There’s been a lot of talk lately about the government shutdown and the possible default on our nation’s debt. While many people in this country remain blissfully oblivious to the actual problems, the fact is, this country has been teetering on the edge of disaster for quite some time.
Our country is currently over 17 trillion dollars in debt; instead of trying to address the problem, we have a government who insists on racking up even more debt, while claiming that raising the debt limit is our only way out.
Whether or not we keep raising the debt ceiling really isn’t even the point anymore. In my opinion, this country is on an unsustainable course, and it’s only a matter of time before the whole system comes to a grinding halt.
Are we facing another Great Depression?
When I look at our current situation, I actually think comparisons to the Great Depression are a little optimistic. Yes, things were bad during the Great Depression; but today, we have far more problems facing this country, problems that could make the Great Depression look like a walk in the park.
Why is today’s crisis worse than the Great Depression?
From the outside looking in, it might actually be pretty hard to believe this country is in any sort of financial trouble, let alone facing the possibility of an economic collapse. In fact, when you see hundreds of thousands of people lining up in front of Apple Stores all clamoring to buy the newest iPhone, you might actually get the impression that we have a robust economy.
But if you look a little deeper, and ignore the government/media propaganda, you’ll realize you’re witnessing one big illusion – better yet, the biggest Ponzi Scheme of all time.
The only reason this whole system hasn’t collapsed, is because of the 17 trillion dollars in debt this governments rung up. If it wasn’t for the debt, combined with the Federal Reserve who keeps flooding the market with funny money, by running the printing presses 24/7, this country would look a whole lot different.
Instead of the bread lines of the 1920’s, we now have 47 million people on food stamps and half the country counting on at least one government program to pay their bills.
From bank bailouts and corporate welfare, to a never-ending supply of unemployment checks and government assistance, this country only looks healthy because the government is doing everything they can to maintain the scam. Unfortunately, just like every Ponzi scheme, there comes a time when you just can’t maintain the scam any longer and the whole illusion starts to breakdown.
The only real question is when does this Ponzi scheme start to collapse?
What will an Economic Collapse look like?
To start, I think it will be much worse than the Great Depression; and I think this for a number of reasons.
First, today’s culture is so much different from the culture that existed during the Great Depression. We have multiple generations of people who have no clue how to live without relying on the system. Should this country face an economic collapse, followed by the inevitable chaos that will follow, I’m afraid most people won’t be able to survive what’s coming.
As we’ve pointed out in the past, 50% of the country readily admits they wouldn’t be able to survive for longer than 2 weeks without electricity. What do you think happens to these people once the whole system collapses?
During the Great Depression, a huge percentage of the public was still relatively self-sufficient. Today, most people don’t know how to cook a simple homemade meal, unless it comes out of a box or they pick it up from a restaurant.
The second thing I think we’ll see is mass chaos on the streets. I hate to say it, but people are nuts. Today’s culture is so morally bankrupt that they riot on the streets over pretty much anything.
Their team wins the Superbowl; let’s riot. The election might not go their way; let’s riot. What do you think these same people will do when the ATM’s stop working and they no longer have a way to buy food?
What can you do to Prepare for the Coming Chaos?
The first thing you need to do is realize how much danger we are really in. Once you see past the illusion, then you can start to take steps to prepare for what’s coming.
Increase your Food Supplies: During a prolonged crisis, food and water are going to be some of the most important commodities you can have. Everyone’s going to want it, and that means there are going to be major shortages and supply chain problems. Now is the time to stock up on long-term food and water.
Start Cutting Expenses: Whatever you can live without now is the time to start cutting it off. From the expensive monthly cable bill, to those $5 lattes you buy on the way to work, you need to really start watching where your money’s going.
The money you save can be used to buy essential things that you can still use 1, 5, 25, even 50 years from now.
Stock up on Firearms: In my opinion, this serves two very important purposes. First, during any type of crisis situation security is going to be one of your top priorities. Second, firearms and ammo rarely lose value, and will be some of the most sought after items post collapse.
We live in a world that’s really built on top of an illusion, as long as that illusion seems real, we’re ok. But the fact is, our infrastructure cannot maintain a prolonged disaster or economic crisis. In a fairly short amount of time, the trucks would stop running, the grocery stores would be void of almost everything, and the country would be in for one huge shock.
This may sound like fear mongering to some, but I think it’s just good old common sense. Take a look throughout history, and you will see this same pattern taking place time and time again. Just look back at the Great Depression, and how life was for people who lived through that and the dust bowl. For anyone who thinks it can’t happen again, I want to remind you that we’re making the exact same mistakes – only this time the country is far less self-reliant.
For more ideas on how to prepare for financial difficulties, check out our last article on preparing for an economic collapse.
Our country just got sold out tonight! Behind closed doors! All guilty! Remember their names, in our new socialist Amerika !!!
Not voting or not voting Republican, make you a democrat & pro Obama.
If you are not helping then your hurting.
I do not care what you do, but do something.
Your article is true. As far as the media is concerned. These guys work for a living. They may disagree but not going air their opinions. They might loose their jobs. On the other hand some people may think their money will buy their way out, if things collapse. The truth is we are heading for a time where things will fall apart and there is nothing we that we can do will save it. The top money makers will find away to escape at least for awhile.
We are headed for a global economic collapse. People can’t get jobs to pay their debts let alone keep a roof over their head. My priority is to keep the roof over my head and pay for my meds. I have enormous bills that I just can’t pay. You can’t get blood from a stone. It is a wonder that I am still alive. I just don’t know how long this will last. A Greater Depression is coming our way. And I hope to be one of the first to go. Sounds morbid but I would rather die sooner than bear the pain of starving, dehydrating, exposure to the elements and going crazy due to lack of medication. In this coming economic collapse a lot of people will die because they don’t have money to pay for food and other supplies. Soup kitchens are going to be flooded with people soon and soon there won’t be enough food to feed the masses. I think about this all the time because of all the current job losses which makes it harder for anyone to get a job in the first place. Even part time jobs are limited too. You can’t even have a parking ticket to get a job these days. You definitely don’t get a job with a criminal record or a bankruptcy. I am just waiting for the bad news that I have to leave the place I am in due to lack of funds. Waiting, waiting, waiting…It sucks that I know it will happen…I just don’t know when.
I wish I knew how to do this on part-time, minimum wage jobs that barely pay the bills. As a student, I can’t get full-time work while in classes, but my part-time jobs have me living paycheck to paycheck. And I really have no clue how to provide for myself. I hope this collapse waits long enough for me to be able to afford my solar-powered aquaponics greenhouse that I want to build in the middle of nowhere (I’m talking about a Valhalla Greenhouse—look it up).
I think can help you a little bit. I’ve squeezed out every penny from my food budget before and I’ve found ways to eat for around $3 a day ($1 per meal). I even ate for $1 a day once, just to prove that I could.
Buy the largest carton of eggs you can find. Around here that’s 5 dozen. The cost ends up being around 33c per egg. Eat 3 eggs for breakfast. Eat air-popped popcorn for lunch. It’s not fancy, but it’s edible, and if you pair it with beans for supper (buy dried beans for the best price/volume) you get a complete protein. You can also buy a big bag of almonds and have a handful for a meal. You can get enough calories this way, but you may want to supplement with foraging to add more plant-based nutrients (and don’t forget hunting). Peanut butter is another high-calorie, high-nutrition food. Sweet potatoes are fairly inexpensive and they are probably the most nutritious vegetable in existence. I know that ramen is cheap as dirt, but it’s really got nothing nutritious in it. Just calories and salt. I know you probably can’t live indefinitely off of these 6 foods, but they can help you go further on a dollar. I don’t know your travel needs, but if you can bicycle or jog to class/work, you’ll save a lot on gas. I used to bike (super cheap wal-mart bike) and jog to work (13 miles round trip) each day. It takes time and energy, but saves a ton of money, and I was in crazy good shape after doing that for a while. I hope there’s something in here that you can use. Good luck to you.
Wise words Runner. Folks can also get free donated food from churches and food banks as well. A lot of good food. (so long as you pay it forward when you are able to, I feel there is nothing wrong with getting help). Hard work goes along way to accomplishing you goals. Good luck and God bless
@ Cillendor..you are so right. In Alaska we started years ago..the Valhalla Greenhouse is THE BEST, can use a small wood store also. In Alaska we have 3 months of light & in winter the 4 hours of light is great for growing but w/deep snow I have to keep those baby plants warm too..You have the right idea…I am in the middle of no where..Come Alaska Bound you will LOVE IT…
Would you mind posting the link to the CNN story?
They don’t want to believe it because they’re all liberals serving Obama and believe they will be safe when things fall apart, like hogs to the slaughter.
I am a progressive. This is not an Obama issue or Republican issue. Stop the division, do you not get what is being said. Wall Street and Corporate Greed are deliberately dividing the country while they rob the Treasury. By diverting our attention off the real ball of them stealing pensions, destroying peoples home equity and allowing Corporations to take over our laws through trade agreements (Try looking up the TPP trade and get educated). This has nothing to do with anything other than rich corporate Wall Street America running the government, Treasury and our Country. Like the article said, we are no longer self Sufficient individuals because we are beholden (in debt) to Wall Street.
You started out good by suggestiong peope stop the division but then you lost me when you started talking about rich corporate wall street taking over and sugested they are stealing all the money…. explain what they will do with all that worthless paper? Even their (and our) money in the bank will not matter when the system goes down. They stand to lose the most…. don’t they? Then how can they be in control?
Who is our country’s leader again…oh yeah, king Obama! Progressives, fundamental transforming American. Constitution now and forever! Progress Mexico or somewhere else!
Nothing matters in the end. Who cares what starts the tidal wave. All that matters is a huge wave is heading your way. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Btw: I don’t like political figures, the government or the increasingly militant police. I don’t trust that their choices are in our best interest.
America as we know it has ended, we will owe 90 trillion by the end of 2015, look at whats happening when we only owe 17. Health care act has lost jobs and downgraded full time employees to part time, and obumbles croinees dont have to join they get to keep thier plans guess thier to good to live like the rest of us.
Congres and the house both are full of lieing corupt money stealing sobs and should be arrested for what they along with the white house has done to hard working people in this country, I have been all around the world some places more than once and until latley have allways said america was the best place to live,,,well now i have changed my mind and i am looking for a new home,,,,a new america without all the bs in dc.
WE THE PEOPLE must stand up,and be counted in the 2014 election,,even if it hurts for awhile we must go the way of the TEA PARTY and take back our country from the ;;;give it to me for free;;;obama clan.
Start learning Chineese boys, they hold most of our debt.
Yeah China would definitely be the first to take over if they do.
In the 1970’s they said to learn Japanese.
Then It was the Middle East.
Now it is China?!?
Jack, The New Economic Engine that runs the world is China. Here in the USA we fret over polution, we go green. China is one BIG SUPER INDUSTRIAL STATE that polutes and doesn’t care. Soon I think Red Chinese troops in the millions will invade our country when we revolt.
China actually owns less than 10% of our debt. The majority of our debt is held by our own govt through treasury notes and bonds.
I am getting older now and with the health issues I have it is very difficult for me to bug out in a remote area. I am also alone with no family which is also a draw back. I am an Army Vet and use too tolerating hardships but I know I can’t fight alone and survive a collapse. I wish I could find others like me that have something to contribute and form a survival group. All the people that I know that are into this have family and got their own plan.
Where are you located? There has to be some people you can band with, that is what it will take in the long run.
we are in the same boat .maybe we can help each other. We live in Oklahoma, email if you are interrested
All interesting replies. Am in Albuquerque, and in the same boat, unable to find like minded people. Am prepared for approx. 3 months but think there’s safety in numbers.
Our situations are very similar sounding. Will be interesting to know your area. Am concerned for grandkids. Navy vet. Don
Families are going to need the most help.. you not be fit for a fight or labor, but you may have knowledge and instincts that are priceless. Advise those who can and teach community to the younger families. Most will be scared, unprepared and inexperienced to sustain a life for their kids. Be a leader and give them some comfort that they will survive? Loyalty and trust will always unite the people. “Do the good work
blah,blah,blah…its the republicans its the democrats its the liberals or the conservatives..blah,blah..the fact is man is full of greed and that is what has put us where we are today..the system has been hijacked and made to work for a small few. the closer you can get to independence the freer you are. learn a skill may it be blacksmith,masonry,gun smith?,ac work, mechanic,you will be in demand to a survival group. if you cant provide something then what good will you be when the grid goes down.
When will these political animals ever learn how not to repeat the same thing over & over,you have to take care of home first,not keep playing groundhog day,you folks were elected to do a job,not to take vacations every month
now you see the mess you have made,come 2014 there will be
a very good house cleaning.
And not let us forget that the cost of food has risen 73.9% in the last ten years, whileour pay has not kept up and we are loosing jobs to overseas workers, then we buy the cheaper products loosing more jobs on the next go round.
Sooner or later something is going to break,,,,,
bullets n beans, baby!
Don’t forget your bandaids!!
In regards to stocking up on fire arms, I question the long term success of this strategy. I view it as a reliance on technology, same as electricity or gasoline. For short term issues and limited situations this may provide a small measure of security but it fails as a long term strategy. At some point, the weight and supply will fail. To truly prepare yourself for a crisis situation you must think long term. The simple tools, knife, axe, saw, can last a lifetime if cared for and can be used to create the tools you need to hunt or defend yourself. A bow can be crafted from a tree branch and arrows made from available materials. Knowledge is the essential tool, and the more you rely on technology, the sooner you will find yourself vulnerable.
You are right I told friends several years ago that the Government wasn’t going to take our guns. They will just buy the ammo up, where there is none for the people, no need to take our guns. Just go and try to buy a box of even 22 shells in a store it is almost impossible and soon will be impossible
Surviving off the land won’t work. Drinking water is running out. In these the Last Days the surface water will be polluted. Animals that we can hunt will have disease. The sky is full of death with Chemical Trails being sprayed on us daily. WAKE UP AMERICA
Lets face it. This gov’t is just a tool of the federal reserve(a handful of the extremely wealthy)that controls the world economy. As China buys up as much gold and precious metals as it can along with the mines that produce them with the dollars that we pay them back with our debt.As China steals our industry and big business moves to a better consuming market that China provides, its just a matter of time before China make a play to make it’s dollar the world standard (as its backed with a tangible-gold) while our dollar has no backing it will collapse overnight.Our so called leaders will be spared as Im sure they know the scenario and have a backup plan,slobs like us will be fending for ourselves. Our economy is a huge ponzi scheme that at some point will fail. Unless we can back our currency with something besides our military might this wonderful country I grew up in will cease to exist as we know it.
save the USA, You are right but it is even more sinester that you think. Secret Societies control all the worlds governments especially the USA. Count the number of Presidents who have been members of these secret socities. Who is in back of these evil secret socities? The same families that have always controlled us. Read David Icke and find out how deep the rabbit hole really goes.
I am keeping an eye on what is happening, of course, I seem to be the only one around here! lol…everytime I bring it up I get looks like, “you’re one of those people” been told by people in my own family that I was paranoid. I see what is going on and have for sometime now. I have been stocking up on food supplies, water, have some guns and ammo…..been stocking up on medical supplies also. I was in the military for 8 years active duty both Army and Marines. Have knowledge on self defense, survival and weapons. I also just finished taking a 5 month EMT course and became licensed in Missouri and Oklahoma, mostly just learned the basic lifesaving skills, but it’s good knowledge to have. I learned how to can vegetables over the summer, had my first garden this year (didn’t turn out too bad for a rookie)thinking about getting some chickens, I know nothing about them but will learn. I’ve been saving seeds. I just finished putting a wood stove in the house. I’m just doing what I can afford…..a little here a little there. Does anyone know of any prep groups in the Southwest Missouri area? Thanks.
Iam in sw Missouri, We should chat. Iam in between joplin and Springfield
In the Great depression only25% where out of work.
We came though it.
I have been hearing the sky is fallen for 40 years now & went camping in a great weather, with a beautiful blue sky.
But you may be right, this time.
I am ready, but do not believe all my training & storage will be need as soon as you think.
Good article, thanks for sharing it. I like what ya said about we have a totally diff. generation of folk than we did during the great depression. They did know how to farm, and hunt back then, today everything is handed to folks and they will indeed riot when they don’t get their free stuff. Then they will try and take mine.
Prepared .. Armed and ready! And when I run out if Ammo.. I have some nice steel nunchucks they can suck on! Oh ya!! I know Chinese and of course RUSSIAN!! :/
I purchased a POF P-308 20″ AR-10 and a DPMS Panther AR-15 5.56 16″ (w/ extra 30rnd clips) for protection and have more to do on such! I’m nearly ready protection wise! SHTF I want to be ready! When things get ugly I want to be ready! I purchased 7.62 HP BT bullets and 5.56 HP, Military grade.