The current behavior of the masses seems to be very similar to that of the lemming herd.
For no discernable reason a lemming gets it into its head that there is an absolutely comelling reason that he/she must run in "that" direction. This compulsion seems to be transmitted to the rest of the herd, and soon, for no discernabherle reason, every single lemming is running in "that" direction just as fast as their little legs can carry them.
If "that" direction leads to a cliff, or to a huge body of water, or some other seemingly insurmountable obstacle, it justy does not matter. The lead lemming, and most of the herd following, continue to run in "that" direction, even to their obvious doom.
Skidmark gave you a good analogy and hopefully he won't mind if I expand on it. We arrived at the edge of the precipice because the government encouraged and enabled people to spend more than they made. With easy credit, 100%+ financing, low or no down on houses, cars and other such niceties, People got drawn into the lemming easy credit herd. Everyone (almost) was suckered into living beyond their means, with sky high mortgage payments, car loans, revolving charge accounts, high limit credit cards, you name it. With everyone in the herd overextending themselves, they raced closer and closer to the edge of the precipice. The ones who fell off the cliff into the pit are the ones you hear about on the news. The people who invested in Madoff's ponzi scheme, bought huge houses, cars and boats and planes. They expected there to be level ground to run on for eternity (or their life anyway). If you run blindly following the leaders, you will eventually fall of the edge, or get pushed off by the crush of lemmings behind you.
The way out of the lemming herd is to NOT do what the others are doing. Don't fall into the trap of being an overproducer and therefore ripe for the picking and don't get hooked on living beyond your means. Intentionally produce what you need and only what you need to live. Don't leave any scraps for the parasites to feed on. Live down to the lowest level you can be comfortable with. When the parasites run out of willing hosts and have fed off each other until there is nothing of value left, that will be the time to step forward, take a leadership position and turn the lemming herd around. The bulk of them will have fallen off the cliff, or fed off each other, and what will be left are the people who refused to be used, and have the talent, intelligence and moral character to succeed.
Your choice: Run with the herd or get off to the side and wait it out.