As the US economy boils into chaos, gold prices will soar, the US dollar will drop precipitously, and costs of imported goods will go up. Prices at Walmart will tend to stay low, since China pegs its currency to the dollar. But, as the dollar falls, China may decide it is finally time to disconnect from the dollar, and if they get angry that the US attacks one of their allies and customers-- Iran, they may call in their debts, or worse, switch to using another currency. Then, Walmart customers and the rest of Americans who have been depending upon cheap Chinese goods will be in big trouble.
As gas prices explode, jobs that were formerly marginal will no longer be worth driving to. People will have to quit working jobs that require long commutes. Legislators will introduce emergency legislation for regional rail construction. But it won't do much good because of the time from planning and design to completion.
American car manufacturers that have focused on big SUVs will be in major trouble, will need to be rescued by foreign manufacturers with existing hi-mileage technologies.
The housing market for larger houses will collapse. Banks will be faced with rising levels of mortgage defaults.
Terrorist attacks in the US will occur. Bush will use them as an excuse to invoke anti-democratic, fascist policies, further suspending constitutional rights.
As disposable income is eaten up by energy costs and local government tax increases to cover increased costs for maintaining roads, schools, etc. consumer spending will drop drastically, affecting local restaurants, department stores, mom and pop stores. Except for escapist fare, the movie industry will see a drop in attendance, as people cut back on spending and driving.
National guard unit call-ups will leave the US almost unprotected at home, with minimal guard units left to deal with natural emergencies, like Hurricanes, toronadoes and floods.
Bush will NOT see a 90% support level. He may get a small bounce, but the economy will fall so fast and so hard that the American public will quickly lose their patience.
When will the war start? Good question. Some say Bush (or Rove and Rumsfeld) will start it before the November elections, so they can invoke the "don't change horses in midstream" line of reasoning. Others say the gas price increase and energy price explosion will happen so fast they'll wait until after the elections.
Fortunately, there are some sane heads not yet laid off or purged from Runsfeld's military who are opposed to the war. They may be the USA's last best hope.
This is a starter list. Add your comments with additional effects of the Iran war.
I hope it inspires you to do all you can to get the hostilities in the midldle east happening now to quiet down.
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