economic collapse, SHTF, preparing, prepper, preparedness
Current Events

Unemployment. COVID-19. Supply Chains. What Have We Learned?

8
Share
Over the past 6 weeks, more than 30 million people have filed for unemployment. This is a shocking number and while it appears the trend of people losing their jobs is slowing, the personal and economic impact is significant. With some states starting to reduce their “shelter in place” restrictions on businesses, opportunities to go back to work will increase. Concern over a second wave of COVID-19 spreading is real, however, time will tell.
 
Although this crisis is not nearly over, there are many lessons to be learned:
  • The JIT(Just in Time) supply chain system in the United States is fragile and easily disrupted.
  • Citizens will generally comply with unConstitutional “suggestions” and “orders” from the government with little realization as to what they are doing or even questioning it.
  • Items that you would not normally think would be difficult to get can disappear off the shelves and out of the stores. Examples include toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and now freezers.
  • Any hint of ANY kind of crisis causes a run on guns and ammunition. Stocking up so your supply is sufficient to “weather” these times and not pay elevated pricing is a must.
  • Misinformation is put out generously by not only the mainstream media – but EVERYONE including private citizens and our own government. The reason for misinformation is sometimes ignorance and other times backed by an agenda.
  • The need to be out “in the woods”, living “independently”, and being away from people continues to show HUGE benefits.
 
What else? What have I missed? Comment below.
Rourke

You might also like

8 Comments

  1. Myke says:

    Not to mention all the “necessary” items manufactured in China, forcing too much reliance on them. Hopefully we’ll learn from this aspect of the “crisis” and produce more here in-house.

    I agree with the initial drastic measures taken because 1) we didn’t know much about this “silent enemy”, 2) we believed those faulty models predicting how many would die, which changed daily 3) We were all scared.

    However, since most of these steps were taken based on faulty models and information, why are we still living with these same restrictions even though the facts and data prove they were wrong.

    We should open up the country and continue testing and checking symptoms in people. Those who have it should stay home, those who don’t can go back to work and then maybe Ammo prices will come down so I can buy more (yes, selfishness on my part).

    Just my 2 1/2 cents worth.

    Reply
  2. John P says:

    John, the just in time supply chain is very fragile. Years ago I was a forklift mechanic for a major dealer in New england, they had taken on a new account and I was the first on site mechanic to work there, I learned that from the time the product was made till it was shipped to the store was all predetermined, manufacturing, shipping, warehouse delivery, time, warehouse storage racks, and when it was going to the store. When an item is rung up In the store it deleted from inventory and when a certain number are sold it re orders it. This is combined with other stores in the system and an order placed with the manufacturer. If the computer system goes down we have a problem. My ex brother in law worked for Amtrak when it merged with CSXand the two computer systems could not communicate due to different computer language, ( the problem some states just had with so many people applying for unemployment nd the system could not keep up to the number of claims because the computer language was developed in th 60’s. He told me was of the worst problem that happened is a list train of grain that ended up on a siding for six months before it was found, the grain had spoiled by that time.

    Reply
  3. goinggray58 says:

    A big one is surplus medications
    Publications that show yet unlearned skills (a paper or digital library)
    The list of skills from navigation, to bush craft, medical etc etc.. is endless and well beyond the scope of a comment.
    The need to grow (plant and animal) independent food sources
    purchase of power independence (electrical and fuel for light, AC, cooking etc)
    Communications equipment
    I’ve seen surges in all of the above..
    It has been a little disappointing how some preparedness groups or people have made fun of newbies that are not stupid, just ignorant. That many have focused on political criticism only and not teaching and coaching.
    We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to coach and further wake as well as bring people to the cause.. New personal friends, and ultimately a stronger and less dependent population and a patriotic citizenry is a very good thing for our way of life. We do need changes .. yes… but a makeover might be easier that a do over.. as long as it is actual and not window dressing and make up.
    GG58

    Reply
  4. John Gault says:

    Here in rural Georgia we really haven’t suffered any of the “unconstitutional suggestions” many others have had to deal with. Yes we’ve had the shelter in place orders and some businesses shut down temporarily but I do believe these have for the most part been justified. Though the industry I work in has been greatly affected (as most have) by this pandemic, and the company I work for has faced slowdowns and temporary layoffs, I have continued to work a full schedule.

    I’m actually surprised we haven’t seen more supply chain shortages here than we have. I continue to be able to get most anything I need/want. True, I’ve seen some shortages in meat, toilet paper and PPE, but I’ve still been able to get it. A local grocery sources it’s meats and produce locally, a little more expensive but they always have plenty. Quality hand sanitizers and disinfectants have been a real problem, and everyone is out of stock of new small freezers.

    The legacy media’s misinformation continues to be one of the most disappointing aspects of today’s society, though unsurprising.

    Reply
  5. Oren says:

    I live in the Upstate of South Carolina. Fortunately, we have a conservative Republican governor. Sure we have “shelter in place” suggestions. But we don’t have cops that have turned into “goon squads” preying on anyone caught out. They do warn party goers as they should. As far as my life style, I have not encountered any change. Of course, after retiring in 2012, I became rather a recluse anyway. My excursions are typically Lowe’s, Sam’s, the Feed and Seed the grocery store and the VA hospital in Asheville. Other than that, I stay home tend the chickens, the garden and feed the coon’s in the wood shed. I’m growing corn this year in case this toilet paper shortage continues into the winter.

    Reply
    1. Vi says:

      Our issues were a medication shortage at a national level for asthma medication, compounding medication wasn’t really impacted due to a smaller demographic. Too much of our medicine comes from China along with other essential products which now are trying to be made locally. Our govt pushing for an inquery into covid19 and the Chinese diplomat has threatened our trade partnerships.
      As for me I’m busier than ever before. Homeschooling and on a massive prepping learning curve whilst we shelter in place. Helping elderly parents and a few elderly neighbours. Short falls in respite care for the elderly and disabled or those at risk. At first run on my herbal remedies now business is nill but that level wasn’t sustainable with organic ingredients and the time required to infuse and produce remedies. As a newbie I’ve found the majority of people amazing offering to share their knowledge and not had anyone make jokes at my expense but I’d laugh it off if they did life’s too short . I’ve reached out to our local gun club and have started to complete membership papers . Our govt has stopped gun licences being issued but can’t stop me progressing with my membership as I try to put as much in place to move quickly with my plans once the stay in place order is lifted. Am booked into the next ham radio course locally. I’ve volunteered in community gardens most of my life but growing and inside is a complete different kettle of fish so to speak. Chickens in short supply and some seeds but with a big heirloom movement most any seed can be sourced locally. Lots of people without jobs my son has worked all the way through so far (fingers crossed) . No shortage on Freezers here but Australia hasn’t had the same experience with very low covid19 numbers . The biggest impact was the economy not covid19 with a run on foods , unrest and criminal activity. Most part just keeping my head down the only exception was when local teens assaulted a elderly neighbour and stepped in to lend a physical hand and had my tyres let down as a result. Need to make the most of the time I’ve got. Stay safe everyone !

      Reply
  6. MI Patriot says:

    I live in Michigan and my governor is an idiot and is too busy auditioning to be Biden’s possible running mate to worry about the citizens. (She’s on his shortlist). Our original lockdown started in March and was supposed to end today. Last night she took it upon herself to extend her lockdown/state of emergency (without legislative approval) until the end of May. State parks/campgrounds won’t open until June or July. This is a tourism killer for a state that has 5 lakes and hundreds of acres of forest, campgrounds, and promotes themselves as a tourist destination. You can’t get your CPL license renewed or get your driver’s license or plates because the state offices are closed. We have almost 1 million people filing for unemployment because of Covid and her decrees. The computer system for filing unemployment is outdated and is not capable of handling that great a volume and the unemployment offices are more than a month behind in processing claims. Many people have not gotten any money since late February. My husband and I are lucky as we are retired and so can get ourselves better prepared for what will probably be another lockdown the end of May. Our garden is going in the ground in the next 2-3 weeks. My husband and I have been stocking up here and there where we can. We bought a 1/4 of a cow to fill our freezer. If you do not have a freezer already, you are out of luck. You cannot find a freezer anywhere in the entire state. Hospitals that canceled elective surgeries in case of a Covid surge are now laying people off and closing their doors. All the field hospitals that were being set up in convention centers etc. are now being taken down after having maybe a handful of patients if that. If the police find a reason to pull you over, there are now fines if you are out and about without a “good reason.” She finally released the big box stores like Home Depot, Wal-Mart, etc. so they can now sell plants and seeds and paint, etc. Our entire state has been brought to its knees because of the flawed models that she uses for making her “decrees” and every prediction that Drs. Fauci and Birx issue. Every death in our state, whether it is Covid alone or Covid as a secondary cause is now required to be coded as a Covid death. That way it looks like our Covid death count is much higher than it actually is and that is her justification. Our supply chain is still fairly intact for now, but a lot of stores are out of milk, eggs, and some meats. Staples like flour, sugar, yeast, etc. are almost non-existent in some stores, and limited in quantity if they do have them. The restaurant supply stores are doing a box office business because people are now buying institutional sized bags of flour, rice, etc. There have already been several protests in front of our capital and at our governor’s residence in the past 2 weeks but the MSM and the governor just blow them off and life for them goes on. In the meantime, the small mom and pop places are folding because they can’t make any money only doing curbside pickup or take out orders, barbershops and beauty parlors are closing because they also operate on a slim profit margin. Things are going to come to a head soon, and I think it’s going to get uglier the longer this goes on. We are going to go ammo shopping tomorrow and see what there is out there.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *