Freedom and Fulfillment 43
Stand-alone Chapter 43 - Practical Preparedness
Many GVS Substack readings are open to everyone, but we need paid subscribers. If you can, please upgrade to paid, and forward our emails to everyone.
Chapter 43 - Practical Preparedness
With tears in her eyes, my friend Jen asked, "What now, what do we do now?" Millions of us are agonizing over that very same question. Suddenly, our freedom and prosperity seem to be on the verge of being suffocated. After months of pondering and prayer, I would like to share some insights that might be helpful as we look toward the future. Some of these ideas fit into the following categories which will be covered in the next several chapters: Practical Preparedness, Communication Preparedness, Social Preparedness, and Spiritual Preparedness.
Practical Insights
Normally it's difficult to prepare for the future because we don't know what is coming. But this time is different because we can easily surmise what's coming and we have some time to get ready. This is an unusually excellent time for prescient preparation because socialist principles and policies have consistently delivered the same results. Therefore, history and logic predict that: 1) Food and other necessities are going to become more expensive and less available. 2) Fossil fuels and electricity are going to be more regulated and costly. 3) Productivity will decline. 4) Meaningful employment will diminish.
These things are likely to happen because about half of the country intentionally or ignorantly voted for those who are committed to principles and policies that are known to produce detrimental results. As the Bible says: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. (KJV Proverbs 29:2)
In addition to political issues, there are always possibilities of personal hardships, natural disasters, and "Acts of God." Even if millions suffer and die, you don't have to be one of them. Choose to be a survivor instead of a victim. This is not a time for panic or procrastination. There are many things that we can do now to increase the likelihood of having a bright and happy future. There is great light at the end of the tunnel which we will continue to discuss.
Provident Purchases
Most of us can spend more on things we are really going to need and less on things we don't need. For example, we could buy 100 pounds of rice or a case of beef stew or five pounds of powdered milk for about $70. If you spent a little extra on this kind of food every time you went to the store it would not be long until you had a year's supply. If you used part of some extra income or a tax return you could get it faster. When buying food, be sure to get things that you will use and have the capacity to prepare.
Water is one of our most urgent needs. It's easy to store water in empty jugs that might otherwise be thrown away. It's also easy and cheap to purify water using chlorine bleach[i] or water filters.[ii]
Survival experts have advised that two of the most important survival tips are: 1) Don't get sick. 2) Don't get hurt. There are many things we can do to avoid illness or accidents. There are many medical items that we might need anyway. A gallon of alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or some antibiotic pills and ointments could save many lives. Think about what you might need and start stocking up.
Considering shortages recently experienced, we should all be keenly aware of the necessity of having some extra kitchen and bathroom supplies. Try to avoid hoarding so that there will be enough for others too.
Now is a great time to buy warm, durable clothing and shoes. Fifty dollars will buy a lot of great stuff at the secondhand store.
Camping equipment could be useful now and necessary for future survival. Sleeping bags will help keep you warm anywhere. Try to get something you can use for cooking off the grid. Plastic ponchos are a cheap and easy way to stay warm and dry. Be sure to pick up some matches, candles, and a few dozen Bic lighters.
Gardening is a great hobby and could produce lots of lifesaving food. Plan to share your produce (and everything else) with family, friends, neighbors, and the needy.
Financial Planning
The leftists in power are talking about tax rates high enough to stifle the economy and they seem to be determined to replace our productive capitalist system with a redistributive socialist system. Therefore, it might be a good idea to consider doing some serious tax planning and possibly converting some assets into more transferable and usable resources. For example, stocks could possibly be sold at lower tax rates with significant proceeds going into liquid instruments and actual commodities. This might be a good time to buy a farm.
We will be discussing other categories of preparedness in coming chapters. For starters, work on keeping your hopes up and your pantry full.
Legal Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by this author do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Neither the author nor publisher are certified legal, financial, tax, or psychological advisors. The views, advice, predictions, and suggestions expressed herein are for informational purposes only and may be inaccurate. Readers are advised to rely on their own analysis and consult with professionals regarding personal and business decisions.
© Copyright 2024 Gene Van Shaar
[i] https://www.primalsurvivor.net/purify-water-bleach/
[ii] https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Sawyer+Mini&qid=1610840257&sr=8-3