“The future is not set. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves.”
– John Connor
For those who attempt to monitor, track, and make sense of the endless array of craziness going on in the world – it’s maddening. Trying to disseminate the BS presented as fact from all sides of any issue is frustrating, to say the least. Basing opinions and beliefs in facts and logic rather than emotion and fantasy takes work. We are living in a world where one biased side suggests that the COVID vaccine is an absolute necessity – a requirement. The other biased side will say COVID isn’t real and doesn’t exist. The truth lies somewhere in the middle. We have a cancel culture where if you have a certain opinion you will have social media accounts canceled, websites closed, and can even be targeted in your own neighborhood by those with a different opinion. We live in a world where men are allowed to compete against women in sports and American Olympic athletes turn their back to the flag and kneel during the national anthem. We live in a world wherein New York City and a growing list of other locations require special identification to go out to eat, to go to a gym, and engage in other common activities, but, do not require an ID to vote. We live in a world where restrictions are being placed on American citizens while illegals are accepted at our borders and then shipped all over the country.
Do you want the truth? Can you handle the truth?
It’s not going away and there is little that can be done to stop it.
I have completely lost faith in the political system. No white knight in shining armor is going to ride in and save us. Corruption and social decay are far too embedded and rooted into the very fabric of this country. Like weeds completely infesting a lawn, it can be fixed by either tearing it out and replacing it completely – or killing it off and starting over.
The Next Few Years
Going much further out than a few years is an effort in futility. Far too many variables to accurately predict conditions 5-15 years out(though it can be fun). Where we find ourselves today is the result of years of slow and steady decay. The economic challenges of rising prices for food, fuel, and many other products as a result of inflationary pressure will continue to tax wallets and bank accounts alike. Let’s review some of the challenges we will face over the next few years.
Economics
The aforementioned inflation is putting millions of families at a point that feeding the family daily is a struggle. Double-digit inflation with many food items has reduced buying power and will continue at least for the next few years. Fuel continues to rise in cost and hopefully, a reverse trend will be seen soon. Many other products continue to see pricing increase as well as supply chain issues. I recently purchased some o-rings for my Sawyer Mini Water Filter Bucket Kit and found the cost went up 16%. Families will continue to work to either reduce expenses or raise income – or both. We can either fight against changing times with everything we’ve got – or work within the system to our advantage. When it comes to preparing for the future – financial preparation these days is a necessity.
Steps to Consider:
Precious Metals – Gold and silver have been used in commerce for hundreds of years. That will not be changing anytime soon. Gold is an excellent hedge against inflation while in a working economy, while silver is as well but also an excellent barter item. I highly recommend Money Metals Exchange if you are interested in precious metals.
Cryptocurrencies – I know many scoff at the idea of digital currencies. Welcome to the modern era. Cryptocurrencies are becoming more mainstream every day and when looking at ways to increase wealth(buying power) crypto is excellent – and also high risk. For purchasing crypto I recommend Robinhood and Coinbase. Sign up for Coinbase, deposit $100 or more – get $10 in Bitcoin. BTW – I’ve been messing arounf with Crypto for several months and have done very well.
Debt Reduction – Eliminating or reducing debt must be part of any plan to fight the economic catastrophe. Debt elimination provides freedom of whatever revenue you have coming in. If job losses occur, low expenses will allow whatever income reaches your wallet to go further.
Secondary Streams of Income – Creating a secondary stream of income can not only provide extra funds for saving, debt reduction, or purchasing – but security in case job change or unemployment should occur. Examples of common ways to generate streams of income include eBay, yard sales, part-time jobs, landscaping, and nude modeling. Ok – just kidding about that last part(maybe).
Employment – Right along with secondary streams of income is employment. For millions of Americans being unvaccinated will limit the ability to have gainful employment. This not only affects earning power but also the ability to get health insurance. As frustrating as it may be the harsh reality is those who choose to NOT take the jab are going to be targeted. Preparing for such an inevitability should be at the top of your priority list IF you fit into that category.
Networking
The “Lone Wolf” ideology used to be popular back in the ’80s. The general consensus now is it takes a TEAM of people to not just maintain a property but to handle all the tasks that need to get done….done. Networking and forming a group is absolutely needed. With multiple members, you have many skillsets and talents. In an economy where certain people may be economically challenged(no damn money) as well as possibly have restrictions due to their “designation” – having fellow group members who can assist with needed projects is a HUGE thing.
Let me state it plainly: There may be a time that someone who refuses to accept a vaccine or some other government requirement and they cannot find work. Their earning power is diminished. A fellow group member knows plumbing and is willing to fix a problem for 20 pre-1965 dimes.
See how that works?
Being a member of a survival group – a Mutual Assistance Group – provides the benefit of an increased knowledge base and the utilization of the saying, “Many hands make light work.”
Stuff
Everyone’s favorite topic – getting STUFF. Securing your beans, bullets, and band-aids is a must. With a left-leaning Congress, White House, Justice Department, and ATF securing desired boomsticks and corresponding components need to be completed…..soon.
Purchasing components “off the books” is recommended and never a bad option when possible.
Communication
Something to consider and I am working n this myself is communication. With the recently announced invasion of privacy that Apple will be scanning all cell phone photo’s looking for nefarious material – there is no telling to what extent this will go. While privacy has been absent for many years regardless of what platform is used, this new direct targeting is concerning to say the least.
What. method of communication will be used within your survival group? What protections can be acquired to make communication as secure as possible?
I do not have the answers – yet. If you have thoughts please leave them in the comments below. Oh – and I hope GG58 chimes in as Going Gray will take on a new level of importance for many.
Summary
Insanity. How many of us see the headlines, read about what others look at as “normal” and just shake our heads. If anyone would have suggested back on September 12th, 2001 that the country would be in the state it is today, most would have called you crazy.
Unfortunately, it’s real.
I truly believe we need to come together, network, and share ideas on how to best combat the insanity that the enemy portrays as “just” and “good” and “right.”
Rourke
