What Would You Do In The Event Of Civil Or Social Unrest?
publication date: Sep 21, 2009
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author/source: CJP
I guess very few people have actually given serious thought to that
question. I surmise that most just don't believe it will happen or
happen to them. This is not being dicserning.
No, we are not to have a spirit of fear, but we are to be able to observe the signs of the times. There are a lot of compelling reasons to believe that some sort of social or civil unrest could develop in the U.S. in the coming years. I am personally not going to say that it will definitely happen, but I certainly see the posibility. To not see it, is being blind.
In case anyone has forgotten, do you remember the civil and social unrest from Hurricane Katrina? Looting, murder, rape, assault, etc. And as bad as the hurricane was, it was just a hurricane.
Right now there is a lot of unrest amongst the people in this country in regards to what the government is or isn't doing. Surely the governing authorities don't like this...it scares them and then come up with ways to try to stamp out the unrest, which of course makes matters worse.
We've had Tea Party's, marches, outspoken people at townhall meetings, people carrying guns to town hall meetings. When was the last time there were this many townhall meetings across the nation with so many people opposed to the government? Hmmm...The Revolution maybe?
Here are some reasons why civil or social unrest may develop:
Article...
It’s never been hard to find a small group of Cassandras, so-called “doomers” who see the apocalypse foreshadowed in Mayan calendars, Nostradamus writings, and the Terminator movies. And the last year has given them some glimmer of hope.
Next to them are more reasonable dystopians or collapsitarians: back-to-the-land agricultural types against industrial farming; those who believe in peak oil and the crippling shocks that’ll someday arrive in our oil-dependent society. (This is to say little of the peak carbon, peak fish, peak dirt, and, most recently, peak dollars crowds).
Since the collapse of the economy last year, there’s been a new category of dystopians: financial professionals. Far from fringe elements, they’re economists, hedge fund managers, and urban planners. They see the signs of collapse everywhere: major failures such as General Motors (GMGMQ) and Lehman Brothers; unprecedented intervention by the government and Federal Reserve; taxpayers on the hook for trillions; double-digit unemployment; a bankrupt Iceland; etc.
The list goes on. And taken together, they would’ve been unimaginable a few years ago. As Nassim Taleb, of Black Swan fame, said in a January New Yorker article titled “The Dystopians,” it would be insane not to see how crazy the world really is.
Signs of recovery aside, their long-term argument is simple: The United States is bankrupt. As such, civil unrest -- a result of higher taxes or more bailouts or greater unemployment -- is not far away. Ben Bernanke’s recent claim that the recession is probably over is simply empty rhetoric.
I spoke to several financial professionals who feel this way and have already made precautions for when the you-know-what hits the fan. The following is their doomsday checklist. This is not for the faint of heart or observers of green shoots.
1. Rural Property
This is the most important thing on the list. A small hedge fund manager who recently left downtown Chicago for rural Ohio told me you don’t want to live in a big city once civil unrest starts. The property must be at least one acre, so that it can be put into production for farming and gardening. Those in the peak oil crowd see a return to agrarian ways when crude runs out. I suggest being way out from a major metro area, but within 30-60 minutes or a hospital. Not that all of these would be open in a major event, I desire a place that is very rural, but there is some small community and within 30 minutes of hospital, Wal*Mart, Lowes or Home Depot, and a grocery store. I would be preparing now for a large garden, even planting fruit trees. I would include chickens and maybe some cows. Chickens don't need to much space to roam, unlike a cow.
You can find a mobil home for dirt cheap or even a travel trailer to live in if need be.
2. Visa for Another Country
Obviously this is only for those who can afford such a thing. Several people mentioned they’d either bought or were planning to buy land in New Zealand, Argentina, and Uruguay. Such countries are in vogue for their affordability, open land, easy paths to citizenship, and safe banking system. Uruguay is on its way to being labeled the Switzerland of South America. I got mine, working on the rest of the family.
3. Houseboat
If farmland were out of the question or farming not your thing, a sailboat also works. The boat should be outfitted with solar panels. You can still access the mainland until it’s time to set off. Trading routes for bartering goods can also be considered for those who live on the coasts. If the seas rise in the next few decades, rich coastal property owners will envy your ride.
4. Guns and Ammunition
Not surprisingly, this was the big thing most people mentioned. Choices range from shotguns to handguns to Chinese SKS rifles. One well-known goldbug even has an indoor shooting range in his compound. Along with an arsenal, a high-end security system seems popular. Primarily for provision...deer, turkey, duck. A fishing rod could come in handy too. For protection too.
As a Christian we have to be very careful about using weapons against others. Jesus in Matthew 5:38-48 teaches us the principle of non-resistance.
If they seek to persecute me for my faith, then I must lay down my weapons and be willing to be martyred for my faith.
5. Family
Even if your husband or wife nags you, this is important for obvious reasons. In a society where wealth is no longer defined by money, family and community ties will hold the most wealth. “At the end of the day being a pragmatist,” one hedge fund manager said, “we have to prepare for ourselves and our family.”
6. Water
Basic, but necessary: Look for wells or a creek on the grounds. A way to purify the water is also important. I will be getting the Lifesaver Bottle, check it out for yourself, you never know when you may need clean, safe water to drink.
7. Multiple Ways of Communication
A cell phone or landline is not enough, said several people. Satellite phones are preferred.
8. Propane Tank or Electric Generators
The essentials. Good for cooking, gas, and power backup.
9. Basement
In a house or on a boat, a basement to store supplies and food could be the difference between living pretty and living on Spam.
10. Sun Tzu’s The Art of War
If civil unrest happens, and a return to something of a pre-modern age occurs, the seminal text on military strategy is a must read. Sun Tzu writes about adapting to changing conditions, and this would be the ultimate test of that. I think I will stick with the bible, some how to books on gardening, farming, making shelter, clothing and survival.
No, we are not to have a spirit of fear, but we are to be able to observe the signs of the times. There are a lot of compelling reasons to believe that some sort of social or civil unrest could develop in the U.S. in the coming years. I am personally not going to say that it will definitely happen, but I certainly see the posibility. To not see it, is being blind.
In case anyone has forgotten, do you remember the civil and social unrest from Hurricane Katrina? Looting, murder, rape, assault, etc. And as bad as the hurricane was, it was just a hurricane.
Right now there is a lot of unrest amongst the people in this country in regards to what the government is or isn't doing. Surely the governing authorities don't like this...it scares them and then come up with ways to try to stamp out the unrest, which of course makes matters worse.
We've had Tea Party's, marches, outspoken people at townhall meetings, people carrying guns to town hall meetings. When was the last time there were this many townhall meetings across the nation with so many people opposed to the government? Hmmm...The Revolution maybe?
Here are some reasons why civil or social unrest may develop:
- Bad economy
- High unemployment
- Rapid inflation at some point
- Government infringmant upon our liberties
- High national debt
- Quenching free speech
- Arresting people for free speech
- Arresting innoncent people for their beliefs not crimes or offences
- Using the Nation Guard or military to threaten and/or control people
- Government dictating what is or isn't offensive or hate speech
- Government taking over corporations
- Government telling us what to do...i.e., must pay a fine if you don't get health insurance
Article...
It’s never been hard to find a small group of Cassandras, so-called “doomers” who see the apocalypse foreshadowed in Mayan calendars, Nostradamus writings, and the Terminator movies. And the last year has given them some glimmer of hope.
Next to them are more reasonable dystopians or collapsitarians: back-to-the-land agricultural types against industrial farming; those who believe in peak oil and the crippling shocks that’ll someday arrive in our oil-dependent society. (This is to say little of the peak carbon, peak fish, peak dirt, and, most recently, peak dollars crowds).
Since the collapse of the economy last year, there’s been a new category of dystopians: financial professionals. Far from fringe elements, they’re economists, hedge fund managers, and urban planners. They see the signs of collapse everywhere: major failures such as General Motors (GMGMQ) and Lehman Brothers; unprecedented intervention by the government and Federal Reserve; taxpayers on the hook for trillions; double-digit unemployment; a bankrupt Iceland; etc.
The list goes on. And taken together, they would’ve been unimaginable a few years ago. As Nassim Taleb, of Black Swan fame, said in a January New Yorker article titled “The Dystopians,” it would be insane not to see how crazy the world really is.
Signs of recovery aside, their long-term argument is simple: The United States is bankrupt. As such, civil unrest -- a result of higher taxes or more bailouts or greater unemployment -- is not far away. Ben Bernanke’s recent claim that the recession is probably over is simply empty rhetoric.
I spoke to several financial professionals who feel this way and have already made precautions for when the you-know-what hits the fan. The following is their doomsday checklist. This is not for the faint of heart or observers of green shoots.
1. Rural Property
This is the most important thing on the list. A small hedge fund manager who recently left downtown Chicago for rural Ohio told me you don’t want to live in a big city once civil unrest starts. The property must be at least one acre, so that it can be put into production for farming and gardening. Those in the peak oil crowd see a return to agrarian ways when crude runs out. I suggest being way out from a major metro area, but within 30-60 minutes or a hospital. Not that all of these would be open in a major event, I desire a place that is very rural, but there is some small community and within 30 minutes of hospital, Wal*Mart, Lowes or Home Depot, and a grocery store. I would be preparing now for a large garden, even planting fruit trees. I would include chickens and maybe some cows. Chickens don't need to much space to roam, unlike a cow.
You can find a mobil home for dirt cheap or even a travel trailer to live in if need be.
2. Visa for Another Country
Obviously this is only for those who can afford such a thing. Several people mentioned they’d either bought or were planning to buy land in New Zealand, Argentina, and Uruguay. Such countries are in vogue for their affordability, open land, easy paths to citizenship, and safe banking system. Uruguay is on its way to being labeled the Switzerland of South America. I got mine, working on the rest of the family.
3. Houseboat
If farmland were out of the question or farming not your thing, a sailboat also works. The boat should be outfitted with solar panels. You can still access the mainland until it’s time to set off. Trading routes for bartering goods can also be considered for those who live on the coasts. If the seas rise in the next few decades, rich coastal property owners will envy your ride.
4. Guns and Ammunition
Not surprisingly, this was the big thing most people mentioned. Choices range from shotguns to handguns to Chinese SKS rifles. One well-known goldbug even has an indoor shooting range in his compound. Along with an arsenal, a high-end security system seems popular. Primarily for provision...deer, turkey, duck. A fishing rod could come in handy too. For protection too.
As a Christian we have to be very careful about using weapons against others. Jesus in Matthew 5:38-48 teaches us the principle of non-resistance.
- I say unto you, resist not him that is evil
- Whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
- And if any man would go to law with thee, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
- And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.
- Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
- Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy: but I say unto you, love your enemies,
- Pray for them that persecute you
If they seek to persecute me for my faith, then I must lay down my weapons and be willing to be martyred for my faith.
5. Family
Even if your husband or wife nags you, this is important for obvious reasons. In a society where wealth is no longer defined by money, family and community ties will hold the most wealth. “At the end of the day being a pragmatist,” one hedge fund manager said, “we have to prepare for ourselves and our family.”
6. Water
Basic, but necessary: Look for wells or a creek on the grounds. A way to purify the water is also important. I will be getting the Lifesaver Bottle, check it out for yourself, you never know when you may need clean, safe water to drink.
7. Multiple Ways of Communication
A cell phone or landline is not enough, said several people. Satellite phones are preferred.
8. Propane Tank or Electric Generators
The essentials. Good for cooking, gas, and power backup.
9. Basement
In a house or on a boat, a basement to store supplies and food could be the difference between living pretty and living on Spam.
10. Sun Tzu’s The Art of War
If civil unrest happens, and a return to something of a pre-modern age occurs, the seminal text on military strategy is a must read. Sun Tzu writes about adapting to changing conditions, and this would be the ultimate test of that. I think I will stick with the bible, some how to books on gardening, farming, making shelter, clothing and survival.
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