Take These Steps Today To Survive An International Crisis

by | Mar 20, 2014 | Headline News | 234 comments

Do you LOVE America?

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    This article has been contributed by Brandon Smith of Alt Market.

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    With the Crimea referendum passed and Russia ready to annex the region, the United States and the European Union have threatened sanctions. The full extent of these sanctions is not yet known, and announcements are pending for the end of March. If these measures are concrete, they will of course be followed inevitably by economic warfare, including a reduction of natural gas exports to the EU and the eventually full dump of the U.S. dollar by Russia and China. As I have discussed in recent articles, the result of these actions will be disastrous.

    For those of us in the liberty movement, it is now impossible to ignore the potential threat to our economy. No longer can people claim that “perhaps” there will be a crisis someday, that perhaps “five or 10 years” down the road we will have to face the music. No, the threat is here now, and it is very real.

    The loss of the dollar’s world reserve status will destroy the only thread holding up its value, namely, investor faith. There are only two possible outcomes from that point onward:

    A) The U.S. will be forced to default because no nation will purchase our Treasury bonds and support our debt spending, causing the dollar’s value to implode.

    B) The Fed will choose to restart and expand quantitative easing measures, confiscate pension funds, raid bank accounts or issue new taxes in order to keep the system afloat; this will also end in the eventual collapse of dollar value and hyperinflation.

    The consequences will lead to an explosion in prices — first in commodities and necessities like petroleum, imported raw materials, food, electricity, etc. and then in all other goods and services. Austerity measures will be instituted by Federal and State governments. Cuts to social welfare programs, including food stamps, are probable. Civil infrastructure will suffer. The cost effectiveness of maintaining public utilities could become unrealistic. Anyone relying on such services may find themselves cut off for days, weeks or indefinitely. Public suffering will invariably rise, along with public crime.

    If events like Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans are any indication, the Federal government’s response will be inadequate, to say the least. The Federal Emergency Management Agency clearly cannot be relied upon to provide food, shelter, medical care or protection for communities. In fact, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Feds did far more harm than good, corralling people into camps where death was rampant and disarming outlying neighborhoods so that they could not defend themselves. Tens of millions of dollars in donated and Federally purchased necessities were never delivered to aid survivors. Trucks were turned away, and help from civilian sources was denied.

    The point is, if you find yourself in the midst of a national or international catastrophe, you should assume that you will be on your own with whatever preparations you made beforehand. To assume otherwise would be foolish, given our government’s track record.

    There are some people who will argue that during an international crisis, such as an economic war or a world war, there is no purpose to preparedness. They will argue that there is nothing an individual or family can do to weather the storm or fight back, because the scale of the threat would be “too great.” There is no place for such defeatism in the life of the liberty-minded. The scale of the threat is irrelevant, and only cowards give up a fight before it even begins. Survival and freedom require an unwavering conviction. Nihilists will fulfill their own prophecies, suffering a fate exactly as they imagine for the rest of us; living in fear, slavery, and obscurity.

    That said, it is also important to acknowledge the truth that the majority of Americans today are utterly unready for a minor localized disaster, let alone a national or global crisis. This problem, though, could be easily remedied with a few simple beginning steps. I find that most people are not averse to the idea of preparedness, but many have trouble taking the first steps in the right direction. For longtime preparedness champions, the information listed here might seem like old-hat. However, I challenge each liberty movement member to approach at least one friend or family member who could benefit from the steps below. Prepping appears daunting to the uninitiated; show them how simple it can actually be.

    Below is a list of goals that every liberty movement member and American can easily achieve starting today and continuing over the course of the next month. If enough citizens were to take the initiative to do these things, all threats — no matter how imposing — could be overcome.

    Buy Three Months Of Food Stock

    Food supply is the greatest Achilles’ heel of the American populace. Most homes store less than one week’s worth of food items at any given time. The average person needs between 2,000 and 3,000 calories per day to maintain sufficient energy for survival. It takes around four to six weeks for a person to die of starvation and malnutrition. In a collapse scenario, most deaths will likely occur within the first few months, either by weakness and illness, or by looting and violence. The idea is to at least get through this first catastrophic phase without becoming a villain, or falling victim to one. One person removed from starvation is one possible threat removed from the equation.

    Three months of supply is not ideal by any means, but it will buy you precious time. Start with 2,000 calories per day per person. Bulk foods can be purchased cheaply (for now) and can at the very least provide sustenance during emergencies. A 20-pound bag of rice, for instance, can be had for less than $15 and provides about 30,000 calories, or 2,000 calories per day for 15 days for one person. Supplement with beans, canned vegetables and meats, honey for sugar, or freeze-dried goods, and you will be living more comfortably than 90 percent of the population.

    Food stockpiling is one of the easiest and most vital measures a person could take. Yet, sadly, it is one of the last preparations on people’s minds.

    Buy A Water Filter

    Do not count on city water to remain functional. Even during a drawn-out economic downturn rather than an immediate crisis, there is a good chance that some utilities will be sporadic and unreliable. This means you will have to focus on rainwater collection, as well as water from unclean sources. Boiling the water will kill any bacteria, but it will not kill the taste of sediments and other materials floating around. A high-grade survival filter is the best way to get clean water that tastes good.

    The average person needs about a gallon of water per day to remain healthy and hydrated. I highly recommend the Sawyer Mini Water Filter, which is a compact washable filter that can cleanse up to 100,000 gallons of water. It uses no moving parts, making it harder to break; and it costs only $20.

    Buy A Small Solar Kit

    Try going a week or two without electricity, and you may find how dismal life can truly be. The very absence of light at night reduces one’s productivity time drastically, and using fuel for lanterns is not practical in the long term. Solar power is truly the way to go for a grid-collapse scenario.

    I’ve heard much whining about the cost of solar power, but small systems that will serve most electrical needs can be set up for less than $1,000. Two 100-watt panels, a power inverter, charge controller and four to six 12-volt deep-cycle batteries are enough to deal with most electrical needs in a survival situation; and all these items can be contained in a portable foot locker for minimal cost. New solar panels are much more effective in low-light conditions and winter weather as well, making solar a must-have prep item.

    Store A Fuel Source

    Twenty gallons of gasoline treated with fuel saver is not expensive to purchase today, but in the midst of hyperinflation, it may be impossible to obtain tomorrow. Kerosene is useful for heating and cooking. Propane can be stored for decades and runs numerous appliances. If you live in a forested area, dried wood can be had for free, and can keep you warm throughout the winter months (keep in mind the your local danger factor when using fire). It is vital to have a means to stay warm and fed during the most difficult seasonal changes, especially during a grid down scenario.

    Find Alternative Shelter

    There are no guarantees during a full-spectrum disaster. Having all your eggs in one basket is not only stupid, but unnecessary. Always have a plan B. That means scouting an alternative location for you and your family in the event that your current shelter comes under threat. This location should be far enough away from large population centers but still within a practical range for you to reach them. It should also have a nearby water source, and be defensible. Establishing supply caches near this site is imperative. Do not assume that you will be able to take all of your survival supplies with you from your home. Expect that surprises of a frighteningvariety will arise.

    Buy One Semi-Automatic Rifle

    At this point I really don’t care what model of rifle people purchase, as long as they have one, preferably in high capacity and semi-automatic. AR-15, AK-47, Saiga, SKS, M1A: just get one! Every American should be armed with a military-grade rifle. If you are not, you are not only negligent in your duty as a free citizen, but you are also at a distinct disadvantage against the kind of opponents you are likely to face in a collapse situation.

    Buy 1,000 Rounds Of Ammunition

    Again, this is by no means an ideal stockpile, but it is enough to get you through a couple rough patches if you train furiously. Cheap AK-47 ammo can be had for $5 for a box of 20 rounds. Get what you can while you can, because the prices are only going to skyrocket in the near term.

    Approach One Friend Or Neighbor

    Community is what will make the difference between life and death during a SHTF collapse. I challenge everyone in the liberty movement to find at least ONE other person to work with in the event of disaster. Lone-wolf operations may be strategically practical for short periods of time; but everyone needs rest, and everyone needs someone else to watch his back. Do not fall into the delusion that you will be able to handle everything on your own.

    Learn One Barter Skill

    Learn how to fix one vital thing or provide one vital service. Try emergency medical training, gunsmithing or metal working, as long as it is an ability that people will value. You have to be able to produce something that people want in order to sustain yourself beyond the point at which your survival stockpile runs out. Be sure that you are seen as indispensable to those around you.

    Grow A Garden

    Spring is upon us, and now is the perfect opportunity to grow your own food supply. If you have even a small yard, use that space to grow produce. Focus on high-protein and high-vitamin foods. Buy a dehydrator or canning supplies and save everything. Use heirloom seeds so that you can collect new seed from each crop to replant in the future. If every American had a garden in his backyard, I wouldn’t be half as worried about our survival as I am today.

    Prepare Your Mind For Calamity

    The most valuable resource you will ever have is your own mind. The information held within it and the speed at which you adapt will determine your survival, whether you have massive preparations or minimal preparations. Most people are not trained psychologically to handle severe stress, and this is why they die. Panic equals extinction. Calm readiness equals greater success.

    The state of our financial system is one of perpetual tension. The structure is so weak that any catalyst or trigger event could send it tumbling into the abyss. Make no mistake; time is running out. We may witness a terrifying breakdown tomorrow, in a year, or if we are lucky, a little longer. The path, though, has been set and there is no turning back. All of the items above can be undertaken with minimal cash flow. If you receive a regular paycheck, you can establish a survival supply for yourself and your family. There are no excuses.

    Take the steps above seriously. Set your goals for the next four weeks and see how many of them you can accomplish. Do what you can today, or curse yourself tomorrow. What’s it going to be?

    You can contact Brandon Smith at:  [email protected]

    Alt-Market is an organization designed to help you find like-minded activists and preppers in your local area so that you can network and construct communities for mutual aid and defense.  Join Alt-Market.com today and learn what it means to step away from the system and build something better.

    To contribute to the growth of the Safe Haven Project, and to help us help others in relocating, or to support the creation of barter networks across the country, visit our donate page here.

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      234 Comments

      1. I’ll do my best. I would like more preps, but financial circumstances prevent it. Some things on the list (and other lists) I have plenty of. Others..I will probably lack for the long term. In the end, I will take it day by day …hope for the best and mitigate the worst as best I can. I agree that …no plan survives the first shot of battle. Hopefully I will. Good luck to all you guys.

        • And in other breaking news:

          Gerald Celente just reported (again) that a crash is coming in the next few days.

          Or maybe sometime this month.

          For sure in a couple of months or so.

          Well, definitely in 2014.

          Or if not in 2014, you can bet it’ll happen by the end of next year. Honest.

          Really. No fooling.

          Oh… and he’s got some precious metals to sell you too.

          🙂

          • I am tired of the Whiny Celente

            • JJsan, long time no hear from. How have you been? Agreed about “Whiny-Whiny” Celente. I never could stand those NY/NJ accents anyway.

              • Hiya Renegade,

                I have been working a ton of overtime….. no time to post……

              • RBH,
                It’s only those from the north end of the state that have those accents.
                They are also the ones cramming the 10 round magazine limit down our throats .
                Assembly passed it yesterday , sent votes on it the 27 th . Crispy Cree is going to sign it.
                It’s just a matter of time we will get like Conn. , Mass. , NY , etc. liberal collectivist shit holes.

                Fighting on deep behind enemy lines.

                RESIST

                Semper Fi 8541

            • What I worry about with any international crisis is that it becomes a world war. Simply put a world war means “The Day After”, “Threads”, “The Road”, “Testament” movies type of nightmare. I agree with Brandon that the above ten suggestions are very important. I think every last person needs to know more about radiation and fallout. This means knowing how to make a Kearny radiation detector out of regular household material, or purchasing a radiation detector. IF a radiation detector is not properly calibrated it is useless. many of these yellow box type radiation detectors you see can be made workable by being properly calibrated, but if moved a lot over a couple of years has to be re-calibrated. They are that sensitive. Many radiation detectors are used ONLY for low levels of radiation, under 1 rad a hour for example and are useless after a nuclear war.

              People can shelter themselves from radiation, IF they know that there is a danger. This is why people need to have some sort of radiation detector. Protecting yourself from radiation is really about mass, as much as possible. Even tunnels offer much protection far enough in the tunnel, even without the tunnel’s exits being blocked up. I know this book I have recommended a few times, but it is still the best book out there and is still readily available:

              Nuclear war Survival Skills, 1987 edition, by Cresson H. Kearny. This is a must for every prepper/survivialist to have.

              People can talk about how the nuclear sides will never blow up each other because of MAD, mutual assured destruction. This no longer applies because Russia and China have swiss cheesed much of their mountain with underground shelters. Big ones. There is also the notion that China and Russia think that if they can down enough U.S. and western nukes that a nuclear war is survivable. With only recoverable losses. I know this sounds nuts, but IF Russia and China did not think that a nuclear war was winnable then why put so much resources into surviving it? Why does both countries continue to upgrade their ICBM’s with all sorts of zig zag patterns built in to elude a missile defense system? Why do both countries continue to add to their nuke arsenals?

              A nuclear weapon is only just that, a weapon. Every single weapon in a war will be used by one side or both sides to esure victory or make sure not of total loss. Hussien would have used nukes if he had them rather than lose in a war. Libya would have used chemical weapons IF they had not given up their arsenals in a Bush deal around 2005. Nuclear weapons will be used, and when the first ones goes off, many more will follow. Use them or lose them. Denial of this will not make the radiation go away after this happens. People can survive the aftermaths of a nuclear war. This book and many other sources on the internet describe how. Radiation and fallout survival is one of the least discussed material and probably one of the most important.

              • Half of the people on this site are of one opinion,
                the other half are of an opposite opinion.

                Both can’t be right. Half will be DEAD right.

                Sorry, just the way this humble scribe sees it.

                • Brandon,

                  You offer lots of good advice in this article.

                  I wish more people would heed this advice and take steps to be more prepared.

                  Thank you! Take care.
                  KY Mom

              • Know what? If life degrades to the manner in which you think, I really don’t wish to survive it…nuclear fallout, massive starvation, etc, etc, NOPE, don’t really want to be on the finale you describe….

                Have Faith, Keep the Faith, Share the Faith

                and have SISU
                fob

                • Faith and three bucks will
                  buy you a good cup of coffee.

                  • hope the coffee is as good you hoped for ……..

                • must be nice to be able to just throw up your hands ,but i got 11 other hungry mouths that will look to me , so i believe ill just keep on keepin on

                  • I guess it would be far better to see those you love dearly survive the initial event…only to watch them die slowly from starvation, disease, nuclear fallout, etc, etc,…..So sorry you misunderstood my remark….but I KNOW what waits for me when I die….I would give my life that my family may survive…but, what if there is nothing to survive for? I do not wish to watch those that I love suffer…would rather we all go together…if it is an emp…we got that covered…and WE WILL survive…but all the rest….hope we go with the first missile…

              • Screw that. Will I have to pay on my credit card?

                • To Anonymous (different one)… you don’t have to pay on your crdeit card now…! Screw the system… work self employed job.

              • Hey BI and the rest of you fine folks,

                I disagree with you on the radiation detector opinion you have. True, there will be very high levels of radiation after an attack, but I would advise everyone to have at the very least a CDV-700. Everyone should check out this you tube channel- the guy has awesome information. I picked up a new hobby after watching his vids, and purchased a CDV-700.
                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWSezzuofxc

                ALWAYS stick with the 700- do not purchase the 715 or other models unless you have the 700. The 715 and above are ONLY for detecting extremely high sources of radiation. I bought mine from Prepguard http://www.prepguard.com/store/radiation-prevention/cdv-700-geiger-counters So I can attest to the quality and service.

                In any event, I think this should be part of everyones prep. The reason I picked this analog one, is that it is impervious to EMP’s. Digital ones obviously are not. Its also a fun hobby going around checking what is/isnt radioactive. You would be amazed what is radioactive in your homes! And as an added bonus, put on that white chemical suit with a mask and walk up and down the street waving the wand back and forth! The looks from people are priceless =)

              • The very second you Russians and Chinese launch… the VERY VERY SECOND you launch…

                We will shut down all the coolant to all 300 of our fission reactors and drain the pools to the spent fuel rods.

                No shit.

                We can’t survive your strike anyway.

                Shelter against THAT, a-holes. I’d love to see you try. There isn’t a hole in the ground deep enough. And have fun eating each other, because you won’t be eating anything else that isn’t glowing.

              • Be Informed,

                I ordered the 2012 version of Nuclear War Survival Skills. I hope it’s as good or better than the 1987 version!

                ~GV

          • Celente doesn’t sell PM. One day when the SHTF after all the warning and it will. Your comments will be like this….

            🙂 -> 😕 -> -> 😯 -> 🙁 -> 😡 -> 😈 -> 😥

            • No Celente doesn’t sell PM’s but he does want to sell you a subscription to his newsletter. 🙂

              • Yeah, he sales doom porn and I’m not buying it.

                • Has anyone here ever used 5.56 ammo in a .223 bolt action? Im wondering if it is ok to use the 55 grain to keep the pressure down. I know the 62 grain will bring pressure up more than is comfortable. Thanks 🙂

                  • …HUH???? And wtf are you on about?

                  • In an AR platform I would, but maybe not in a bolt action rifle

                  • The rounds are interchangeable in a bolt action rifle, they are quite strong and the pressure difference is not enough to be concerned about.

                  • if its a modern bolt gun you should have no problem with the higher pressures of the 5.56

                  • You can shoot .223 in a .556, you should not shoot .556 in a .223

                  • Most bolt actions are over engineered so do not worry unless you are using one of the old norinco ones. They had an aluminum insert that tended to fail spectacularly.
                    Actually had one blow up in my hands while shooting American Eagle varmint rounds. It ended the range day effectively.
                    The heavier round is probably better in your bolt depending on the twist rate of your barrel anyways.
                    Instead of the 1 in 7 like many of the military standard ones the heavier bullet will stabilize better at the slower twist.
                    Of course that also depends on your rifle.
                    Feed it different stuff and see what it likes.
                    When you get a tight group stick with it.

                  • I have shot 5.56 in my Ruger 77 compact laminate, didnt notice any problems, i usually loaded hot for that rifle anyway with 69 or 80 grain sierras

                  • No no no. The difference is enough in the case to do real damage.

                  • From personal experience I have never seen any problem with interchanging 5.56 with 223 or even 308 with 7.62.
                    Yes there is pressure difference but the only problem I have ever encountered is with over wear in the barrel from using military surplus rounds. That was from the harder metal of the bullet going a little faster than normal and the heat and friction stripping the rifling from the barrel. Most civilian firearms do not have lined barrels.
                    IF you have doubts use your calipers to measure the unfired and then fired brass. Check your primers for flattening, and check the cases for cracking or separation.
                    Personally I think that the info out there is to keep people from using cheaper military surplus ammo that they can stock up on. Any body can call BS on this I will not take offense.
                    Military chambers are a little longer at the point of contact with the rifling and this can create a pressure difference of about 5%.
                    Since the cartridge is the same it should not affect it that much. People play with different loads and weights all the time.
                    It’s funny that now a days we all read and learn for a FACT on the internet without actually having the knowledge themselves.
                    What you really need to do is go into a gun store and talk to an actual gunsmith.
                    Years ago my old units Amourer told me to never put 223 into my C7 (that’s the Canadian M16).
                    His reasoning was that commercial sport ammo was sometimes hotter than the military ammo. He had replaced broken extractors on several rifles of guys who thought they were smart and brought there own ammo to the range so that they could play. Her Majesties Canadian Armed Forces were very cheap in how much they would give us to practice.
                    He told me that only in an emergency should we ever use the civilian stuff.
                    But what the heck do I know.
                    Nowadays it is the exact opposite.
                    Screw it buy a shot gun and forget ballistics.

                  • Most rifles produced in the last 20 years have a Wilde chamber which allows us of 5.56 in most civilian rifles . It should be fine unless otherwise noted , the only side effect noted is the chamber throats will exhibit some wear at the point where the bullet contacts the lands in the barrel.
                    The chamber sizes in most new arms have gone to the wylde chamber instead of the sammi standard due to legal problems , so to answer your question it’s generally ok to use civi ammo
                    Just use your head avoid heavier bullets and +p / magnum level loads due to pressure concerns.

                    Semper Fi 8541

                  • The case length of the two rounds differs between the two. 5.56mm is the longer one. If your rifle is a true .223, you should not attempt to use 5.56mm rounds. If it’s actually 5.56mm specs, you can use either. Consult with the manufacturer, the manual, or specify the make/model/production year of your rifle. Someone here will be able to tell you.

                  • I just read and posted about this. .223 is ok in a 5.56, but not a 5.56 in a .223. Reason stated was the 5.56 is a smidge larger and a hotter load with more pressure. Worst case secenario when shooting 5.56 in a .223 chamber and rare is that the upper reciever can crack or worse and cause safety concern. Other than that, they might not eject properly adn feed properly. Some have been known to fall down into magazine and rattle around…..from what I READ. But I am new to a lot fo this and can only tell you what I read. I posted about this to Hunter when I was asking about .308 adn 7.62 x 51 and 54 (one of these last two is a NATO round?)but he never spoke to my comments on 5.56 adn .223 So all I know is what I read.

                  • Not even in an AR platform would I use that. the “grain” of the bullet measures the weight of the BULLET, NOT- I repeat NOT the pressure. Be careful what you shoot. It could be your last.

              • …and its been the same tired rant/message for ever.

                Hey, didn’t he get boned by Corzine playing the paper metal game? answer…yes he did.

                Hey, wasn’t he one of the few that got most of his investment paper back? answer…yes he did.

                Gerry is one of them…what a dbag. The man has NO imagination.

          • Brandon: “The loss of the dollar’s world reserve status will destroy the only thread holding up its value, namely, investor faith. There are only two possible outcomes from that point onward:

            A) The U.S. will be forced to default because no nation will purchase our Treasury bonds and support our debt spending, causing the dollar’s value to implode.

            B) The Fed will choose to restart and expand quantitative easing measures, confiscate pension funds, raid bank accounts or issue new taxes in order to keep the system afloat; this will also end in the eventual collapse of dollar value and hyperinflation.”

            RESPONSE: Still pushing this Internet meme? LMAO! Are you soooo dense that nothing registered in your brain the last time you pushed this drivel?

            The dollar will remain the WRC currency for many years. The crisis in Ukraine only invigorates it as nations take sides. China is about to implode under the weight of its shadow banking and State financial fraud.

            China’s Yuan is, or was, the only logical choice for the next WRC (still many years away), but it wants its currency to remain weak to support its exporters and retain jobs. It has been manipulating it’s currency down. That is not the role of a WRC or its citizens.

            Recently, the CCP has allowed the Developers who gave them the China Real Estate Bubble, Ghost Cities and all, to go public and issue IPO’s. Knowing that these Developers are the Party faithful, that’s a sure sign that the risk for their losses when they collapse will fall on the investors of these new issues. That China real estate collapse will be the trigger that takes the world economy into the toilet in 2015.

            A) The NWO will buy each other’s bonds as always, and the various municipalities, states, counties, pension funds, etc, that hold cash, hold them in treasuries, and the multinationals will buy them. They NEED them. US Bonds are the life blood of the NWO. Legally, the FED can buy ALL US Debt, but they will not need too because there will be lots of buyers. Lots and lots of buyers!

            The USA is NOT going to default upon its debt. It doesn’t need to: everyone in the global investment community wants it. Even NK so it can use US Treasuries and dollars to buy Net Flick and other US Products Dear Leader. Not gonna happen. Period.

            B) This shows how financially STUPID you really are. The FED doesn’t need to raid depositor accounts. The FED doesn’t need to raid pension funds or raise new taxes. Why? Because that is what QE is all about. It transfers the wealth of Americans to the Gangster Banksters without a direct “haircut” ala Greece. The Great Bank Bailout of 2008/2009 continues UNABATED.

            Brandon, your other information is useful and helpful. As a Patriot I appreciate your efforts in the liberty movement. But please, stick to what you are trained for, have experience in, and understand.

            Do you have a business degree? I didn’t think so. How about an MBA? I didn’t think so. Have you ever worked in the financial industry? I didn’t think so. Do you have or have you ever held any professional financial licenses; like a CPA or Securities license that would evidence your understanding of economics, banking, or finance? I didn’t think so.

            You are well meaning I know. Your heart is in the right place, but your head is up your fucking ass! You are a financial idiot! You are misleading the Alt Media sheeple who need to understand what their government is doing. They cannot do that when well meaning but unqualified imbeciles push a financial meme that is false.

            You do the community here a disservice by pontificating upon a subject for which you are not qualified by education, experience, or special expertise. Most of all you do YOURSELF a disservice because there is much you could do for the Liberty Movement if you really understood what is happening financially.

            Take some classes in finance and economics. Please. 🙂

            • Brandon: Have you ever written a Real Estate Syndication program? Tell US about your last LBO. And how many hundreds of continuing professional financial education hours have you taken to maintain your professional licences?

              Over 1200? I didn’t think so. 🙂

              • very well made points DK

                but all other reserve currencies have eventually
                been dethroned

                why not the US dollar ???

                the US comes across as one hell of a bully to the rest of the world
                certainly China and Russia would love to see us taken down a peg or two ???

                but I suppose that no matter how much we are hated
                if people are making $$$ off of us
                that is all that really matters

                they’ll continue to tolerate our bad behavior

                • Satori: Yes historically, all other WRC have been dethroned. The USD will also be replaced, EVENTUALLY, but not yet. There are wars to be fought, nations to be subdued for the crony capitalism of the NWO, and the dollar is the weapon of choice. The USD is the WRC of the NWO. It is their life blood that facilitates their global commerce, and the dollar could function as the WRC for decades. Decades.

                  Why do you think OUR adversaries want to eliminate it as the WRC? It is the most potent weapon in the NWO arsenal.

                  When the dollar is replaced it will be replaced by State sanctioned digital dollars. Quantum computing is required for the security of that digital money system. QC is close but it too has a ways to go yet. That digital money system could be backed by a basket of currencies.

                  The transfer of the Internet to ICANN has implications for a global monetary system, where “governors” (ie central bankers) from various countries get together to manage and monitor the system.

                  It is also possible that metal would back digital dollars, but the PTB would rather have control over a system and a currency which they give value to, and which the masses must accept, rather than a currency with intrinsic value like metal.

                  Thus digital dollars may not be backed by metal. A digital money system, whether it is backed by metals or not, would complete the enslavement of the American people, who would not have the ability to buy or sell without the Mark of the Beast.

                  Metals would give more power to the people, for the people who have metal. The current dollar system gives the people a measure of independence because they can pull dollars out of their pocket for any transaction they want: legal or illegal. A digital system could be monitored and regulated in real time. Dump the dollar? better the devil WE know than the devil WE don’t.

                  Engage your employees or be enslaved by them one rule, regulation, or euphemism at a time. 🙁

                  • Hey DK, I’m in Phoenix. It’s your turn to buy tonight, right?

                  • Well said DK.. WELL said. oUCH… formerly, Sam not sam.

                  • DK: Why would ANY country continue to prop up the dollar when inflation and most likely hyperinflation is inevitable? We’re adding a $1.5 TRIL (or something close) every year to the deficit alone (in addition to not paying down the principal of the $17trill+ already accrued). Dilute the currency against its asset base and inflation is a mathmatical consequence.

                    Again, why do you see the petro-dollar remaining as the global reserve currency?

                  • Sterling Silver: In a world of midgets even a dwarf can be King.

                    The dollar IS the WRC and lifeblood of the NWO as a product of 20th century political economy and global commerce; and reflects the fact that the USA is the worlds largest economy and most powerful military. Both by a country mile.

                    It is the currency of choice for the NWO, NAFTA, WTO, TPP, and soon to be Atlantic Partnership. It was the dollar that bailed out Europe after WWII. It was the dollar that bailed out Europe in 2008/2009. It was the dollar that bailed out the global banks and multinational companies. That is why it is the currency of choice for the NWO and the lifeblood of its commerce.

                    No other currency had the MECHANISMS to become the WRC as the FED is the perfect Ponzi scheme that can create and destroy its currency at will. And does. Deflation destroys dollars.

                    Why will it remain the WRC? If for no other reason than there is nothing better on the horizon. If the dollar didn’t exist, the world would create it. It does exist so the world uses it and the world, including China; ESPECIALLY China, will continue to use it.

                    Its the dollar or Bit Coin.

                    Eventually the dollar will be replaced by digital dollars supported by a basket of FOREX currencies, once quantum computing is perfected and provides the necessary security for a global digital system.

                    Years away. China is going to POP. The Second Leg Down is coming for US. Stash ten dollar bills in number ten cans. There is always a shortage of currency in a depression. 🙁

              • DK
                The part that made me laugh, “You are well meaning I know. Your heart is in the right place, but your head is up your fucking ass!” Standard protocol for admonishing someone. Say something nice then tell them what you really think.
                Actually you made a number of good points in which I agree. It going to take some kind of major event (trigger) like BI was talking about, to have a collapse. Believe me, I’m not trying to tell Noah about the flood here. It’s just that there are so many potential major challenges. It feels like this country in in a old raft riding heavy white water on a river that so far we’ve remained upright but we can’t see around the next bend.

                • CITW: We are in the Last Days and the real challenges have not yet begun. Worse, WE have a liar, cheat, hypocrite, thief, fraud, and Traitor to the US Constitution in the Oval Office facilitating the deliberate transformation of America by the New World Order.

                  Note that I didn’t praise POTUS before I buried him. 🙂

              • Another arrogant ass who thinks they’re special because they warmed a seat in some classroom.

            • Well some of that is all and good, but the sheer amount of gold Russia and China must now possess is a phenomenal hedge against the dollar.

              Revaluation of gold after our collapse and the death of the naked short to artificially devalue the metal will cause these two to be incredibly rich and no longer having to even fart in our general direction.

              Godspeed everyone.

            • @Durango

              Notice that Durango never actually provides any concrete evidence to support his obsession with the U.S. dollar. Read through his comments carefully and you will find nothing but a long blathering diatribe of baseless opinions and ad hominems. This is a sign of a weak mind (or a web troll) with no understanding of finance or economics struggling desperately to appear relevant.

              As I have stated many times, China and Russia are already dumping the dollar in bilateral trade with multiple countries:

              http://www.marketwatch.com/story/china-russia-to-drop-dollar-in-bilateral-trade-2010-11-23

              http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/30/germany-china-yuan-idUSB4E7JG00D20120830

              http://www.ibtimes.com/china-russia-dump-us-dollar-bilateral-trade-248234

              China has stopped all new purchases of dollars for their forex reserves and is quickly reducing their treasury holdings:

              http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-11-20/pboc-says-no-longer-in-china-s-favor-to-boost-record-reserves.html

              So, your naive argument that the Dollar will remain the world reserve becomes meaningless, unless you can offer some tangible evidence that shows that these countries are going to continue dollar denominated purchases. Where is that evidence, by the way…?

              Again, your entire viewpoint is based on blind faith, not facts. Until you can provide concrete data that contradicts the fall of the dollar, why should anyone take your adolescent posts seriously? You do realize you sound like a snotty 14-year-old with something to prove, right?

              • @Brandon,
                “This is a sign of a weak mind (or a web troll)”

                I’m going with web troll and have for almost three years now.

                You really want a good laugh, especially you know and understand way more than I do about this stuff. Try and go back and look at his long winded never ending BS diatribes he spewed at a poster named Clark…..pretty sure it was Clark, back in 2011. He got his ass hat handed to him endlessly, yet he never quit. I am sure that it wasn’t because he felt so convicted and sure of himself, but more due to it is his job!

                Thanks for your articles

                • Hey Brainiac! Tell me all about YOUR financial education. Tell me all about YOUR financial industry experience, BJ. Do you have 40 years experience in banking, finance and real estate under YOUR belt? Did you run 15 major markets for a major bank? Did Brandon? Do YOU qualify as an expert witness in State and Federal court on these matters?

                  Didn’t think so. LMFAO !!! 🙂

                  • I stand by my work, not a bunch of bullshit accolades and mini-trophies that the system gave me for being a good little peon. I’ve been writing on the markets for nearly a decade and have been right about 95% of the time. Most of my readers made substantial money on my gold and silver calls. I received thousand of thank you emails for this.

                    Where is your body of economic work? Show me some links to your insightful articles and writings. Show what calls you’ve made that turned out right. Show what you have done beside bitch like a cranky old woman about the work of other people. I’ll wait…

                  • Brandon: I called $1200 gold when it was $1700 per ounce, right here at SHTF Plan. Check the bottom for gold and check the archives. 🙂

                  • DK used to say it owned a gold mine. That was BS as well.

                  • DK,
                    If I had 40 years in the system of banking, finance, markets and real estate I would be one miserable and delusional you know what. That’s the old and corrupt way of thinking, it is fast approaching that that old way of thinking will be obsolete.

                    And I love how, not just with me, but with others, you ask a question adn then answer it for them. I still think your a troll, but if not, you have to be one miserable, know it all, always have to be right and better than everybody else SOB.

                  • @Brandon Smith:

                    The durango kidd obviously has a measure of respect for you because he hasn’t yet called you a “little faggot.”

                    Keep up the exposure of the kidd, an you’ll get that moniker in due course just as I did.

                    The durango kidd is a troll. Period. His posts speak for themselves.

                    Unfortunately he has influenced more than just a few weak minds on this site.

                  • YMWW: Its true I do have a measure of respect for Brandon and the work he is doing for the Liberty Movement. I know he is intelligent and well meaning, but he is badly misinformed and poorly educated about finance, economics, and banking. Once he learns the facts from a professional like me, I wish he would run for Congress. I am serious about that.

                    WE need Patriots in office.

                    Brandon is a Patriot but his education is limited to a Liberal Arts degree and he has NO industry experience. That doesn’t qualify him as an expert in finance. 🙂

                  • @DK,

                    you are a little faggot

                  • If Ever there were a badge of dishonor for someone who didn’t already wear a badge, this would be it: “Do YOU qualify as an expert witness in State and Federal court on these matters?”

                  • For the record and for posterity’s sake, when “Krugman” Kidd said, “I called $1200 gold when it was $1700 per ounce, right here at SHTF Plan. Check the bottom for gold and check the archives.”

                    I think that was just prior to when he was saying, “buy gold for a sure thing, and buy silver to speculate.” He said it as though gold would never go down. Repeatedly.

                    In the long term (to many of us) there is no doubt that gold would be a good store of wealth. No matter what the Ups and Downs.

                    “Krugman” Kidd wasn’t pushing that line. He said it as if it were a sure fire never loose a dime thing in the here and now.

                    And now he says this?

                    The guy is a contradiction, wrapped in a an enigma, surrounded by an illusion.

                    Guys like that will say gold is a good thing to buy, yet they will say the Dollar will never go down.

                    They do not spend a moment to see the contradiction.

                    A lot of people are like that.
                    They fight hard to avoid reality.

                    Imho, there’s no getting through to those types of people.
                    Their love of empire prevents them from seeing things as they are. Their only wish is that they were in charge. That somehow things would be ‘different this time’ if they were in charge.

                    The more things change, the more they stay the same.

                • I appreciate it, BJ. Durango reminds me of the sad lonely gun addicts I run into every time I write a survival article. They’ve never accomplished anything worthwhile in their lives, and they are desperate to prove to everyone how “ingenious” they are. They beat their chests and initiate these hilariously pathetic pissing matches because if they can “one up” the guy who actually HAS accomplished a body of work, that will somehow prove their “superiority” without them ever having to lift a finger to assert real effort.

                  If Durango really had something worthwhile to say, he would not be trolling MY articles with empty criticisms – instead he would be out there writing and contributing his “vast knowledge”. Real gun experts and spec ops guys don’t feel the need to one-up people on the internet, and real economists publish their work instead of haunting web forums like sniveling poltergeists.

                  • Brandon: I have stated here many times that I do not consider myself an expert because the field of finance and/or economics is so large with many specializations, it is difficult to be an expert in everything; but what we are talking about here at SHTF Plan is basic economics and basic finance; not DCF analysis of multiple streams of income.

                    That said, I do have the education, experience, and special expertise. I do qualify as an expert witness in State and Federal Court.

                    You do not have any of that, much less the 40 years experience and the “mini trophies” that the system has awarded me for my accomplishments: including my name on a plaque in the ASU Business School.

                    You still haven’t told me about your latest LBO! 🙂

                    You are the bullshitter here without the formal education in finance, or real experience and success in a competitive financial marketplace.

                    You talk a good game; not unlike the sniper bullshit hiding out in Idaho chasing Bigfoot and imaginary Red Dawn Soldiers. I am an ex-marine and Vietnam Vet experienced in a firefight with meritorious promotions. Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night to red, green, and white tracers flashing all around you? I have. I am the real deal. You are not. You are a wanna be.

                    You are a typical Walter Mitty type who has never accomplished anything. And Alt Market? LMAO! What’s the most recent garage sale economics trade going down there? Is it a five pound ball of used duct tape for a pound of twisty ties and some paper clips thrown in as boot? LMAO!

                    A 95% success ratio in discussing the economics of financial markets? LMFAO! You are the blind leading the deaf, dumb, and stupid like BJ, who doesn’t know anything about Supply and Demand or the Principle of Substitution. these are the most basic of economic concepts. How is he going to understand how the FED works and what they are doing to US unless I tell him?

                    As far as “trolling” your articles, you praise yourself. I have been reading and posting here for four years and I LOVE to debunk the idiots like you who pass themselves off as financial experts when they have absolutely no credentials to support their claim to fame and they are exposed by their obvious lack of knowledge of the most basic elements of our financial system.

                    Like you. 🙂

                  • As I said, if you are such a “genius” and we are all blind, then where is your great body of work? In troll posts on various websites? I had to laugh when you suggested I look for your gold price calls in the posts here. That is exactly what I am talking about. You’ve never done anything. You boast about your expertise and your “military training” when really, you’re just a bullshitter and I’m guessing a weakling by the way you constantly sing your own praises.

                    If you are going to “call out” someone with more knowledge than you on a subject, you should probably try to provide more substance than opinion and self promotion. In the end, you’re just another keyboard warrior hiding behind a fake name, attacking people you’ll never have to meet face to face because it’s safe for you. Do some real work, write some articles, put your real name on them, and then, maybe, you’ll be taken seriously.

                  • DK , you are discrediting yourself with all these
                    ad hominem attacks on the author.
                    Maybe just let it go ?

                  • @DK,
                    Do you even realize how childish you sound when you brag about yourself like you do. Especially when you mention mini trophies and plaques on a wall…..seriously???

                    All the things you brag about, are your weakness and are working against you. Your pride and over confidence might be your ultimate demise.

                  • Brandon: How can you have more knowledge than me when you have no education, or experience in the field and have never accomplished anything in either the finance or economic field?

                    Why do I need a “body of work” on the Internet, other than my posts here? I am retired and puttering around on my projects. I do not make my living off the Internet, but I do enjoy debunking fools like you who can mesmerize the uneducated.

                    If they don’t want the truth and the facts about finance and the economy from someone who has been there and done that, I don’t care, I don’t need their vote. I am not running for office.

                    You know absolutely NOTHING about finance. Nothing. Can you tell me who the Father of the MBS was and what firm he worked for without looking it up on the Internet? Can you tell me how the different tranches of a MBS work and how the risk is allocated to each tranche? I didn’t think so.

                    You are the phony, not me. 🙂

                  • Hammerhead: Ad hominem attacks are VALID criticisms when someone presents themselves as an expert about an subject for which they have NO education or professional experience.

                    Whatever degree Brandon has in the Liberal Arts, I promise you he has NO professional education, training, or experience in money, banking, finance, and economics.

                    Would you buy a horse from a pig farmer on the recommendation of a welder? 🙂

                  • A gooberment lover asked, “Would I buy a horse from a pig farmer on the recommendation of a welder?”

                    The answer is, Yes.

                    If I trusted the guy.

                    And if I could think for myself and make my own judgments.

                    Gooberment lovers do not want people to think for themselves, nor to trust people who aren’t classified as “gooberment certified experts”.

                    I think they call that system a technocracy.

                    A.k.a the rule by your supposed betters.
                    If it goes on for awhile it becomes known as an oligarchy, …or what we have now.

                    I’m just howling at the wind here no doubt.

                    Ah, well. Let posterity know, I didn’t said nothing.
                    Problem was, I was surrounded by gooberment lovers.

              • Brandon: Yes the Russians and Chinese are “dumping’ the dollar in their trade with other nations. Why is it “necessary” that these two nations use the USD in their global trade as you suggest?

                Is it “necessary” for Iran to use the dollar? Or Argentina? Or India? Or Brazil? NO. It is not necessary for the dollar to be used by any particular nation or group of nations for that matter, other than the NWO Partnership. It is the life blood of the NWO which facilitates their commerce and wealth; backed by the strongest military in the world.

                The dollar is the currency of choice for the Gangster banksters and their 147 major multinational companies who control more than 60% of all global commerce. That figure does not include the tens of thousands of companies in America and Europe who also contribute to global GDP.

                You fail to consider these FACTS because you are obsessed with the demise of the dollar having you accepted the false Alt Media Meme based upon a faulty understanding of economics and finance, because you do not have any education or experience in the financial industry.

                You are an uneducated fool! 🙂

                It is enough for the USD to be used by the NWO and their allies, where most of the wealth of the world is concentrated. The dollar is used and will continue to be used by NATO, NAFTA, WTO, and the TPP.

                China will not and cannot stop “using” the USD if they want to continue to sell their products to America who is its largest trading partner. Your assertion in that regard is just plain ASININE! LMAO! WTF are you smoking? 🙂

                Historically, since WWII, the USD has only been used in 55% to 65% of ALL global commerce annually. It’s use is still well within that range, in fact, last October the USD was used in over 80% of ALL global commerce. And recently China paid NK for goods, materials and services in USD. Why? NK wanted USD. NK NEEDED USD.

                The Russian economy is not that significant (comparable to California)anyway as their withdrawal of $100 billion from their FED account prior to “sanctions” attests. Nothing happened. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. So much for your suggestion that the Russians were going to collapse the US Bond market! LMAO! Haven’t you heard? Russia is a gas station masquerading as a country!

                The Chinese are FULL PARTNERS with the NWO. Their currency is intended to become a world currency, like the other major FOREX pairs. The NWO wants the Chinese Yuan to become a world currency that is fungible globally. A number of steps must happen for that to occur.

                They also want the Yuan to EVENTUALLY become the STRONGEST currency in relation to other world currencies, and they want Chinese consumers to support world growth with their consumption, buying from global factories owned by NWO Investors.

                300 million Chinese consumers have disposable income, and another 300 million have been raised from abject poverty and now have enough money to feed themselves; although it takes half of their daily income to eat. As the Yuan rises, the cost of food as a percentage of their income will drop and they will become consumers of more than food and hovels. With real disposable income they could become renters in the Ghost cities.

                Another 600 million Chinese, mostly older and/or uneducated, live in the countryside and still eek out a living in villages. The Ghost Cities have been built for occupation by these people as the Chinese economy grows internally.

                The NWO wants the Yuan to become stronger AND fungible so that tens of millions of these Chinese will become consumers, buying from NWO factories around the world (Mexico, Turkey, Egypt, Vietnam). This is only possible with a stronger Yuan.

                The transfer of the wealth from the American and European Middle Class to China has ended. The China template will now be overlain other nations, like Mexico, Columbia, and member nations of the TPP. The transfer of American wealth will continue unabated to Central and South America.

                China is headed for a financial fall. Every capitalist economy eventually has a downturn. China is in line for its first major recession. That real estate crash will affect its financial markets and China will have to institute QE for its State Banks.

                Like the FED, the China Central Bank can print all of the Yuan it wants to protect its banks via Chinese QE so buy Chinese bank stocks as they go public. 🙂

                • Do you not know the economic difference between China and Iran? China is the largest importer/exporter in the world. If China stops accepting dollars for their goods, why would any nation defend the dollar rather than switch to a currency the Chinese will accept?

                  I never suggested the Russians by themselves would collapse the bond market. You might want to learn a little reading comprehension. I did say that if the U.S. and Europe institute concrete sanctions, Russia will respond with a treasury dump and that China will back their play. Sanctions are still pending and announcements are supposed to be made public by the end of this month.

                  This situation has just begun and your already claiming that “nothing is going to happen” because nothing happened today. That is called normalcy bias, not objectivity.

                  As far as China goes, I agree with most of what you said. I’ve been saying the same thing for years. However, where I disagree is when you make the assumption that China cannot trade without the U.S. Again, what are you basing this blind faith on? China is already dropping the dollar in trade with half of the largest economies in the world. The facts contradict your unbacked opinion.

                  The ASEAN trading block alone accounts for a larger export market than the U.S. China is shifting towards a consumer based economy. China is on track to become the largest holder of gold in the world. Think Tanks have war gamed this scenario for years and found that the U.S. would indeed lose during an economic war with the East. Current global event are playing out EXACTLY as the war games foretold:

                  http://www.financialsense.com/contributors/jim-rickards/world-playing-out-pentagon-financial-war-game

                  Only a truly “uneducated fool” denies the facts right in front of his face just to avoid admitting the shame of being wrong. You are only embarrassing yourself, Durango.

                  • Brandon: Yes China can trade without the US, as can every other nation. But WE are its largest trading partner. Excess global production currently in China will now move from China to the TPP.

                    Americans will be buying cheap Mexican goods in factories built by NWO Globalists in Mexico, Central America and Columbia just as they did in China. The Mexican Peso is 12 to 1 to the dollar and there is less transportation costs. Follow the “Sweatshirt Index”.

                    Wal Mart sells sweat shirts (last I looked) for six dollars each. The NWO will move their factories to Mexico where the cost of labor is cheaper by half than in China and there is more profit for them.

                    If a sweatshirt in China costs $1 (six Yuan) to produce and sell in America (assume transportation costs are included) that Sweatshirt will cost half as much (50 cents)to produce in Mexico (assume Transportation costs are included). That allows WM to buy cheaper and sell cheaper and still make more profit on a sweatshirt made in Mexico rather than a sweatshirt made in China.

                    Because of China’s manipulated currency, right now it is cheaper to manufacture and transport a bulldozer in China and ship it to the East Coast and sell it at a profit than it is to manufacture that same bulldozer in the USA. It won’t be long until bulldozers are manufactured in Mexico down the street from Camaros.

                    When the USA starts buying from Mexico, Central America, and Columbia the USA will not need China to produce its goods. This will create a GIGANTIC hole in the Chinese economy as Americans and Europeans buy Made in Mexico rather than Made in China.

                    Welcome to the New World Order where the DOLLAR is KING!!! LMAO!!! 🙂

                  • If China sees us as a vital trading partner they cannot live without, then why is china moving away from the dollar in bilateral trade? Why are they dropping the dollar if they need the dollar? Why are you having such a hard time with this question?

                  • The USSR was “isolated” by the west for decades and survived. Seems to be on the rebound, but without the drag of the “Stan” countries. USSR seems to have learned it’s lesson regarding communism. USA is just itching to try out the whole socialism gig. It has failed every time it has been tried, but America is “exceptional” and can make it work (famous last words).

                  • Brandon: China is moving away from the dollar in bilateral trade as designed, so it can be a FOREX/WRC like the pound, aussie, euro, etc.

                    It will continue to accept USD for the purchases WE make. 🙂

                  • “Do you not know the economic difference between China and Iran”

                    Hell no DK don’t, he doesn’t know the difference between common sense and a liberal indoctrination in the americanized secondary education (oxy moron) system.

                    Hell he still thinks it’s about right and left and that a vote means a damn thing.

              • Brandon ,
                What the heck is going on with 7.62 lake city lately ?
                Got some bulk for use in my PTR91 it was all over the place , thought it was shooter induced intill a friend chrono’d it . 800 fts deviatiation between some rounds was causing all hell in trying to zero it , 2013 production headstamped.
                Stuff is just starting to hit the shelves again , I guess I will have to start weighing rounds and segragating them by weight. This stuff was not cheap.

                Anybody else encounter this?

                Semper Fi 8541

            • dk…would the federal reserve stop QE to instill confidence from other countries so they WOULD buy treasuries here??
              And if that happened, would the federal reserve then go for savings, 401ks, pensions??

              • JayJay: The FED is moving to reduce QE because it has sopped up about 3 trillion dollars in bad mortgages and toxic securities from its member banks.

                The inventory is in decline at least until the Second Leg Down hits with full force, and another wave of personal bankruptcies and home foreclosure hit. Later this year and next.

                The member banks have shed the bulk of their inventory of bad assets to the FED, and have their balance sheets strengthened by higher reserve amounts in their FED account. With their liquidity ratios strengthened it is not necessary for the FED to continue QE at this time.

                It is also moving to raise rates a bit. As interest rates rise, more dollars exit emerging markets for a safer haven and a positive yield in USA equities. At the near zero rates, effective rates of return were negative for bonds: so incentive was created by the FED for holders of dollars to re-invest them in other investment classes (with more risk) for investors seeking a higher yield. This was an attempt to stimulate the economy a little bit.

                The FED wants a stagnant but improving economy, not a full blown recovery. They need time to digest and stabilize MBS and toxic assets.

                Some of those dollars moved offshore to say, Panama, Ecuador, or Peru for higher rates of return on readily fungible bonds paying a higher rate, as example. Now those dollars can move back to the US for a higher rate of return to support the financial markets while QE is withdrawn.

                Everyone should understand that the FED has more data than NSA. It has modeled OUR economy (and all others) and knows EXACTLY what a few basis points change in rates will mean for every facet of the economy from car sales to home sales, to manufacturing.

                The FED does not have to “instill confidence” into other nations. Membership in the NWO has its privileges. There is plenty of demand for bonds and dollars.

                By creating dollars and using them for QE they have protected the member banks. By buying US Bonds they have kept the creation of debt “in house” so as not to flood the market. The effect is NOT the same as selling bonds into the open market. This is just another thing that the Alt Media Fools do not understand.

                As I have said, The FED does not have to go for pensions or savings because they have QE. The Administration would like to have a government sponsored 401k, IE MyIRA because it would allow government to use that taxpayer money in return for a promise to pay; like SS.

                Bad idea. Don’t buy in. 🙁

                • No. The fed is tapering because the effectiveness of stimulus has a shelf life. The Fed was pumping (officially) $85 billion a month and the markets were barely holding steady, any moderate political shockwave sends stocks down 1000 points in a week. In a market addicted to constant growth, stimulus falls short. The fed knows that QE has failed, and now they are pulling back in preparation for the inevitable implosion of the stock bubble. If the fed continues QE and the markets crash, then QE and the fed will be labeled ineffective. If they pull back, they insulate their methods and themselves from blame. The argument becomes one over “needing stimulus”, rather than over the effectiveness of stimulus.

                  Restarting QE will do NOTHING in propping up the markets any longer, that is why they will continue tapering until the crash. The U.S. will default because no other nation will want dollars for payment on debt instruments, just like Weimar Germany. When you cannot pay your liabilities, this is called DEFAULT.

                  You’re thinking in two dimensional terms. It’s time to grow up and look at the bigger picture.

                  • Brandon: You said, “The fed knows that QE has failed, and now they are pulling back in preparation for the inevitable implosion of the stock bubble.”

                    LMAO! QE has done EXACTLY what it was intended to do. It has protected the member banks. You are deluded if you believe the BIG FED LIE that QE wss intended to stimulate the economy.

                    If the FED wanted to stimulate the economy, a much, much larger proportion of those dollars stashed away into the member bank accounts at the FED would be making their way to Main Street. They are not. Why not?

                    If your premise is wrong, your conclusion will be wrong. You are swallowing the BIG FED LIE, hook, line, and sinker!!!! 🙂

                  • Brandon: 80% of that $85 Billion was going to the member banks either by the purchase of toxic assets or to their account at the FED. So that 80% didn’t stimulate anything. It was theft from the American taxpayer and represents a transfer of wealth from the taxpayer to the member banks.

                    There are a lot of dollars flowing back into US markets from emerging markets. These dollars are seeking higher, safer yields and emerging markets are in turmoil (by FED design). This allows the FED to taper without collapsing the financial markets by withdrawing QE.

                    These dollars will flow into US Bonds, equities, commodities, and money market funds. The current “recovery”, at least for the financial markets has been about 5 years (?) and can extend a while longer although I believe it is pushing its time limits. Whether the markets will crash or decline is still to be determined, but a 40% correction is likely.

                    Contrary to other main stream observers, I believe the FED will manage an orderly decline without a massive crash, by a slow taper. And that would be contrary to historical occurrences.

                    If it declines rather than crashes, it would show the extent of the control the FED and its member banks have over the markets; but a downturn is coming, probably after elections. 🙁

                  • Seems to me that the Fed wants to get rid of it’s dollar denominated assets. Too much dollar paper sitting around. Don’t want to be looking for a chair when the music stops.

                  • DK and Brandon–I’m Soooooo glad I’m Poor!! 🙂

                  • ***QE has done EXACTLY what it was intended to do. It has protected the member banks***

                    By propping them up artificially?? Eventually, won’t this chicken come home to roost??
                    A trillion in bad debt hidden in another column is still a trillion in bad debt??
                    Somebody ain’t getting paid!!

                  • JayJay: You said, “By propping them up artificially?? Eventually, won’t this chicken come home to roost??
                    A trillion in bad debt hidden in another column is still a trillion in bad debt?? Somebody ain’t getting paid!!”

                    Yes, by propping them up “artificially”. There is nothing “artificial about it. Can you buy things you want with the dollars in your wallet? Yes, because they have value.

                    Likewise, the “artificial dollars” channeled to the member banks have value and the bad debt they “sell” to the FED will be resold at a discount deep enough for a another (private) investor to purchase and make a profit on; not unlike the bulk purchases of foreclosures sold to Blackrock, Colony, and others at fire sale prices.

                    Someone IS getting paid. Start with the member banks who write these assets down (marked to market losses) against their balance sheet and are compensated with QE dollars when the FED buys them. These losses (liabilities) represent destroyed dollars, by the tens and tens, and hundreds of billions of dollars.

                    Then the FED buys these toxic assets and they become ASSETS, rather than liabilities on the FED balance sheet. They are no longer Bad Debt. IE What is one man’s trashis another man’s treasure. The FED can hold them at current market value and receive whatever income they generate, and /or may sell them (even at a loss) to another investor who will receive a higher rate of return by buying at a lower price (p/e ratio).

                    If the FED sells some assets at a loss to move them, then the FED writes THAT loss off against other income from other marked to market securities that they have bought from the member banks, with OUR money.

                    It is the “magic” of accounting, which is why corporations rule, and everyone should have one. Some one does have to pay for all of the losses. It is US. WE pay for this through QE, where newly created money is transferred to the member banks.

                    The FED robs US to pay the member bank. This is why I tell you that QE is designed to protect the member banks and not to stimulate the economy. 🙂

              • PLEASE stop feeding this assholes ego. NO ONE who is really as smart as dk thinks he is would waste so much time trying to espouse his genius on some websites comments section. He has contradicted himself SO MANY times thru the years it makes the stick up his ass spin. Really I think he just comes here to be a shit disturber, my take is he is about 25, living in his moms basement and between bites of his hot pockets and sesssions with world of warcraft, he goes between giggles to the point of urination from the reactions and psychotic indignation when those with half a brain figure out his schtick and confront him on it.

                • Now that was good Willie Wonka, real good.

            • Ah DK, the most arrogant idiot on the internet strikes again

              • I used to think Durango was full of it too until I sat down and really thought about it. He’s not full of shit guys. Yes the economy COULD and WILL collapse, but the Fed has the tools to keep it afloat under “normal” circumstances. No I don’t have any formal training other than my Series 6 and ASPPA but if you think about it he does make sense. Now if some crazy event happens that throws everything into a shit-storm then all bets are off. If the Fed didn’t have as much control as it does than yes, this scenario would play out perfectly and would have probably already collapsed by now. Brandon is not full of shit either, what he is talking about SHOULD be happening and it IS to a small degree. It is just taking longer for Brandon’s scenario to play out. When SHTF we don’t need to argue who came closer to calling it but instead work together to rebuild and restore. This arguing is NOT constructive. Take care all.

          • Buy gold

            Shape into the form of a corn seed and grow some golden corn. Shape it into the form of a zucchini seed and grow some golden zucchini, shape it into the form of golden toilet paper and…….

            • GOLD
              This may show my ignorance, but if gold is better than cash (dollars), then why are those companies that have it advertise it for sale? Why wouldn’t they just hold on to it?

              • Because they bought at X and want to sell to you at XX?? 🙂

              • They buy low, sell high, and keep aside profits in PMs. Every time the PMs pass through their hands, they make a little. Hopefully they’re smart enough to do that.

              • Because you are a candle in the fart wind.

              • Because you admit to being ignorant &&&&&&& stupid.

                • AnonyMOUSE my little friend.
                  I apologize if I’ve offended you in some way.

          • STORY AT COLLAPSENET.COM– GRID DOWN SITUATION IS ACTUALLY MUCH WORSE THAN WE ALL REALIZED… READ, “DESTROY 9 INTERCONNECTION SUBSTATIONS AND …” AT BOTTOM OF ESSAY…

            MELTDOWNS, DEATH PRETTY MUCH 99%

            • I don’t quite understand why, if the grid goes down, that 99% of the people in the US will die. I was raised in 1950s Kansas and we had rarely used electricity, rarely because it was rarely working. It was uncomfortable in summer, but I never thought we would die. Water is most important and we bought a hand pump for our well after asking for advice from this community. Our water tastes nasty and is mineral-ridden, but potable. I can cook, wash, clean and nurse without electricity although it will be a dull life. Thanks to all of you for the ideas and viewpoints. As my parents would say, done and done.

              • Doom porn sells, common sense doesn’t.

                • Smokey ,you mean that was doom porn a couple of years ago, when all the brains on this site was tell everyone how dumb they were if they didn’t get out of their 401k and pay the penalty. Man that would have been a great move.

                  • I’ve been saying that since 2007!

              • You may not die but many others will.
                In today’s society people are not capable of doing things.
                Today I bought something for $6.47, I gave the guy 1 five 1 dollar and 2 quarters. This seemingly intelligent and pleasant young man smiled and asked me what the quarters were for. I had to explain that they meant 50 cents which was 3 cents more than required so I needed change.
                I think that We need to rewrite the Issac Asimov story The Feeling of power, and replace the central theme with Jack London’s To Build a Fire.
                This world we live in today is incapable of taking care of itself without some very big changes.

              • Picture NYC without electricity, and hence, without billions of gallons of drinkable water pumped to the 50th floor apartments. Where would you put enough outhouses for that many people? Yes, many would die. Disease would run rampant.

              • Actually, I made a mistake; the article said 100% death rate– no survivors– due to the nuclear power plants not being able to kept up like they need to be. In other words, a bunch of melt downs…

              • To Vicky– “Why would 99% of US citizens die if there was a sudden grid collapse”? Because if there is no electricity, no one would be able to cool off or shut down the nuclear power plants. In other words, there would be a bunch of meltdowns here in the U.S.– like what happened at Fukushima recently, when the tsunami struck and no electricity/means of taking care of the facilities…only thing is, in Japan, they DID have electricity in parts of the country and were able to alleviate some of the problems… still, there were 4 meltdowns (3?) and it doesn’t look good…Nuclear radiation is usually not too viable a living arrangement.

            • @Anonymous,
              Yeah, that article was posted here on SHTF yesterday. Sorry you missed reading it here.

              • Yes, I read the article yesterday. What the article DIDN’T mention was the part about nuclear power plants… you know, melt downs… us all being nuked. Maybe you should have gone to the article I mentioned at the site I mentioned (collapsenet.com) and read the last paragraph, like I emphasized, which talks of nuclear power plants.

            • Parts of USA will go without power, at least constant electricity. If the only thing destroyed is a few substations, the damaged parts will be abandoned, the grid will be broken up and the areas near powerplants will see power restored. Cali will have spotty power because they haven’t built a major powerplant inside Cali in years. Gotta stay green. Life will definitely change. We won’t be going to the supermarket and walking down the potato chip or shampoo aisle anymore. Some of us will die and the days of instantly available anything will be stories told to yunguns.

          • Gerald Celente doesn’t sell precious metals…. You white house troll.

          • @BF,
            I hear you loud and clear, and agree with you 100%. Well, except for the part about Celente having PM’s to sell me. He lost all of his paper and whined about his situation for months. He’s a crybaby. OK, bring on the thumbs down, we might as well get another hot debate going here.

          • The turd doesn’t fall far from the butthole.

        • I would guess that your comment and your name is the same for most of us. I can check off most of the list above but I still have no solar backup. The hardest part for me will be the mindset. Just never know. Like you say, the first shot of battle would be interesting. Why does it have to be this way? I’m perfectly happy just minding my own business.

          • Im surprised that no one is addressing the need to forget independent living. Its time for people to begin moving in together because it is often cheaper to live that way.

            Its going to be very very bad and for us the real S hasnt even hit yet. But look at those w/out jobs. Some are facing foreclosures or eviction. Everyone keeps going at all of this in a single file, individually. Now is not the time to try and make it alone or as a single family unit. For the people who believe there job is threatened or they have little to nothing saved then NOW is the time to plan an alternate lifestyle to make it through the hell about to fall on us.
            Now that the ground has thawed Im prepping for at least one of the kids to move back. Im building a small cabin so there can be privacy but if needed there is an extra bedroom in the house too. Aint turning family away, were planning on them to wind up here.

            So look at the millions of families across America dealing w/ SHTF right now. Now Obamacare is going to destroy more people than theyve admitted to. Taxes will go up. Property will be seized and more jobs lost.
            Its only been since the 1900s that we became so isolated and everyone had to have their own place. Time to change that way of thinking and get back to a supportive community of trusted friends and neighbors or family. Time to put 2 families under one roof and buckle down for hard times ahead. Its going to be hard enough as it is w/out being homeless from an eviction.

            • Calcagus, that will be one of the hardest things for me.
              I have shared a house with Gene for 39 years and not one other person.
              I can’t even imagine having another family in this house.
              I have considered making petitions in the unused room doorways for just that though.
              We don’t drink, don’t have cable, and don’t smoke–gonna be hard if sharing the house is inevitable.
              Our entertainment many nights is playing Rummikub. 🙂

            • @ calgacus
              you are so on point, in the past 40 years or so, people have been so wrapped up with themselves that they forgot the family. living in your grandmas house was frowned upon’ why?… because tptb wouldn’t make enough money off you that way. think of all the money they made from even a small home loan of 50k. over 30 years at a low interest rate of 5% would still yield them close to $100k.
              I was so sick of hearing people talk about stocks back in the 90’s about how much money they made, what to buy, so on and so on… couldn’t enjoy a bbq without hearing about that shit, now you don’t hear anyone talking about it, so I guess there is a silver lining. no one talks about money when times are tough. it doesn’t take a brainiac to know that ‘not everyone can be rich’
              spoiled little brats… no one likes em’ but you could gift wrap the USA in that paper, and put on a big red white an blue bow if you like.
              things will be reset, the smart ones, like you suggest will pool their money, and live well enough, the rest, screw em’ you can only lead the horse to the water.

              • And you can give people information, but you cannot make them think!

            • It’s funny you should mention people moving in. Our son, who is a recent veteran of the Navy, has just moved back in, as has his oldest sister, who was laid off from her job and lost her apt. It took a year for her to find another one, but she has a full time job with benefits. So I know what you mean about making room! Feels weird….

            • +10000 calgacus…I think for many this will happen organically as there will be no other choice. For those of us awake I think it is going to happen just because we sense (like we “sense” what is happening) is the smart thing to do. My brother (who is not a “doomer” is packing up his belongings and moving to our farm, it came about almost as a divinly placed idea in his head, as if his subconscious told him to do so.

          • You may be content in minding your own business. Remember, though, that there are about 4% to 5% of human beings who are certifiably sociopaths. They want to (need to) make sure you live as they want.

            Usually, those human beings are those who are attracted to the power of government. Be aware.

            • If everything comes unglued i will be even less likely to go along with anything than i am now with things somewhat stable, and as it is i dont comply so well.

          • Amen…I prefer to be left the hell alone.

            I choose who I want to hang out with. We do not hang out with collectivists…only independent folks.

        • Meditation is invaluable for keeping you centered, focused and calm. However, I’ve found its become much more difficult to do the last year or so…

          Also, today I visited a website called, “Establishing a Food Forest the Permaculture Way”. Permaculture is great for getting much more produce with much less work. Cool website!

          • “However, I’ve found its become much more difficult to do the last year or so…”

            Interesting observation, experience, Anonymous. Yes, the forces are tugging in both directions. Fortitude. Stick with it (as is probably your experience already) and you’ll break (transcend) through the entropy, so to speak. It’s the Mind that is creating the fuss. Tame the Mind, Tame the Mind.

        • @OrdinaryAverageGuy,
          Im right there with you,, the money just isnt there, one drawback to going Galt!
          But do the best i can, whatever happens happens!

          • @Kulafarmer..hang in there…do what you can, when you can. That’s all I can do. If its not enough…then it’s not enough..but it won’t be because I thought everything will be roses and sunshine forever. Maybe it won’t be soon..or maybe it’ll be next week. If it’s not one scenario, maybe it’s another. In the end everyone will probably find something they shoulda/coulda/woulda done different/better/more.

        • I get tired of all the doom and gloom, but at the same time I refuse to stick my head in a hole and pretend all will be well. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

          I am happy to see he had some worthy suggestions to help us prepare. Many articles just tell us how bad it’s going to get without any advice on how to handle it.

        • Sounds like everything we do here….. ummm most here are good…. P.S. one year of food for six people, 1 semi rifle, 1 long rifle, two pistols, 1 shot gun, 1 .22 and 10,000 rounds of ammo…. Just sayin……

        • The P-8 can refuel while in the air.

        • I know what you mean… the list of things to get or do just keeps getting longer and longer. We did cross a big hurdle last night when we found a great sale for THRIVE food at http://www.thivelifemarketplace.com. We ordered from them before and this sale was just what I was looking for.

        • Where in the world do you buy a water filter for $20???

      2. I won’t lie… I skimmed 75% of this article.
        Read plenty like it before and they all provide sound (and most of the time logical…) advice.

        With that said… does this site plan on posting articles with real world and practical skills within it’s content once again?

        We get the implications of things going on in the world and the risks are entirely legitimate.
        Really though… most of us here give two shits about Oblahma’s latest broken promises or unconstitutional actions. Just being here means your eyes are open to more than the garbage they put on the idiot box. Obviously we are being mislead and it’s not like the MSM is ever going to side with people who use their minds.

        Let’s spread knowledge here and wake up others.

        • COULDN’T GIVE*

          this place needs a damned edit button.

          • The only way I’d consider giving a shit for obummer, is if he had to wear it.

        • Rede2lead, I agree with your point about the articles. Mac, how about that? Some articles about real-world survival skills would really be in order. I’ve got a lot of preps, but still working on getting more; all that I can before the balloon goes up.

          • Survival tip,
            Slide Rule, get one learn how to use it.

        • rede2lead,

          This site and survivalblog.com

          • JJsan,
            I’ve been over there and I appreciate the content provided… I know some think JWR is a bit of a religious nut but I have enjoyed his books and insights.
            Most annoying thing over there is all the advertisements and how I have to scroll past the writing contest prizes every single time I want to read the most recent articles.

            • rede2lead — not to be rude or anything,
              but it seems like you have a bone to pick
              with any site.

              Personally, Mac does it right for me.
              I already know how, I want to know what for.

              • That might be a fair assessment… another mans castle doesn’t seem so impressive once a man has built his own in his head.

                I don’t purposefully set out to be mean or sound judgmental to what is posted here. I like the fact that it does cover current issues and topics that are fun to explore.
                Honestly, I don’t wish to appear that way towards Mac or anyone else here but I have this thing I do…
                I say what I’m thinking and I just see if anyone else is like me. Crazy thing is, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Kinda like half of my survival “skills”. lol.
                Is knowledge a skill without tons of experience?

                I get a bunch of green thumbs so I’m thankful to not be alone on “the list”. 🙂

            • Rede,

              JWR is totally religious, and I just pick through that. I have no problem with it until it gets pushy, but I think his heart is in the right place and I would take many religious folk over the freeloaders and gimme people anyday. Mac has great content here, and i come here more than survivalblog, but there is more hands on stuff there. Sometimes i wish we had another site that welcomed a combo of the two sites, maybe a happy medium of the two. Heck, maybe i will make one…. LOL

              Keep your powder dry,
              JJsan

              • Or maybe a site where people could actually really get to know one another. Lots of very skilled and experienced people out there that others would love to learn from…..the way people USED to interact before modern day technology came along and squashed real people relationships.

                • Seems to me like people who think also fear their thoughts being used against them or being monitored… (wonder where that bright idea came from?)
                  I know its not exactly good OPSEC but if there is anyone in CO who is down for hiking or something this spring then let me know and we will exchange e-mails or something.

                  • rede2lead,

                    I have come to this conclusion on OPSEC and the internet and wanting to meet people.

                    The govt already knows, so your opsec is a waste of time there. Where I believe OPSEC comes more into play is with other civilians on this site as to what you post.

                    Don’t go posting your exact location nor exactly what you have, how you have it and where you have it. After that, I think people need to open up more in the way of helpful information for others to learn from. Me personally, I think people need to get together more in person and have said that since I first started coming here in the beginning of 2011. Just because you meet someone doesn’t mean you’re going to even like them much less have to worry about them knowing anything critical that would put you and yours at risk. And if you do decide to meet up and decide at that time you would like to continue to pursue that relationship, still doesn’t mean they are going to find out everything about you and your goodies that would put anything at risk……the point that people take OPSEC is ridiculous IMHO and I think it is a negative thing on us as a people in whole.
                    Since high school I have never had any close friends (true friends) or mentors. I have a hard time meeting people and being friendly, at least at first, much easier to make the approach online for me. My wife on the other hand is a butterfly real big heart and really good with people……..I have known her since junior high and never have I ever known of one single person to have anything but love/like for her. She tells me that I am too picky and that might be with a melancholy / choleric / melancholy temperament. But I have tried to temper that as I get older. I have prayed extensively for friends, at least a few real close friends ever since reading John Eldredge’s book Wild at Heart and going to some of the Wild at Heart boot camps. Still here I am, a man at 42, which feels like a rock on an island, with severe regrets and a sense of desperation due to time. Wife and I don’t get out much since married and having twins right out of the gate and several children since. We don’t live super close to any family. I travel for work and we stopped going to 501c3 churches ever since doing some research after reading Pagan Christianity by Viola….what an eye opener. We also home school our children. We are pretty much alone, alone, alone….just her, the kids and I. My mother just visited almost two weeks ago and chastised me for isolating my family. My son is 4 and I don’t know the things I want to learn and know and be able to pass on to him. I didn’t get to know my father real well until I was a teenager and he was a good man and taught me principled things, but no guns, shooting, hunting, fishing stuff, and no good example of this is how you be a real Godly man, husband, father. He tried to teach me his craft; he knew all aspects of construction but was a very talented finish carpenter. I was a teen and would rather go to the beach, drink and chase skirt then work and listen to him. The day he died from an aneurysm at 48, I fell in love with the smell of sawdust and immediately had a heavy heart full of regret.
                    So after that long personal blubbering, my point is that people need to take a little bit of a chance and reach out to others. Pass things on to others or be the student. Life is supposed to be about relationships. OPSEC is fine, but I think some, without thinking it through, carry it too far and don’t apply it appropriately.
                    Now people might glean from this post a little insight into so many of my other posts.
                    And if Mac would ever do what he has said he was going to do for well over two years now that might be easier on this site. At this point though, I don’t see it happening.
                    Fractured this country is, for many reasons. You can see it even here on this board and we are but a small drop in a big bucket comparatively speaking to the population of America…..imagine how fractured the country is when even wide awake Christian patriot preppers are. This is why we are losing and will ultimately fail in the long run, corporatively and individually. Unless people start acting like humans again and come together.

                    I am open to ideas, people and meet and greets. I am on the Ia, Il border north a ways of the Quad Cities.

                    [email protected]

                    BJ

        • Off topic – forgive me
          I constantly read about AR 15 or AK 47,
          but why are they so much better than
          a Ruger Mini 14 or Mini 30? I’ve read their accuracy
          has much improved and their reliability is also very good? ???

          • The mini 14 is a better rifle in my opinion than any AR platform but, and this is a big but, you are very limited in the magazine department. Aftermarket high capacity magazines are very much how can one politely say mostly crap? The Mini 30 is good too but it is a pistol cartridge and power and range are restricted. Unless you get the piston upgrade for your AR then you are talking a very reliable rifle.
            Of course I am a Ruger fan so take my words with a grain of salt. There is somehting to be said for internal parts that are machined and not stamped. The Accuracy and Reliability of Ruger products are absolutely wonderful on a budget rifle. No I am not a rep, but I do own the
            T-shirt.
            The biggest reason people want the AR and AK are parts/ ammo availability.
            Most stores even Walmarts have accessories for ARs and a general rule you could potentially pick up ammo from the ground to put through them.
            If I had the money for a new rifle I would buy the Ruger Mini 14. That is not advice for you though.

            • The mini 14 has a major problem with its magazines. Even the factory made ones. You first have to correctly insert them into the magazine well and firmly lock with the rocking motion. Using a unloaded mag with bolt back shake the rifle. If the magazine rattles you may have feed problems and jams. My fix (and some are not going to agree with it), was to tape one layer of duct tape to ONLY THE SIDES of the magazine to fill a portion of the gap in the magazines well. Reduced rattle. Major improvement on feed, no jams when using rapid fire.

              • Depending if you have a Mini 14 or a Ranch Rife and how old they are, there are three barrel twist that I know of.

                1 in 7 1 in 9 and 1 in 10

                The barrel twist and weight of bullet 55gr. verses 62gr. will affect accuracy.

                55gr. 1 in 7
                55gr. and 62gr. 1 in 10

                If you don’t match them up you will see a lot of wingers.

        • Expand your horizons… visit other sites that are easily found by typing prepper, survival, canning, dehydrating, water storage, etc. in your search engine…
          A great, eclectic site for veteran preppers, newbie preppers alike is

          http://www.prepperwebsite.com/

      3. Great read….almost like preaching to the choir at this point,but verygood article. (WE) that are awake need a secret handshake or something! B.T.W…….Facebook Page is most likely a paid shill……I wish nobody would even confront him in conversation.
        Everbody habe a great night…..Signing out from Fema Region 3.
        Three Percent.

      4. Priceless~~love it!!!!

        One way to teach a lesson..

        After a busy day, and just as everyone was settling down for a nap on the
        train for home, a man sitting in the midst hauled out his cell phone and
        started up a loud, lengthy conversation:

        “Hi darling, it’s Bob… I’m on the train…Yes, I know it’s the 6:30 not
        the 4:30, but I had a long meeting…No, not with that floozie from the
        typing pool, with the boss… No, darling, you’re the only one in my
        life…Yes, I’m sure, cross my heart, etc., etc., etc., etc., etc., blah,
        blah, blah . . .”

        When this went on more than 15 minutes, a young woman sitting opposite
        him, driven beyond endurance, yelled at the top of her voice,
        “Hey, Bob! Turn off that phone and come back to bed!”

        • Eppe, that IS priceless. keep it coming.

        • Strange, in the last 15 minutes more than 200 people visited, but very few voted????

          • eppe.

            It has always been thus. ;0)

          • I would LOVE to have a “secret hand shake” or some way to tell friend from possible foe. It’s also a wonderful idea to feature more “how to” articles. Most of us are politically similar and cynical. I want more ideas on what to do, when, and how to cope with problems if/when what I think I know doesn’t work as well as expected.

            • If I knew half as much as I think I know, and half as much as I would like to know, I’d end up being pretty damn smart, despite being a curious know-it-all.

            • Vicky, Me and Cuz nose a secret hand shake where we come from. First thing we do when we meet someone, is stick our finger up our nose and then offer to shake hands. If they’re not one of us, they usually won’t shake hands. Right Cuz!

          • It’s often hard to vote on this site. Usually, I have to log in and submit a comment, even if I have nothing fascinating to say, just to be able to vote.

            • How do you log in to this site? I musta missed the button somehow, but I vote and comment just fine.

          • What do you mean voted?

        • LMOAO
          (laughing my okie ass off!)

        • EPPE: Please keep’m com’n
          LMAO THANKS.
          S.T.S.F.P. N.R. N.S. N.REB

      5. Not a bad article, but he is preaching to the chior here.
        Plus he does not have enough preppes for a family to last more than a few weeks if they are lucky.
        PLEASE PREP so you do not have to rely on someone else feeding you, keeping you warm, or having water for you to drink.
        You can only rely on yourself, yes there should be a group of like minded people that you are with, but it is up to you and no one else,PERIOD!!!
        Just do a little at a time and pretty soon you will have a good supply.
        REMEMBER 1 IS NONE, TWO IS 1, THREE IS A GOOD START.
        S.T.S.F.P. N.R. N.S. N.REB

        • Remember, the goal is to get people STARTED. This article is not intended for you, it is intended for the unprepared people around you. If you bury them in a mile long list of preps they need to purchase, they won’t do it. Trust me, I know from almost a decade of trying to convince millions of people. Start small. Most people, unfortunately, need baby steps

          • Brandon, you are spot on; I’ll never forget my first purchase after reading an email from my California contact–she was sewing old jeans legs to make window barriers because she lived in a bad part of the city…lots of gang banging Mexicans. She even sent me a news video of a shooting just down the street from her home!!
            I started preparing to not leave the house in case of something like that and my first purchase was a case of green beans and a case of canned potatoes.
            Then, I was on my way by reading sites that specialize in stocking/preparing supplies for disasters, etc.
            One thing led to another. If I had to start all over, I would be so frustrated and anxious, I’d need tranquilizers!! 🙂

            TMI…I guess.

            • Oh, the legs of the jeans were filled with sand.

      6. Ah.. in a collapse..plenty of milfs will need to feed their kids.

        Case of beans for a…

        aw…come on…you thought of this….
        Don’t lie.

        I the end…on your death bed you’ll look back on all the tail you shagged.
        All the cars, houses and trips won’t matter.

        • Ever hear of John Wayne Bobbit?

          Good luck with that approach.

        • Hello…………….Eisen

      7. Without being able to buy land and build a home in a good secure bug out location, or even buy an already built home there, I feel we are screwed anyway.
        Oh I know I will not just give up and will do whatever in my power……but there is a part of me in the here and now that wants to just say screw it. Why am I wasting all my time, energy and money on preps and reading everyday about all this shit anyway when I know we don’t have a chance of surviving a collapse.

        In my mind, THEE ONLY WAY TO SURVIVE is to already live in a very very rural area and be self sufficient. Have good neighbors and things already established.

        To have preps but still live in or near a city or even a 30-50K populated town….you’re more than likely going to die no matter how many preps you have. I think if you are with in 300 miles of a major metropolitan area……forget it! If you don’t have a well and/or a way to get to that water without having to go outside…..you’re probably dead. If you don’t already know how to grow food and already have the other stuff, you’re probably dead.

        Sorry for the pessimism, the last article and all it’s wonderful F’ed up typical daily news reminded me of the credit fight I am in and how almost impossible it is to get a home loan…..hence the bad attitude. But somedays, you just want all the shit to go away.

        Thee one thing I want most in THIS world is a mere 40 acres and to have a home built that I design and want. Thats all I want!

        Anyway, I’ll whine for a bit and then continue prepping….seems useless somedays, but I will. Back to looking for reasonable deal on 22LR….damn sure ain’t paying no $1100 for 5,000 rounds though and I want big bulk. Have a few tools, but in untrained hands, they are nothing more than a club. Have food and hand pump well….outside, see that way I can get my head blown off as soon as I go out to fill a bucket. I do need to buy a water filter though. That is something that I do know how to make and think I would be fine, but probably ought to buy one. Have mylar bagged food, but no grinder or knowledge/practice of how to cook/prep this type of food.

        We need prepper schools….LoL

        Or Christain Patriot Prepper Parent Rentals

        Ad might look something like this.

        Young 40’s Christian couple with 5 beautiful and hilarious children seek Christian couple for Patriot Prepper Parent Rentals. Qualifications are, but not limited to:
        Real Christians (not 501c3 educated idiots)
        Man – Military experience, preferably special forces, intelligence organization or sniper will do. A Macguyver woodsman, skilled hunter and fisherman. A #1 Survivalist. Successful husband and father/grandfather. Patient and fun with good sense of humor.

        Woman – Experienced Proverbs 31 woman, proven track record as stay at home mom/educator, home organizer and cook, preferably cooking from scratch.

        Pay DOE and negotiable

        I can see it now, a new business called CPPPR LLC.

        • Maybe you can build an outbuilding around your water pump and plant some bushes or grapevines between there and your house.

          • Due to travel for work, I am in rental.

            But the house I have in my head that I want to build has that type of thinking for such things along with wood boiler and underground home venting. I also want a hand pump water supply inside basement.

        • RE: “To have preps but still live in or near a city or even a 30-50K populated town….you’re more than likely going to die no matter how many preps you have.”

          First thought: Everyone dies.
          Second thought: Watch the film, The Pianoist. (Based on a true story during SHTF) Not everyone died. Not even close to ‘everyone’.

        • “Woman – Experienced Proverbs 31 woman, proven track record as stay at home mom/educator, home organizer and cook, preferably cooking from scratch.”—or maybe->

          “Woman – Experienced Proverbs 31 woman, proven track record as stay at home mom/educator, home organizer and cook, preferably cooking from scratch, also tactically trained and able to backup said MAN if necessary…”

          • LoL

            Good catch Six

        • RE: “To have preps but still live in or near a city or even a 30-50K populated town….you’re more than likely going to die no matter how many preps you have. I think if you are with in 300 miles of a major metropolitan area……forget it!”

          First thought: Everyone dies no matter what, there’s no getting out of this life alive.

          Second thought: Watch the film, The Pianist(a trues story in SHTF). Not ‘everyone’ died. Not even close. Lots of lessons there.

          • But that took place during WW11, a very long time ago in a very different place and world.

            JMHO

            • BJ, places change, people do not.

              The more things change, the more they stay the same.

              There’s a whole lotta lessons in that film.
              If you so choose to learn from them.

              • We will check it out

      8. and in related financial news

        Captain Obvious here to report that

        Iraq invasion was about oil

        http://peakoil.com/publicpolicy/iraq-invasion-was-about-oil

        “The real issue is candidly described in a 2001 report on “energy security” – commissioned by then US Vice-President Dick Cheney – published by the Council on Foreign Relations and the James Baker Institute for Public Policy. It warned of an impending global energy crisis that would increase “US and global vulnerability to disruption”, and leave the US facing “unprecedented energy price volatility.”

        we’ve made ourselves and our lifestyle totally dependent
        on CHEAP energy

        now it’s time to pay the price in blood

        • the price already paid, in blood, wasn’t “cheap” for everyone.

      9. No, not to survive an international crisis. It is to survive planetary devastation.

      10. I prepared my mind enough by watching Naruto, Planetary Devastation, and by eating my bean filled burritos from taco bell.

      11. How many ways can one skin a cat?

        Don’t get me wrong, excellent advice here. However, I’ve heard it about 100 different ways, ad nauseam, here and other alternative sites, as I suspect most of those who frequent this site, might say.

        How about publishing this article in the NY Times, or the Washington Post, or The WSJ, or maybe Newsweek. Yeah, it’s gonna’ push some buttons, so what else is new?

        There are those of us who have been planning, seems like forever. Not that we have all the provisions or skills that we need, but if we don’t have enough by now, we’ll probably never have enough. I mean, there’s always that new gadget of technological splendor that would definitely make things a little easier, but those carrots are always out there and unless one has the infinite ability to bank roll this weeks new “tool”, well, one can only hope.

        There comes a time when one throws ones hands up and says, “I got enough, more or less, enjoy my life under these conditions. Don’t get caught up in the fear and be the best one can be towards ones fellow human beings, which attracts goodness back,”

        I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sent articles, like this one, to “friends” and they, like me, are already pushing our own personal envelopes, acquiring “more stuff” or skills, or they get pissed off cause they’re either in denial and they don’t want to hear what might be good for them or they get pissed off cause they’re up to their eyeballs in debt and they’re stressed to the max and there is nothing they think they can do to “prepare” other than work, to stay ahead of the bill collector.

        • European American.

          Stuff? I know about stuff too. Redundancy will take up space. Some survival tools can overlap emergencies and some are specialized that cost more.
          Maybe there is too much stuff to worry about. Could you up and move three months of food and the gear to make it. Most can not. Have to make adjustments that works for you.
          I agree there has been good articles, rewritten many times but it is the comments that inspire and teach.
          For example I researching silent detection and silent killing. I will tip my hat to NinaO for my new brainstorming.

          My mind has its share of Superfluous Bullshit, that I hope may save my skin one day. Talk about Stuff. ;0)

          • I used that term “stuff” loosely. Not the best description for the tools I’ve collected over the years. In fact, there came a time when I realized, back in the ’80’s, that I wanted only sustainable, tangible assets in my life. No junk. Either the item would be put to work in some capacity, or I wouldn’t get it. I realize there are certain things, like the provisions in my BIB (Bug In Bag) that don’t get used, except I do cycle the various, varieties of foods, to keep them fresh, but everything else sits in ‘restful alertness’ for the time when duty calls.

            I can’t say I’m covered in all the skills department, but I’ve lived off the grid for many years so it’s a life-style I’m relatively comfortable with.

            I’m rambling, but my point is, there’s this gap between most preppers and the rest of the world. And it’s the gap the contains within it the potential for unpredictable behavior from those living in denial who will not take kindly to those of us who’ve basically got our shit together in terms of having the skills to somewhat navigate through the clusterf..k, that the masses (along with those who know how to stir up chaos on purpose) will be responsible for, if and when, all heck breaks loose.

            It’s the lazy minded people, drifting in their illusory make believe world, who need to chew on, then assimilate, this article. But I don’t really know if they are capable of grasping anything outside their so called, picture perfect, postcard world steeped in denial.

            So maybe, just maybe, this site is one of those junction points to, as I say, “Collect and Connect” with other like minded, free Souls, and the rest of the masses will never get it until it’s force fed to them. And that scene has the potential to get downright medieval, i.e. nasty.

      12. Ain’t anything gonna happen for awhile. Barry Bluegums has got a lot of script to follow before we all go Selco. Got a lot of grinding down coming and with it plenty of pain to go around.

      13. I don’t want to procrastinate anymore. That is why I think I will start tomorrow….

      14. mini-14 L.E. + green tipped + goal zero + freeze dried + mre + canned goods + deep well + God.

      15. Hopefully this collapse or catastrophic event will not happen for another few months. I feel so isolated here in Hawaii. Fortunately I leave here and return to North Carolina in June. I just hope nothing too crazy happens in the next 3 months.

        • Keep the faith, i am actually glad i am in Hawaii but am not on Oahu nor am i miles away from family.
          Best wishes!

          • I’m curious about you two. I have heard that Howlies, if that’s a politically correct word to still use in this day and age, are not exactly well “embraced” by the “locals”, on the islands. At least I’ve heard that some significant animosity exists in that realm. Is that either or your experiences? Could that be an issue if some form of anarchy, i.e. police protection breaks down, on the islands? Or is it more related to “personalities” more than anything?

        • @USMarine, if you’re going back to Cherry Point, take the Cherry Branch ferry across the river, turn left, go to Arapahoe and look for Gary’s Restaurant on the left. He has excellent seafood.

      16. All done, long ago.

        Better get yourselves in shape.. garden, whatever. Use Hand tools for as much as is practicable. Ever use a Hoe ? No, not my next door neighbors girlfriend; I mean the kind for gardening ? You better get to it.. it gives you blisters in places you didn’t know you could get them. Toughen your hands.. strengthen your muscles.. limber yourself up. If truly tough times come, you better be physically tough before they get here.. while the store still has Icy Hot or Absorbine Jr… The Gym can NOT make you tough.. it takes work, real work and getting your hands dirty. You really do not want to be physically soft if the SHTF……… do you ?

        • Right now, I’d just be happy if everything worked right…

      17. The TSA keeps us safe flying, the DHS keeps us safe here on the ground, we have the ACA now so healthcare is cheap if not free, and the dow is soaring, theres no inflation and the government says we are recovered!
        What could possibly go wrong?

      18. Wonder what this is about?

        Common Sense Show.com

        HOME
        About
        Contact

        This Site is Temporarily Offline
        Comments Off
        Once again, this website is offline, as one more good faith gesture to appease the litigious person who is suing to take this website down.

        We apologize for any inconvenience.

        Please join me in praying that this time he will demonstrate a capacity to reciprocate by settling his lawsuit.

        P.S. People typically only sign gag orders if they are paid LOTS of money.

        • Common Sense Show.com
          Putin’s Plans to Seize Eastern Europe and Alaska

          Today’s article.

          • I didn’t get to read it. ILmom sent me a link but by the time I got to it, all that was at the website was what I posted.

            • Here’s a good link (at the moment)

              http://thecommonsenseshow.com/2014/03/20/putins-plans-to-seize-eastern-europe-and-alaska/

              But it probably isn’t the part about Putin that worried somebody (allegedly)

              “As I have stated all along, World War III will begin, but not end in Syria. The United States, in an attempt to prolong the life of the Petrodollar needs to first invade Syria and then Iran to take control of payment obligations when it comes to Middle Eastern oil.”

              But let me state the obvious here—something written by a mentally ill person, validated by anything Joe Biden related, is pretty obvious to me…just the Biden link was enough for me to go find something else to do.

      19. Not a bad ‘primer’ for newbies and those who just took the red pill and found out the ‘Matrix’ IS real. Allow me to add a few items as well.

        Buy Three Months Of Food Stock-

        You had better do better than that…when the large chunks hit the fan blades, it isn’t going to calm down and return to ‘life as normal’ for a long, long time. Don’t think so? Just ask Selco. Another thing is not just food stuffs, but vitamins. Many people will either have to ration their food supplies like crazy, or will have a poor diet to work with based on their purchases.
        Those large bottles of Adult (and children) multi vitamins will help offset the lack of variety in your prep foods and will help keep you from running down as easy. Seriously, just do it.

        Buy A Water Filter

        Don’t just ‘buy’ a water filter…buy the correct one. The Sawyer he suggests is a good choice, but not the best for the price or task. Sawyer also makes the Point 2, the very best you can get. Nobody filters better, period. The performance and price are definitely worth your LIFE, so don’t even think twice. You can thank me later. 🙂
        h ttp://sawyer.com/international/products/sawyer-point-zerotwo-water-filtration-system-adapters/

        Buy A Small Solar Kit

        Again, Just because Harbor Freight has ‘cheap’ Solar ‘kits’ does not mean ‘good’ …or reliable. That saying- “You get what you pay for” is very true. Most if not ALL of the stuff they sell is low grade, made in China on a Saturday at 3:00 a.m stuff. No thanks. Check out the Grape Solar panels at Home Depot, Have them myself and also setup some Solar wells with them, work awesome. Another good portable Solar item to have is the Nomad from Goal Zero, well made, very small, potable and performance is top notch. Good stuff.
        h ttp://www.goalzero.com/p/147/goal-zero-switch-8-nomad-7-kit/25:3/

        Buy 1,000 Rounds Of Ammunition

        Seriously? You’re gonna need a bigger boat and more ammo. Period. I hope you become proficient with all your weapons NOW. Don’t wait.

        Approach One Friend Or Neighbor

        This is both good advice AND bad advice.

        The people who band together and form small communities have a much better chance of making through the difficult times than the lone wolves. Having neighbors close by AND on-board is a great asset. The other side of the coin is approaching neighbors who ‘don’t like your kind’ and will remember you approached them later on when the crap starts flying. I said it before and will say it again.

        KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS
        KNOW WHERE THEY WORK
        KNOW WHAT THEY DO

        IF you do this homework *before* the SHTF, you won’t be as apprehensive approaching them later on. You will know who is with you and who isn’t. I hope for your sakes you have good people living near you that can be counted on with your life…you may have to.

        Learn One Barter Skill

        Excellent advice and may also save you in the long run.

        You had better have some REAL life skills, because things are going to be in short supply…including skillsets that people will need. What’s that? You perform Laser Hair removal and also have a tanning booth? That ain’t gonna cut it sweetheart, sorry.

        Grow a Garden

        YES. And you’d better learn food canning, dehydrating and seed storage as well. Being a farmer is one of the toughest jobs out there because you are at the mercy of mother nature…and she can be a real cranky PMS biyatch at times! You will also have to deal with those who ‘eye’ your hard work in the garden. Remember that extra ammo I advised you would need? 😉

        Prepare Your Mind For Calamity

        People who can keep their wits about them when everyone is else is losing theirs…have an advantage. Learn to practice, drill, role play, exercise…you name it. Not only will the best prepared and strongest have a chance…but those who can think quickly on their feet and adapt to changing threat levels. If you lose your mind, it’s all over. Stay frosty!

        • Good add-on synopsis from a good article. I wrote down notes from your postings and also from Brandon’s article. I am deficient on the solar side and also on the water filter side.

        • Do not forget lots and lots of coffee filters.
          I have a filtering system. Do I want sludge and mud in my filtering tub??
          Nope. You will need those coffee filters even if you don’t have a filtering system.
          Pool shock..even if you have extra filters and a spigot, things go wrong all the time.
          Coffee filters–a must.
          Whatever you use in the kitchen, like measuring cups, have several.

          • You know what i have used before are those big fabric paint strainer socks you can get at a paint supply store,,,
            That or if you want a little finer filter buy muslin fabric and make bags to fit in a 5 gallon bucket and make a prefilter, you can put sand in it too to increase filter capacity.

            • Kula.

              I am thinking of 5 gallon bucket with sand and activated carbon. At bottom of bucket many holes with drill widths. In bottom of bucket is where I will have a filter. Then layers of sand and activated carbon.

              • @Ugly
                Then definitely get a few of those painters filters, they fit into a 5 gallon bucket, put that in then fill the charcoal, pack it down, put a second filter and fill with sand, maybe keep it 4-6 inches from top of bucket and place one more filter at the top or better yet a muslin filter there, will help keep your purifier much cleaner

                • Kula.
                  Thanks. I wrote that design down. It will be a project for myself and my son.

          • Good advice again. I will buy many filters. But I lost my notes to your pool shock formula. It was something like 2:1 and then 1:2, but I forgot what those were. Could you list again….

            • @Ugly
              Go to a restaurant supply and get a bunch of those big basket filters for a commercial coffee machine for filling the big urns, think they are about 10″ diameter 3″ deep
              Good liners and pre-filters, remember these from my friends filter setup,

            • 1 to 2, then 2 to 1.

              1 tsp. of pool shock(calcium hypochlorite) to a 2 liter bottle of clean water to make the solution.
              Then 2 tsp. of solution to 1 gallon of dirty water.
              Let set for 30 minutes or just use Tang to eliminate bleach taste.

              I have a canvas bag with the following supplies:
              several envelopes of pool shock(leave in envelope bought in–trust the manufacturers know what they are doing)
              2 tsp. measuring spoons(2 is 1 theory)
              a strong 2 liter bottle
              a strong gallon jug

              If the water is really dirty, I will use coffee filters, then the pool shock, then boil, then the Berkey; but only if really needed.

              Alum can be helpful for settling the sediment to the bottom.:-)

              • thanks….

        • Not just any Ole multi-vitamin,Socrates, “don’t take cheap multi-vitamins. They will not work.” …

          Look up:
          Vitamins Don’t Work – LOL!
          By Margaret Durst
          Natural Health Blog

          • Correct. It doesn’t pay to go cheap- ever.
            Also many people do not know that your body can only assimilate so many milligrams or units from vitamins and the rest is flushed from the body. In other words you do not need 1000% of vitamin C from a tablet that your body can only absorb 10% of.

            There are actually some decent multi-vitamins out there if one looks around. The point is- when you are already nutritionally deficient, you are going to need some backup and that’s where the vitamins can help. Vitamin D is also key to keeping immunity levels up, you cannot afford to be sick when doctors and medicines are nowhere to be found. Make sure you have some natural medicines around like Sambucol and such. Cannot have enough.
            Thanks for pointing that out, BTW. 🙂

      20. On solar power: There are small, folding, solar panels for camping – 5W to 80W or so – that you can use to charge batteries (NiMH AA/AAA/etc.).

        If you look, you can find a nice one with both USB (5v) and a 12v cigarette lighter outlets, mine is 7W I think – I paid about $30 for it. Monocrystalline solar cells are generally better than polycrystalline solar cells, and the polycrystalline solar cells are better than amorphous solar cells.

        A four-cell AA/AAA NiMH charger that plugs into the wall or the car is maybe $15-$20 – look for one that does not need to charge batteries in pairs (as some of them do). There are a few USB powered AA/AAA NiMH chargers available, too.

        A pack of 8 or 16 low-self-discharge NiMH batteries aren’t too expensive, either.

        So, for maybe $60, you can obtain some NiMH rechargeable batteries – and the means to recharge them anywhere there is sunlight – for a radio, flashlight, headlamp, lantern, or whatever. You’re not going to run a pump or a washing machine or a refrigerator with it, but at least you won’t be sitting in the dark.

        Also, it’s small and light enough to fit into your pack.

        • I personally like the goal zero hardware and batteries, havent failed me yet

      21. I believe for the first time in my life that we are just months away from something big and I mean BIG happening. My income makes it hard to get all the survival instruments that I need. But I make do. My main problem is where I live (Long Island NY) A heavy populated area and then there’s NYC right by us. It’s going to be hell in this area. I’d love to save up enough money to buy a small cabin home etc. out in the country somewhere,But I don’t think I have enough time for that.

        • Joe.

          Just keep planning and don’t panic. Yes, bad times are coming but keep going and keep living. Each Saturday, do something of substance, such as buy some food storage items or water filter etc. Don’t buy on panic, but on need and knowledge. Ultimately, keep going and don’t give up….

        • “I believe for the first time in my life that we are just months away from something big and I mean BIG happening.”

          I second that. With the west and russia about to start slap fights and russia and china teaming up and dumping US debt, things could go economically real wrong in just a few months. Then add in iran still doing whatever and israel playing wargames and you could have a mid east war in months. And this is all because the guy in charge for the past 5 years has been more pathetic on the job than a walmart greeter. There’s just no way things dont get much worse at some time in the next 3 years.

          I got about 3 months of readiness. if the bad times last longr than that, i’m not sure i want to be around; the usa would be entering mad max territory if the collapse last much more than 6 months.

          • lena.

            Things will get worse by the month. Remember, your 3 months preps are only 3 months if you use them everyday. When things get bad and very bad, you need to look for food and water daily and use your preps sparingly, or at least in rations, that way your 3 months can go for 10 months. Nonetheless, keep going.

        • Joe S., I’ve been prepping for many years. In the last five of those years I’ve felt like “some big event” was just around the corner. The big bang hasn’t happened yet but the slow erosion of this country has. Settle in for the long wait but enjoy your friends and family too.

      22. Ordinary Average Guy: Bless you,dude. I’m in the same boat. Laid off and I’m going to have to slow down my prep. Celente is interested in one thing: selling subscriptions. I bought one a long time ago,what a waste it was. Since than I think the economy has “collapsed” at least a dozen times

      23. Nice article,

        As a homesteader I already do most of what’s mentioned but as a homesteader my feet are planted on my property, not on bugging out. I don’t need an international crisis to do what I’m doing. I’m homesteading because I’m independent minded, self-reliant, I don’t have enough faith in the system to believe that my retirement funds will have enough value to see me through my olden age and the more I can do now to set up my property, my knowledge, my skill set and my health the less I will be needing the assistance of others or of government and the more value i will have to others.

        The healthier I can live by living closer to the earth, growing and raising my own food,
        by preserving what I grow and raise, by learning skills that allow me to utilize what I own to the fullest, to repair the things I own instead of scrapping them, to learn how to re-source the warn out items into new and useful products the better I will be prepared for the unforeseeables.

        There are some things I have to buy in order to be prepared but the though of having to be dependent on buying just sits wrong with me. As my skills grow I’m finding I have to buy less and less finished products that are needed to be a homesteader.

        Today was the first day of spring, a new year is now upon us, we survived the winter, plant a garden, plant a backup and plant some more. Plant off property, take a walk and learn what’s wild and popping up out of the ground that you can use for food, medicine, shelter, weapons,fuel or fiber. If you live in the city then still go for walks and learn where eatable weeds are growing, plant some wild medicinals, join in on a community garden…….

      24. stagecoach

      25. @Archivist
        That is exactly where I am headed. Are you from the area? I spent my first 8 years in the Corps there and have been in Hawaii for the past 3 years. I’m ready to get back to that area. I love it there.

        • I was born in the area and left a few years ago. If you want to buy property away from a lot of people, go out from New Bern toward Cove City, Jasper, or Vanceboro. I am related to most of the people in those areas.

          You could also go out towards Pollocksville in Jones County. On 17 between New Bern and Pollocksville is a small community called Rhems. The fire department there has a community jam session every Friday night. I know some people from New Bern who go each week.

      26. Also, get a five gallon bucket from anywhere you can.
        Can be an old oil barrel or whatever as long as it has a lid. If you have an old ratty towel roll it up length wise and set it around the rim to soften the edge when you sit on it. The lid will keep the odours away. Your misses will thank you for having something, anything, that you can use as a honey bucket. You can get these free at a lot of places because nobody wants them for storage because of the oil. When I worked up North in the bush we had old hydraulic oil pails that we used for a toilet when in camp.
        Think about our ladies guys. We might want to Commando Rambo in the bushes but a little gentleness can go a long way to help our better halves cope.

        • Better halves cope,hell,I would appreciate it at times especially if laying low indoors,though can learn to live without not afraid to admit I like comforts/convenience.

      27. I’m making the doughnuts right now. Eat moar doughnuts.

        Johnny Cash RIP. Mick, she was weird like u.

      28. Good article,I like that it starts with the smalls,those even on a tight budget can build up a bit till things go south.The smalls add up folks,you can do this!Even with a real tight budget go thru what you own tool/clothes ect.,see what you have and think other uses for items you have when times are tough,improvising will be a great skill in challenging times.

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