The gold doomsayers have found their champion in the media's favorite financial advisor and one of the world's richest men. Warren Buffett, the man dubbed the "Oracle of Omaha," has repeatedly and publicly denied that gold is an investment, and called gold buyers "speculators" and people "who fear almost all other assets." In fact, Buffett claims that gold's rise has the same characteristics as the housing and dot-com bubbles, and it is only a matter of time before it reverses course. He doesn't mean that the price will decline because of austerity measures and a free-market interest rate, mind you. He just asserts that because he's deemed it a bubble, it will inevitably burst.

The financial world by-and-large views Buffett as an objective observer, a rare investor who still considers the best interests of common man when he speaks. Each year, there is much hullabaloo over the letter Buffett writes to the shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway. When Buffett makes a claim, the financial world coos and repeats it without question.

I concede that Buffett is a talented investor and a great communicator. He clearly has had great success and has much to offer. But that shouldn't blind anyone to the fact that Buffett is not a trusted observer. He's a crony capitalist who bends the truth to serve his long-held ideological commitment to big government.

In the early stages of the financial crisis, when I was writing and promoting my first book Crash Proof to warn private investors about trouble ahead, Buffett was accumulating shares in companies such as Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and General Electric. I knew these companies were insolvent, so I wouldn't touch them with gardening gloves on. When the credit markets seized up, Buffett worked behind the scenes and in public to make sure each of his pet companies were bailed out. This was not by coincidence. Buffett actually stated in September 2008 that he would not have invested in Goldman Sachs if not for the implicit guarantee of federal assistance. As a result, he profited at the expense of taxpayers at the very time when they were losing their savings in the markets. Meanwhile, many "in the know" politicians bought  Berkshire stock during the height of the crisis, making a profit from their votes, and giving them incentive to revere Buffett all the more. Buffett once said if that if the government didn't bailout failed companies, he would be "having my Thanksgiving dinner at McDonald's instead of having a big dinner at my daughter's." Seems like there were two bloated turkeys at that meal.   

If Buffett were a true capitalist, he would be in favor of gold. He has noted that the value of the dollar has fallen 86% since he took over Berkshire Hathaway in 1965 and even said in his latest shareholder letter that investors are "right to be fearful of paper money." But he continues to harp on gold. It seems the only unit of account Mr. Buffett approves are shares of his own company!

The adoption of an independent measure of value like gold presents two problems to Buffett. First, it would reduce the nominal returns of his dollar-based investing strategy. Second, it would restrict Washington's ability to goose the financial system in his favor.

In the 19th century, when gold and silver were legal tender, the outsized returns to which Buffett has become accustomed were much harder to earn. Most people kept their money in physical bullion or bank deposits - and earned a real rate of return. Now, under the fiat system, working folks are forced into the more complicated world of equity investing. This, too, can generate real returns, but it's a tougher playing field for the inexperienced.

Also, the fiat system artificially balloons the financial services portion of the economy. In the 19th century, fortunes were made more often by business owners than simple equity investors. People were more likely to rewarded for providing a productive service than having direct access to the Fed's discount window.

A quick look at Berkshire's performance verses gold since the Credit Crunch goes a long way to explaining Buffett's antipathy toward the yellow metal:  

Source: Google Finance

But Mr. Buffett's lack of credibility goes deeper than a differing monetary philosophy. He has been in the press since last August claiming that he pays less taxes than his secretary - and urging Congress to pass a "Buffett Rule" mandating a 30% minimum tax on millionaires. The natural reaction is to say, "If you want to pay more, go ahead." But Buffett has gone on record saying that it's not enough for him to lead by example, and demanding that all of America's well-off bear the burden of Washington's reckless spending binge.

The problem is that Buffett's entire argument is constructed on deception. Buffett is rated as the third richest man in the world for managing the nearly $393 billion in assets, and he highlights that he pays only pays 17.4% of his income in taxes. But this is because he earns less than 1% of his annual wealth from his salary, while over 99% is earned as the largest shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway. Buffett claims that he discounts his Berkshire holdings because he plans to give it all to charity when he dies. So, it's not that the tax rates are so low, it's that Buffett plans to give away 99% of his wealth.

But even accounting for this clever accounting trick, Buffett is still grossly understating his personal tax burden. He owns roughly 1/3 of Berkshire's outstanding shares, the profits from which are subject to a 29% corporate tax rate. Last year, Berkshire paid $5.6 billion in taxes - and the IRS says they owe $1 billion more! In addition to corporate taxes, Buffett is also subject to an additional 15% capital gains tax on his stock when he cashes out, not to mention any future estate tax, leaving many to conclude that his share of taxes is certainly higher than his secretary's.

You might wonder what Buffett would hope to gain by understating his own tax rate. To answer that, you have to understand Buffett's ideological background. His father, Howard Buffett, was a US Congressman known for his staunch libertarianism. As has been recounted by biographers, Buffett resented being uprooted from his Omaha, NE home to move to Washington, DC and felt estranged from his stoic father. That is to say, Buffett's commitment to the nanny state runs very deep.

But also, as mentioned earlier, Buffett personally benefits from the current corrupt state of affairs. He gets prestige from nominal gains in his stock price. He gets bailout money to guarantee the insolvent companies in which he invests. Even that estate tax that will hit him when he passes currently allows him to buy out other businesses at a steep discount.

It also shouldn't be a surprise that humble Howard was a staunch advocate of gold and silver as money - nor that wealthy Warren rejects precious metals as having "no utility."

The media has built Warren up to be a demigod, a straight-talking Nebraska boy that can hold his own against the vipers of Wall Street. But he is just a man with a talent for making money, and his motives should not be beyond reproach. Is he advocating the use taxpayer money to bailout his business interests so he can profit? Is he being honest about what money is? Does he even understand the business cycle?

Gold prices will only go down when governments change course and make significant cuts. Until then, gold is not in a bubble. It's the only way to protect your wealth; and in the current economic condition, it's poised to go much higher. I think it's high time Buffett takes to heart his father's wise words: "For if human liberty is to survive in America, we must win the battle to restore honest money."

Have you ever had any doubts about gold? Does it sometimes feel like it should be performing better? Are you concerned about its volatility? Do you worry about how it might perform in the future? Have you ever wondered about its true purchasing power? Maybe you're nervous about a big drop in price again? I decided to go directly to the source to address these concerns: Gold himself. He put his arm around me and asked me to tell you a few things...

I hear that you've had some worries about me. I understand. Your world is a very uncertain place right now. And when it comes to money, it looks as though your leaders don't understand some basic monetary principles, making things even more unsettling.

But I want you to know that the problems you're experiencing are actually nothing new. I've seen these monetary, fiscal, and economic difficulties many times before. And I can tell you this: you're safe with me. That's a bold proclamation, but I've provided monetary protection numerous times throughout history - too many to count, in fact. I've served all kinds of people over the centuries, from kings and counts to serfs and servants.

To put your mind at ease let's review my core characteristics, along with some history, to show how I can protect you against the monetary danger that's likely to worsen in your near future. We'll also take a look at your peculiar set of circumstances to see how I can be of service. By the time we're done, I think you'll feel much better about my ability to help your portfolio withstand whatever is thrown its way.

ENDURING CHARACTERISTICS

Let's start with the basics. I have some characteristics that no other matter on Earth has...

I cannot be:

• Printed (ask a miner how long it takes to find me and dig me up)

• Counterfeited (you can try, but a scale will catch it every time)

• Mistaken (how many metals are bright yellow?) 

I cannot be destroyed by:

• Fire (it takes heat at least 1945.4° F to melt me)

• Water (I don't rust or tarnish)

• Time (my coins remain recognizable after a thousand years)

I don't need:

• Feeding (like cattle)

• Fertilizer (like corn)

• Maintenance (like printing presses)

I don't have:

• Industrial Dependence (keeps my volatility lower) 

• Counterparty Risk (remember MF Global?)

• Shelf life (I never expire)

As a metal, I am uniquely:

• Malleable (I spread without cracking)

• Ductile (I stretch without breaking)

• Beautiful (just ask a bride)

As money, I am:

• Liquid (easily convertible to cash worldwide)

• Portable (you can conveniently hold $50,000 in one hand)

• Divisible (you can use me in tiny fractions)

• Consistent (I am the same in any quantity, at any place)

• Private (no one has to know you own me)

"GOLD IS MONEY"

You've heard that statement before - but do you know what it really means? Money is a medium of exchange and a store of value. Almost anything can be used as money, but obviously some things work better than others. It's hard to exchange things people don't want or don't store well. Over thousands of years, I have emerged as the best form of money (along with silver).

The paper dollars in your wallet are technically just a currency, not real money. In other words, they are a government substitute for money. Money must be durable, divisible, consistent, convenient, and have value in and of itself.

• It must be durable because you can't have it disintegrating in your pocket or bank. That's why you don't use wheat; it can rot or be eaten by insects.

• It must be divisible, which is why you don't use diamonds or artwork; they can't be split into pieces without destroying the value of the whole.

• The lack of consistency is why you can't use real estate. One property is always different from another.

• It must be convenient, which is why you don't use other metals like iron. The coins would be too big to handle easily.

• It must have value in and of itself. This is why you shouldn't use paper as money.

• And one more thing: it must not be easily duplicated. Not even the kings and emperors who clipped and diluted gold coins dared to use paper as money.

My function is as money and a store of value, so the proper comparison is to your dollars or Treasury Bills (of similar nominal value). And here is where I excel and serve my purpose: since 1913, the US dollar has lost 96% of its purchasing power. I have lost none.

Remember, I am the only financial asset that is not simultaneously someone else's liability. I don't require the backing of any bank or government.

THE HISTORY LESSON

Because I am eons old, I've observed something throughout history that you may not be aware of: government fiat currencies are a relatively new invention, and none have held up. Eventually, they have all failed. Me? I've never defaulted. Remember this the next time you have any doubts about my long-term worth.

Another of my roles is to protect your purchasing power. Here are a few examples of how I've kept my word:

• During the time of Christ, an ounce of me purchased a Roman citizen his toga (suit), a leather belt, and a pair of sandals. Today, one ounce will still buy a good suit, a leather belt, and a pair of shoes.

• In 400 BC, during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar, an ounce of me bought 350 loaves of bread. Today, an ounce still buys about 350 loaves ($1,700 divided by 350 = $4.85/loaf).

• In 1979, my average price was $306.68. This bought an average-priced full-size bed. Thirty-three years later, $1,700 would still buy you a nice full-size bed (and then some).

You can rest assured that over time, I will hold my value. And when you near the end of your life, you can pass me on to your loved ones, knowing full well they will have something that cannot be devalued, debased, or destroyed.

WHAT COLOR IS YOUR MONEY?

Like you, I'm concerned about the current state of fiscal and monetary affairs. It seems your government leaders have boxed themselves into a corner. They've incurred too much debt and are spending too much  money . It's important that you understand some lessons from history about this kind of behavior so that you're certain of what I can do for you.

The common denominators that lead to the downfall of every fiat currency are the two big Ds: debts and deficits. With that in mind, consider the following:

• Morgan Stanley reported that there is "no historical precedent" for an economy that exceeds a 250% debt-to-GDP ratio without experiencing some sort of financial crisis or high inflation. US total debt currently exceeds GDP by roughly 400%.

• Detailed studies of government debt levels over the past 100 years show that debts have never been repaid (in original currency units) when they exceed 80% of GDP. US government debt will exceed 100% of GDP this year.

• Investment legend Marc Faber reports that once a country's payments on debt exceed 30% of tax revenue, the currency is "done for." By some estimates, the US will hit that ratio this year.

• Peter Bernholz, a leading expert on hyperinflation, states unequivocally that "hyperinflation is caused by government budget deficits." Next year's US budget deficit is projected to be $1.3 trillion.

The solution many of your leaders pursue is to print more paper money . Here's an updated picture of the increase in the US monetary base vs. my rise in price since 2008, when your problems starting surfacing.

The monetary base has grown 205.8%, while my price is up 65.8%. This alone implies that my price in dollars is likely to climb much higher.

This is also the reason why I'm not in a bubble, as some have tried to claim. It is your central banks and bond markets that are in a bubble. The fact that my price is rising is a warning that what your leaders are doing is unsustainable and potentially dangerous to your currency.

Think about this: the US has debt backed by debt, based on debt, dependent on debt, and leveraged with debt. You can, for example, buy a bond (i.e., lend money) on margin (i.e., with borrowed money). This is not a sound way to run financial markets.

Meanwhile, the warning bells continue to sound regarding Europe's debt crisis. In just the past month:

• Moody's cautioned that it may cut the AAA status of France, Austria, and the UK; and it downgraded six other European nations including Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

• Standard & Poor's cut the AAA status of France and Austria, while Italy, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta, Slovakia, and Slovenia were downgraded.

• Fitch downgraded Belgium, Cyprus, Italy, Slovenia, and Spain, and stated there was a 50% chance of further cuts in the next two years.

• Standard & Poor's downgraded 34 of Italy's 37 banks.

• Moody's warned recently that it may cut the credit ratings of 17 global financial institutions and 114 European ones.

The European crisis is far from over; and the path of least resistance for politicians is to create more paper money. This action can and will have clear and direct consequences: currencies will devalue, and inflation - perhaps hyperinflation - will result.

Once again, I encourage you to use me to protect some of your wealth.

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

Given the state of your monetary system, you should accumulate me (and my cousin silver) on a regular basis. Just buy some every month and put us in a safe place. After what I've witnessed throughout history, and based on the current path your government leaders insist on pursuing, I suggest using me as your savings vehicle instead of putting dollars in a bank.

If you don't own enough of me when these fiscal troubles really accelerate, I fear you will regret it. I've warned many in the past about the dilution of nations' currencies, and those who didn't heed my warnings experienced severe financial pain. Excuses won't pay the mortgage nor feed the family when the effects of currency debasement hit your home and pocketbook.

Make sure you own enough of me to make a difference to your portfolio. This means having more than a couple coins or a few shares of GLD, the latter of which is only a proxy for my price.

How do you know if you own enough? Ask yourself:  

• If inflation returns, or even hyperinflation hits...
• If the economy is flat...
• If uncertainty and fear continue around the globe...
• If stock markets languish...
• If stimulus from the world's governments proves futile...
• If government interference in the economy continues to increase...
• If the value of the US dollar takes a major fall...
• If the world enters a recession or depression...
• If the world enters a recession or depression...  

... would you feel that you own enough of me?

Buy a sufficient amount so that as your currency continues to lose value, your portfolio won't. If you do your part, I promise I'll do mine.

Yours Truly,  

Gold

Jeff Clark is the editor of BIG GOLD, Casey Research's monthly advisory on gold, silver, and large-cap precious metals stocks.  

For ongoing guidance about physical gold and silver, as well as the large-cap precious metals stocks, try BIG GOLD today for just $79 per year, with 3-month money-back guarantee.