In every continent, within every country, state, and town, conversations such as the following take place on a daily basis… John asks, “Are you prepared for when the SHTF (Shit Hits the Fan)?” Scott replies, “No, and I don’t think anything will happen. Life will continue as normal, and your just wasting your time and money!”

I am sure you have heard or read this dialogue several times a week, either from family, friends, or online blogs. In fact, you may even have the same ideologies as John, or perhaps even Scott. Regardless of which group you belong to, even if you are apathetic, we can ALL agree that no one seems to have the answer! Who do you believe? That is the big question.

In this article, I will try to present examples from past economic events, compare and contrast those with today’s crisis, and explore that ever lingering question in the back of everyone’s mind, “Should I prepare for the future, or live life as usual?”

Many individuals ask this question on a daily basis. In fact, many are so bold as to predict when this collapse may happen, and to prepare accordingly. However, have you really thought about what a global economic collapse involves?

The most predominate economic collapse that everyone thinks of, when the subject is brought up, is the Great Collapse of Wall Street during the 1920’s and 1930’s and the subsequent “Great Depression”. Yet, little does anyone take into account that more damaging, previous collapses took place.

Previous collapses within western societies trace their roots all the way back to the age of antiquities within the Mediterranean. Many historians regard the collapse of the ancient Roman Empire, within the fourth and fifth centuries, a result of poor leadership. Although it is difficult to reach a conclusive verdict on why the Western Roman Empire fell, suffice is it to say that it was a long and complex process, made more difficult to understand by the patchy nature of proceeding decades of turmoil (War with Goths, Franks and Alamanni).

If there was a simple answer, the Romans would surely have found it. The institution itself was not at fault, but the support it received from its commanders-in-chief, the Emperors, was often lacking.

It is interesting to note that our “commander-in-chief”, President Barrack Hussein Obama, along with our nation’s most important institution – Congress, have often been lacking and have failed to support their constituents (as of March 15th, 2010, Rasmussen reports that 71% of Americans believe that Congress is doing a good job, while only 26% of Americans strongly approve of President Obama’s decisions).

Our “modern-age” is no different when juxtaposed with the nadir of the Roman Empire. The French Revolution of 1789, the economic collapse following the War of 1812, the Panic of 1873, etc. can all be attributed to one commonality – debt exceeded revenue. The only factor that was missing from those eras, which our modern society is at the mercy of, is globalization. Thus, if one country falters a ripple effect can and will affect all others, including the so called “prosperous” nations.

If we take a look at global debt it is truly shocking. Spending our way into prosperity first and foremost will not work, and will in fact lead to decades of pain. In fact, for year’s world renowned economists such as Peter Schiff, Gerald Celente, Nouriel Roubini, and others, have been warning us of fiscal implosion due to Federal debt monetization with subsequent government controls in the form of Treasury bond interest, manipulated COMEX markets (recent former Goldman Sachs employee, turned whistleblower, has indicated for every ounce of tangible Silver, 100 ounces of paper has been issued – they simply cannot meet the demand if a large scale “call” was made), and other forms of capital control. Many may question the validity of this argument and the accuracy of the aforementioned economists. Yet, a simple browsing of Main Stream Media will show that they have been correct.

 

 

 

 

Foreclosures on the rise, insolvent banks, third party bond and market “pumping” through the Fed, and un-employment are just a few aspects that they have correctly forecasted. This is especially true with un-employment. A country cannot regain prosperity if no one is working to buy the commodities that are either produced locally or are imported in.  Job cuts accelerated in March of 2010, surging to 61% with employers announcing plans to cut 67,611 jobs in March, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. Simply put, without tangible “jobs” America CANNOT rise out of the ashes and once again lead her people to prosperity.

What is even more disturbing is that the government has now taken control and ownership of auto manufacturers, national health care, and the student loan industry effectively removing banks and cutting revenue at around $68 Billion dollars. However, the governments take over and control has not ended there. No, recently enacted Treasury laws have now closed the loop hole on expatriated money. Newly altered Internal Revenue Code, Chapter 4, Sections 1471-1474, has effectively implemented Global Capital Control enforcement for United States citizens.

So severe is the current regimes law changes, that some pseudonym financial correspondents, such as “John Galt”, have indicated the following, “The precursor to most major shifts within western civilization have always been the restrictions placed on the flow of capital. Without going off into woo-woo land on you, all I can say is that this is a warning shot that something major is about to occur which further restricts the freedoms of the citizens of this once great nation. When I did my radio show, I warned that this one event, a key moment or marker in any nation’s history was something to be taken deadly seriously. In my opinion it means that a currency realignment or change or outright revocation of rights taken for granted was certain with a 90 day, maybe if we’re lucky, 180 day window.”

As previously mentioned globalization is the “monkey wrench” in the economic machine. Historically, when a nation falters or defaults on its debt, the butterfly effect is tremendous, and defaults occur in waves.

 

 

Let’s return to the question posed at the outset of this article, “Who should you believe, and should you be concerned?” The answer to this question is, “Yes” – you should be concerned, and believe the data as presented by key financial institutions and watch groups. With this in mind, preparing for the future is not only a wise but sound decision.

How do you prepare? This question is tougher than one may think. An immeasurable amount of combinations are at play within a SHTF scenario. Should I invest in Gold or Silver? How about weapons, food, seeds, fiat money, and on and on this scenario plays out. A wise decision would be to have a small segment of each of the aforementioned items. Here is a small, but essential, list presented that you may find helpful from a Sarajevo war survivor, and though things may not deteriorate to this extreme, you must remember that anything is possible:

From a Sarajevo War Survivor:

Experiencing horrible things that can happen in a civil war, or economic deterioration – death of parents and friends, hunger and malnutrition, endless freezing cold, fear, sniper attacks.

1. Stockpiling helps, but you never know how long trouble will last, so locate

near renewable food sources.

2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.

3. After awhile, even gold can lose its lustre. But there is no luxury in war

quite like toilet paper. Its surplus value is greater than gold’s.

4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity – it’s the easiest to

do without (unless you’re in a very nice climate with no need for heat.)

5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without

heating. One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy – it makes a lot of

the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible. Only needs

enough heat to “warm”, not to cook. It’s cheap too, especially if you buy it in

bulk. Spam shelf life is 50 years.

6. Bring some books – escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more

valuable as the war continues. Sure, it’s great to have a lot of survival

guides, but you’ll figure most of that out on your own anyway – trust me, you’ll

have a lot of time on your hands.

7. The feeling that you’re human can fade pretty fast. I can’t tell you how many

people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of

toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in fighting if you have to

lose your humanity. These things are morale-builders like nothing else.

8. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches.

As economic conditions continue to worsen, you can also expect an increase in desperation among your fellow humans. Protection in the form of weapons, money, food, and supplies, no matter if life continues as normal, is not a bad investment. Food and supplies continue to go up in price each day. So in reality buying a little extra today could actually save you money in the future. Plus, in the event that a catastrophic storm or even global economic meltdown occurs, you will have the necessary supplies to continue to live in the event of looting and mass chaos, as was seen in recent years – Katrina.

So, how will you cope with the global economic collapse? It is our hope that you hope for the best, but prepare for the worst!

Here are 100 items that Guns, Grub and Gold recommends that you have available to you, in the event that an “unforeseen” incident takes place. Regardless, preparation and reliance on yourself should remain key and within the forefront of your families survival within ANY event.

 

1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy…target of thieves; maintenance etc.)

2. Water Filters/Purifiers

3. Portable Toilets

4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 – 12 months to become dried, for home uses.

5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)

6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.

7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.

8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.

9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar

10. Rice – Beans – Wheat

11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)

12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)

13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY – note – food grade if for drinking.

16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.

17. Survival Guide Book.

18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)

19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.

20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)

21. Cook stoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)

22. Vitamins

23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)

24. Feminine Hygiene/Hair care/Skin products.

25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)

26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)

27. Aluminium Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)

28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)

29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).

30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels

31. Milk – Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)

32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)

33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)

34. Coleman’s Pump Repair Kit

35. Tuna Fish (in oil)

36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)

37. First aid kits

38. Batteries (all sizes…buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)

39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies

40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)

41. Flour, yeast & salt

42. Matches. {”Strike Anywhere” preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first

43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators

44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)

45. Work boots, belts, Levis & durable shirts

46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, “No. 76 Dietz” Lanterns

47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)

48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting – if with wheels)

49. Men’s Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc

50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)

51. Fishing supplies/tools

52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams

53. Duct Tape

54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes

55. Candles

56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)

57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags

58. Garden tools & supplies

59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies

60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.

61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)

62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)

63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel

64. Bicycles…Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc

65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats

66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)

67. Board Games, Cards, Dice

68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer

69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets

70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)

71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)

72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.

73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)

74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)

75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soup base

76. Reading glasses

77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)

78. “Survival-in-a-Can”

79. Woollen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens

80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog

81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)

82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky

83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts

84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)

85. Lumber (all types)

86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)

87. Cots & Inflatable mattress’s

88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.

89. Lantern Hangers

90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts

91. Teas

92. Coffee

93. Cigarettes

94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)

95. Paraffin wax

96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.

97. Chewing gum/candies

98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)

99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs

100. Goats/chickens

 

Guns, Grub and Gold March 2010 News Letter

https://www.gunsgrubandgold.com/forum/index.php

 

Watch the video related to economic collapse

To see Part 2: www.youtube.com With the exponential growth of debt and derivatives, a sovereign debt default could trigger economic shockwaves that would make the previous 2008-09 economic collapse look like the pre-shocks of a much larger earthquake. This video presents one possible scenario on how a dollar collapse would affect one family. To see Part 2: www.youtube.com

Help answer the question about economic collapse

What effect would a US economic collapse have on the world?
Could someone explain how a US economic collapse would effect the rest of the world.
Would the affect on different countries generally be the same, or would some countries be hit much harder? I live in South Africa, and am wondering how my country would be affected if the US faced a great depression/economic collapse.

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praetorian -
About the Author:

Financial planner / writer / computer scientist / survivalist