Collapse Coming?
Have you ever thought about the great depression? Have you ever wondered how you would fare in such a thing? Have you ever wondered about the magic that holds financial institutions up, the mojo that keeps the dollar valuable (however that is), and the secret agreements that mean that banks actually have our money? It’s all insanely complex, and rests on thousands of assumed facts and tiny little adjustments.
Its a house of cards.
Do you ever think about the US Treasury? Have you heard people talking about how the current administration has robbed the Treasury and emptied the coffers? Ever consider what that means? Bandits have robbed the train, and left an idiot in charge of the engine. Now the locomotive is careening out of control.
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/09/14/americas-financial-s.html
So What can we do? Think survival here, guys.
Get cash from your bank. You don’t want to get Indy Mac’d. You may not need all your Cash, But consider not relying on that dreadfully convieneint debit card or credit card. This of course assumes that inflation doesn’t skyrocket out of control and your twenties can’t even buy a tank of gas anymore. Oh wait. Maybe your twenties will get you a Valuemeal… or a happy meal.
Growing food. Start thinking about gardening. Of course winter is coming. But at least start thinking about it. In the Depression, every household had a garden. Think workable land when you look at housing options.
Besides rejoicing, what will you do if you lose your job, or your job stops paying you. How will you stretch your money? Will you still go to bars, or starbucks or the theatre?
What if all the power goes out? Are you prepared for a life without google? Are you prepared for a life without an iphone?
Consider that homelessness could happen to you. Thankfully many of us have a community that can help us through this. If a real financial collapse occurs, what will our options be? Find out about squatters rights. Strange to think about, but really. But, do you have a tent if it comes to that.
People may riot. Be ready for that.
Invest in a good bike. Fuel isn’t going down. We are going to need to ride our bikes more and more.
It’s a strange time. Just keep your head up stay alert. I have a bad feeling. I hate to be this guy, but today, it is where my mind is at. These are questions I am asking myself.
Tags: Economic Collapse, grim
September 17th, 2008 at 8:16 am
I actually think about the nuances of economic systems frequently.
I’m not scared.
Yes, things are bound to get hectic, and the system as we know it may fail… but what are we if not enthusiasts of change and survival? The ashes of the current system will be the fertile soil in which we sow the seeds of our ideas and ideals.
Re-imagine it. Re-interpret your conception of a value structure and value exchange. Yes, patterns will have to change, but there is opportunity and liberty in that.