Richard Pawley, the oldest of eight children, grew up in South Carolina. He attended the University of South Carolina for more years than he cares to admit, finally leaving to enter the real world. He was a journalist (Information Specialist) in the USAF, and worked for SC Education Television Network, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, and the S.C. Employment Security Commission before moving to upstate New York. Having no children, his first book, LEAVING SOUTH CAROLINA (which he does each year) was written to pass on what he had learned in life and includes kidnapping, murder and suicide as well as several mystical and life saving experiences of the author. Also included is a final chapter just on the economy, wherein he advised (in 2006) to get out of paper investments (stocks), out of debt (paying off one's house)and buying gold if possible (then at $600). The danger of derivatives and the coming Greater Depression were mentioned. The few who followed that advice lost nothing in the 2008 Stock Market crash. His latest book, THE LAST DAYS OF THE LATE GREAT UNITED STATES, goes much further and is a warning of the real problems that will soon be facing all the world with several hundred percent inflation in the US, the great earthquake in Los Angeles, the eventual demise of the dollar, as well as hard to believe food shortages in these not so United States. Every living person will be affected by the results of this Greater Depression which is just begining to unfold. Chapter 9 is entitled "2009, Our Last Normal Year, Sort Of!" Sad to say, what is coming will eventually be far worse than what our grandparents, and great-grand parents had to endure. It is the authors hope however, that his latest book will save not just fortunes, but lives as well. Forewarned is forearmed!