If they took retirement accounts now - of course it would be suicide.

But imagine a collapsing economy. 20% unemployment (maybe more). Defaults on Credit Cards, Cars, Houses through the roof.

People will be demanding Government rescue them - as we have been conditions - and losing 50-70% of your retirement for a 'bail out' will seem, during this time described, a blessing for most - even those in the upper middle class with all the 401K plans. They will be thinking, "Giving it to the government to keep my house/car is better than losing it all..."

American's have no idea what hard times are, but during a debt collapse they are going to feel it like never before. And it 100% will occur, we just don't know when.

Summary: Most will beg Government to save them with retirement money - and the Charlatans in Government will be more than happey to 'help.'