The Sins of the FED Bankrupt you too? Will you loose everything you’ve worked so hard for in this Sodom and Gomorrah economy? Fight back with proven key strategies you should implement AT ONCE. Shield your assets from loss. Generate exceptional profits from bedrock solid investment advice. While others loose it all, you’ll be one of the few giving thanks…
For the fish story photo…
Headline:
Ben Bernanke: Puppet on a String…
Subhead:
If you’re not shaking in your boots, you should be. Don’t leave your financial future in the hands of faceless puppeteers. Ben Bernanke should scare you sleepless. Protect your future with the exact financial prescriptions you need to double, triple, or even quadruple your income. While everyone else is going broke and loosing their life savings from the FEDs blundering mistakes, you will sleep like a baby.
Comment by Barb M — May 29, 2008 @ 5:22 pm
While Bernanke Prays for Redemption….
DISCOVER HIS SECRET MONEY MAKING MACHINE… No, it’s NOT a Printing Press!!
There’s a narrow window for MILLIONS to be made!!
Don’t be left Penniless… Learn these secrets TODAY…. Before your dollar becomes totally Worthless!!!
Comment by Seth Chong — May 29, 2008 @ 11:40 pm
Deception, Deception, Deception!
… Explains Why He’s Praying?
What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You,
And How to Become an INSIDER in
This Investor’s Secret Goldmine…
If You Have a Brain This Big,
Here’s What You Shouldn’t Believe…
(I still couldn’t hold myself from having
some fun…)
Thanks Clayton for giving us a few more points to put our fingers on.
Comment by Chris — May 30, 2008 @ 1:36 am
Clayton for president!
Your ability to create response by a simple provocation and a vague promise is world class.
If you compare the number of comments on this post compared to others of this week it’s "skyrocketing" to use your own image.
It would be interesting for us to find out, how Clayton brought us to action.
Well, for the headline 1: "Praying won’t grow nor even protect your savings "
2: "You need experts with an experience that big to help you out!"
Have a good time and greetings from Switzerland
Chris
Comment by Barnabas Ng — May 30, 2008 @ 9:39 am
Hi
Here is my input…
For the praying hands pic…
Fed Chief, Bernanke: "I’ll pray for you !"
If the Fed chief needs to pray to make critical decisions to save
the economy during this time of uncertainties,
what are the chances of your investment surviving this
roller coaster ride?
For the open hands pic
"The Fed Chief Thinks The Problem Is This Small…But At Barnsng News Center - We Think Otherwise"
We provide you with crucial news…updates..insight
for you to shield your investment
against the tide of uncertainties
- no matter how small the problem is.
Comment by Joe C — May 30, 2008 @ 11:04 am
[prehead]
Bernanke Prays And We Pay ! [ headline ]
Fed Up Yet?
Comment by Joe C — May 30, 2008 @ 11:15 am
Bernanke Prays While We Pay The Price…
[headline ]
Fed up with The Fed Yet?
Comment by Michelle Kapty — May 30, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
ok, here’s a new one, a "headline" rather than my previous "caption"
"He says he would if he could, but he can’t, so he won’t put this much more money into your pocket!!"
Have a great weekend everyone!
Comment by Brett Pete — May 30, 2008 @ 5:15 pm
“I, Benjamin Shalom Bernanke, Chairman of The Federal Reserve, Pray For All Manner Of Debts Be Wiped Off The Books Absolutely, Totally - from consumer to corporate to national debts.” Here’s the kicker: In order for The Bernanke Prayer to come true, That is, To Make It Easy To Wipe Off All These Debts, The Feds WILL HAVE TO make the U.S. Dollar Utterly & Completely Worthless!!!
Here’s Our Top Secret Tip#1: Stop Waiting! It Is Time To SMARTLY Accumulate More U.S. DOLLAR, Both in Savings AND Debts, And Sell Off THE DOLLAR Against Major Currencies ASAP and AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME - before its value erodes further. To learn the full scope on the step by step action for this fail proof plan, Get the QUICK-CPR Currency Strategic Investment Method [QC-CSI Method] that will protect and increase hard cashholdings exponentially in a financial meltdown. This Special Blueprint comes together with an annual subscription to the real-time CURRENCY PULSE REPORTs, right away. Taking this action will allow plenty lead time to wisely prepare for and carry out a thoroughly detailed, well thought-out, brilliant plan … to realise a hitherto impossible dream of inflation-proof financial security.
Comment by David — May 30, 2008 @ 10:58 pm
This sure has been fun so here’s 2 more before the weekend.
Praying photo:
Start Praying Right Now!
If You Don’t Know Why Bernanke Is
Hands photo:
Last July Bernanke Was Optimistic About The Economy.
We Didn’t Believe Him Then And
Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Believe Him Now.
Comment by Susan Connors — May 31, 2008 @ 4:25 am
First I live in Australia and am not following the election.
First photo’s:
Clasped hands, sweaty palms - "Please, please people! I am trustworthy!"
(Thinking: "Hmm..what do I have for dinner now?"
A face only a mother could love!
Second photo’s:
"See how huge we can make this economy! Lets impress other countries with trade, pomp and ceremony!"
(Thinking what have I got to do make these people trust me).
Comment by Susan Connors — May 31, 2008 @ 4:44 am
"There are lies, damn lies, statistics and politicians. "
"Vote for me! Success guaranteed !"
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — May 31, 2008 @ 6:10 am
And the Winner is …
EVERYBODY! You’ve all exercised your creative muscles and that was the whole point of this post.
My hands-down favorite – not because it’s the best headline necessarily; because it made me laugh – was David Foley’s.
"Cunning Linguist?" HAH! I need a tee shirt with that emblazoned across the front! Wait a minute – maybe I’ll order a closet-full of polo shirts with that embroidered on them. Oh – and Wendy? Let’s change my title on all our correspondece: "Clayton Makepeace, Cunning Linguist." Has a great ring to it, don’t you think?
Ok – so although we do NOT have a final headline yet, several of your ideas have great potential …
Many of you had the idea to use "Bernanke’s prayer" as the headline – and Larry Foster offered a great starter idea: "Now I lay me down to sleep; when I awake, I pray they’ll still be sheep."
It’s not quite there yet, but with a little work, it could be the foundation of a powerful attention-getter …
Joe C’s idea, "A Prayer for the Dying Dollar" would stop me in my tracks – the prime objective of a headline. I think it could work, so long as it’s followed by deck copy that fully develops the idea and includes an intrigue element that forces the reader into the body copy.
And I also think Derek Naylor is on the right track with is idea, "What Fed Chief Bernanke prays you won’t discover …."
Some other ways of using this concept might be …
The disturbing truth Fed Chief Ben Bernanke PRAYS nobody will tell you …
And what you must do now to insultate your wealth from The Great Bernanke Bust of 2009 …
Years ago, I saw a tee shirt that read …BOMB DISPOSAL EXPERT
(if you see me running, try to keep up!)
Kind of in the same vein as Joe C’s idea, "Lord Help Us … Has it Come to This?" Or, alternatively …DEAR GOD!
(Has it really come to this?)
Congrats, Joe and Derek – Martha will e-mail you on Monday to get your street addresses so we can Fed-Ex your prize to you this week!
Oh – and David Foley – when I get my tee shirt made, I’ll send you one. Just let Martha know what size …
Thanks again everyone – great exercise. See you again on Monday!
– Clayton
Comment by Seth Chong — May 31, 2008 @ 10:57 am
It was a fun practice too.
Here’s a question: You mentioned–
"Now I lay me down to sleep; when I awake, I pray they’ll still be sheep." It’s not quite there yet, but with a little work, it could be the foundation of a powerful attention-getter … Joe C’s idea, "A Prayer for the Dying Dollar" would stop me in my tracks – the prime objective of a headline. I think it could work, so long as it’s followed by deck copy that fully develops the idea and includes an intrigue element that forces the reader into the body copy."
You may not response back to this post, but can you explain a few ways on how they can improved each? A few examples on how you’d "perfect" them perhaps.Thanks Clayton, I appreciate it.
Comment by Barnabas Ng — May 31, 2008 @ 11:31 am
hey clayton
what would your headlines be for the two pictures?
Comment by Rob — June 1, 2008 @ 7:24 am
Because this is aimed at rich old white guys, I stick with my original post to the picture of Ben with his hands spread apart…
No Really, This is one Male Enhancement Product that Really Works!
Rich old white guys would buy the stuff by the carload!
This was fun. I hope you do it again.
Comment by Ewen Vile — June 2, 2008 @ 4:12 am
"We are paying him to get out of this mess. He,s praying, then God help us all!"
Using an emotional chain of logic.
Do well,
Ewen Vile
Comment by Ray Merz — June 2, 2008 @ 11:20 am
[I thought Bernanke looked like an organized crime figure in a couple of those pictures, so I took that angle. Just enough hook without using phrases like "whack your investment portfolio."] (Picture of Bernanke where you can see his watch.) Fed Boss Admits His “Mafia Tactics” Threaten Your Retirement for the Government’s Benefit
Expert Explains How to Defend Yourself Forever Against Rising Costs and the Deadbeat Dollar (No, not gold.)Quick story about the mob. If a businessman couldn’t pay his gambling debts, the mafia would take control of his business. They would order as much merchandise on credit as possible. Then the goods would be sold on the street at a discount for cash. 100% profit.
And the business owner was left holding the bag. Bankruptcy was his only choice. Now Bernanke and the Fed are pulling the same scam. Only this time it’s your wealth, your nest-egg, and your freedom at stake. And you’re already seeing the results. $4 gas (that figure may be laughably low by the time you read this), a pizza costs 20% more, and a trip to the grocery store This guy is putting you, your family, and your retirement in real danger. And he’s doing it to protect the Federal Government. But this isn’t a quack conspiracy theory. Bernanke copped to it himself in a 2002 speech: “People know that inflation erodes the real value of the government’s debt and, therefore, that… “It is in the interest of the government to create some inflation." Yes, you read that right. The Fed Chairman is saying that because the government has been running up a tab, its not the worst thing in the world to debase the dollar, so our debts will be effectively worth less. I don’t know about you, but that sure seems like skipping out on the tab to me. And while it may be great for the government to have its debt be worth fewer Pounds or Euros, you and me are here at home paying for things in DOLLARS. Dollars that are quickly losing their buying power because of Bernanke. Better for the government. Worse for you, the taxpayer. And that’s how Bernanke thinks, right from his own mouth. Etc.
Comment by Ray Merz — June 2, 2008 @ 11:27 am
[Ok, let’s try this again, but this time so you can read it.]
[I thought Bernanke looked like an organized crime figure in a couple of those pictures, so I took that angle. Just enough hook without using phrases like "whack your investment portfolio."]
(Picture of Bernanke where you can see his watch.)
Fed Boss Admits His "Mafia Tactics" Threaten Your Retirement for the Government’s Benefit
Expert Explains How to Defend Yourself Forever Against Rising Costs and the Deadbeat Dollar (No, not gold.)
Quick story about the mob. If a businessman couldn’t pay his gambling debts, the mafia would take control of his business. They would order as much merchandise on credit as possible. Then the goods would be sold on the street at a discount for cash. 100% profit.
And the business owner was left holding the bag. Bankruptcy was his only choice. Now Bernanke and the Fed are pulling the same scam. Only this time it’s your wealth, your nest-egg, and your freedom at stake. And you’re already feeling the results.
$4 gas (that figure may be laughably low by the time you read this), a pizza costs 20% more, and a trip to the grocery store is running you an extra 30%.
This guy is putting you, your family, and your retirement in real danger. And he’s doing it to protect the Federal Government.
But this isn’t a quack conspiracy theory. Bernanke copped to it himself in a 2002 speech: “People know that inflation erodes the real value of the government’s debt and, therefore, that…
“It is in the interest of the government to create some inflation."
Yes, you read that right. The Fed Chairman is saying that because the government has been running up a tab, its not the worst thing in the world to debase the dollar, so our debts will be effectively worth less.
don’t know about you, but that sure seems like skipping out on the tab to me. And while it may be great for the government to have its debt be worth fewer Pounds or Euros, you and me are here at home paying for things in DOLLARS. Dollars that are quickly losing their buying power because of Bernanke.
Better for the government. Worse for us, the taxpayers. And that’s how Bernanke thinks, right from his own mouth.
But that doesn’t mean we have to sit around and watch as our savings erodes to dust.
etc.