What's happening today?

Many years ago we used to kid around about the price of beans. I actually don't recall if it meant any more than putting in your two cents or that something was better than a stick in the eye. I really think with all the world's problems that have been lived with or solved over the years, I can't remember ever being overly concerned about prices of anything. Even during the gas crunch in the seventies, once we found the gas station, patiently waited and finally reached the front of the line, we still could afford the product. What's happening today? How did it happen all of a sudden? How are we supposed to deal with it? Any guesses? How about this one? FACT: A rising population drives the economy. The more people, the more there are needs for everything. A stock market specialist recently gave me a good tip, "Invest in companies that own food products." That seems like a no-brainer, but then why doesn't everyone invest in those stocks? Fortunately they don't, so there are a few shares left for you and me. What else does an exploding population need? FACT: Here's some writing found on ancient cave wall probably scratched over a million years ago. "If we keep having more mating parties we'll need more food, clothing and shelter." Apparently they kept attending those mating parties or you and I wouldn't be here today. Does anyone know the answer? Does anyone in a position to do something about it even give a damn? Is a six hundred dollar check in the mail going to solve everyone's problems? I filled my truck's gas tank the other day for a hundred dollars. Gulp! In the sixties when I started my business I used to drive at least two hundred miles a day and paid myself a minimum wage. Could someone afford to do that today? I don't think so. I used to think that commuting an hour to work was maximum. Today? No way! So what is the answer? Have any of the news mavens asked that question of the presidential candidates during the many debates? I haven't heard that question asked or answered. If one of them remotely even suggested an answer to that dilemma he/she would get my vote and probably yours. What if we all write to our congressman or senator? What would their answer be? Would they even answer? Quiz the people in your office and see how many of them know who your representatives are. Gulp! Now ask them if they know the Seven Dwarfs. Let us just all pray that the population answer isn't more wars. Since the beginning of time people have tried that remedy, and so far it hasn't worked. And finally, what does all this have to do with real estate you ask? Shelter is one of the big three necessities and always will be. Therefore, as the population explodes we will need more land and buildings. You've all heard the line: "Well, you know they don't make more land." Well, I guess that line is worth about as much as the price of beans because in Dubai they just created an island and built a multi-zillion dollar hotel on it. Heaven forbid the tide come in.