George J. Paulos in a short article entitled "MARKET MANIPULATION: IS IT A GOOD THING, A BAD THING, OR IS IT INCONSEQUENTIAL?" puts the concept of Market Manipulation into a useful and interesting historical perspective .

While Mr. Paulus, given the tenure of his article, is apparently an advocate of free (but regulated) markets, he fails to understand the bigger picture and the neccesity of keeping the Myth of Free Markets alive and well, while dismissing out of hand (keeping it a myth) any form of market manipulation, official or otherwise.

He also fails to identify other forms of market manipulation, that is, efforts to keep the general illusion of economic prosperity, as reflected in equity indices, official (un)employment reports & inflation estimates, and consumer confidence polls.

He does not seem to appreciate the idea that, with the demise of our domestic manufacturing sector, the retail and personal & financial services sectors have become more important, and that any signifcant increase in the degree pessimism (which cannot be hidden) will have a magnified impact on our new economy and will be more difficult to mask, and even possibly create a downward spiral.

Even more omnimus, is the specter of all us baby boomers retiring, with some in the middle depending on pension plans and IRAs, which are, in turn, dependent on the equity markets - it has become imperative to keep the equity markets at least stable, if not improving, or, at least, the often quoted measurements of such, inflated.

Pessimism only breeds more pessimism, which is bad any economy, and worse for our new retail based economy - people must be convinced to keep buying stuff, even if they have to continue to borrow to buy it.

I do not agree with Mr. Paulus' assertion ' ...in the long run, schemes to manipulate the market will always fail. The market is bigger than the participants and that includes the authorities.'

He correctly labels 'Financial markets' as the “virtual” economy" This, in itself, has changed the rules, permitting an easier disconnect between those markets and the general economy. I am confident that those markets are (and can continued to be) well managed in the our best interests.

I am also confident that, given the present level of corporate concentration in financial & media services, they can continue to do an effective job of reporting what they consider fair & balanced news, that is what is fair-to-good news to keep the markets balanced, and otherwise keep the general public distracted.

However, the disconnect between those markets and the general economy is becoming more obvious, and the winter of discontent of a muted many is growing.

With you help, the level of discontent can be managed, even as his so-called 'anecdotal evidence' mounts. Remember, it is your economic interest to dismiss these Market Manipulation myths as mere fictions, promulgated by upatriotic malecontents.

His "authorities" will continue to do their part as in skewing the reporting of economic data, or not reporting it at all, (as with our actual gold reserves, and/or holding back M3 money supply data) which should provide some cover to you.

Just claim the economy is doing just fine and even getting better, and quickly change the subject. This approach should be used both to re-assure the like-minded, and refute the doubters.

If the doubter persists in questioning your assertions, roll out the offical fact that unemployment rate is only 5%, so that 95% of people who really want to work are working. (However, you might want to ascertain the employment status of the doubter first.)

If the doubter still persists, question 1) his/her knowledge of economics, 2) his sources (they are probably not FoxNews nor CNBC, more likely left-wing and thus unreliable) and 3) as a last resort, question his/her patriotism and/or suggest his/her motivations are political, as in a Bush-whacker.

Should the 'anecdotal evidence' become overwhelming, and the above tactics are no longer effective as they have been, never refer to the practices as 'market manipulation', but as market management, even healthy or required market management, and point out that it is in (our) everybody's self interest. Avoid words such as covert and illegal.

Now these suggestions might be considered somewhat callus and possibly deceitful, but remember, it is in your own economic self interest. Where would you be if the DOW were cut in half and ounce of gold sold for $1400? We need well managed financial markets, and so does our nation

Remember, the people running this show are professionals and they are working for you, in you best interests - so keep the faith, and do your part.