IMO it will happen so slowly that most people will not see it coming. And then it will happen so suddenly that for most people it will be too late. Prices will rise on consumer goods, interest rates will rise on debt, the dollar will continue to devalue (sound familiar?). When the sudden part comes, phones and electrical service will stop, full-stop, period, and suddenly. There will be some event which will be the trigger. It will be a major event most likely natural, but with things the way they are headed in the orient, that is also a strong possibility. Most people will not respond well.
