Militarization of Public Health in the Case of Emergency is Now Official
According to CNN, the Pentagon is "to establish regional teams of military personnel to assist civilian authorities in the event of a significant outbreak of the H1N1 virus this fall, according to Defense Department officials."
"The proposal is awaiting final approval from Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
The officials would not be identified because the proposal from U.S. Northern Command's Gen. Victor Renuart has not been approved by the secretary.
The plan calls for military task forces to work in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. There is no final decision on how the military effort would be manned, but one source said it would likely include personnel from all branches of the military.
It has yet to be determined how many troops would be needed and whether they would come from the active duty or the National Guard and Reserve forces.
Civilian authorities would lead any relief efforts in the event of a major outbreak, the official said. The military, as they would for a natural disaster or other significant emergency situation, could provide support and fulfill any tasks that civilian authorities could not, such as air transport or testing of large numbers of viral samples from infected patients.
As a first step, Gates is being asked to sign a so-called "execution order" that would authorize the military to begin to conduct the detailed planning to execute the proposed plan.
Orders to deploy actual forces would be reviewed later, depending on how much of a health threat the flu poses this fall, the officials said." (CNN, Military planning for possible H1N1 outbreak, July 2009, emphasis added)
The implications are far-reaching. The decision points towards the militarization of civilian institutions, including law enforcement and public health. A nationwide vaccination program is already planned for the Fall. The pharmaceutical industry is slated to deliver 160 million vaccine doses by the Fall, enough doses to vaccinate more than half of America's population.
The Pentagon is already planning on the number of troops to be deployed, with a view to supporting a mass vaccination program. It is worth noting that this involvement of the military is not being decided by the President, but by the Secretary of Defense, which suggests that the Pentagon is, in a key issue of of national interest, overriding the President and Commander in Chief. The US Congress has not been consulted on the issue.
This decision to mobilise the Armed Forces in the vaccination campaign is taken in anticipation of a national emergency. Although no national emergency has been called, the presumption is that a national public health emergency will occur, using the WHO Level 6 Pandemic as a pretext and a justification.
Other countries, including Canada, the UK and France may follow suit, calling upon their Armed Forces to play a role in support of the H1N1 vaccination program.
US Northern Command
Much of the groundwork for the intervention of the military has already been established. There are indications that these "regional teams" have already been established under USNORTHCOM, which has been involved in preparedness training and planning in the case of a flu pandemic (See U.S. Northern Command - Avian Flu. USNORTHCOM website).
Within the broader framework of "Disaster Relief", Northern Command has, in the course of the last two years, defined a mandate in the eventuality of a public health emergency or a flu pandemic. The emphasis is on the militarization of public health whereby NORTHCOM would oversee the activities of civilian institutions involved in health related services.
According Brig. Gen. Robert Felderman, deputy director of USNORTHCOM’s Plans, Policy and Strategy Directorate: “USNORTHCOM is the global synchronizer – the global coordinator – for pandemic influenza across the combatant commands”(emphasis added) (See Gail Braymen, USNORTHCOM contributes pandemic flu contingency planning expertise to trilateral workshop, USNORTHCOM, April 14, 2008, See also USNORTHCOM. Pandemic Influenza Chain Training (U) pdf)
“Also, the United States in 1918 had the Spanish influenza. We were the ones who had the largest response to [a pandemic] in more recent history. So I discussed what we did then, what we expect to have happen now and the numbers that we would expect in a pandemic influenza.”
The potential number of fatalities in the United States in a modern pandemic influenza could reach nearly two million, according to Felderman. Not only would the nation’s economy suffer, but the Department of Defense would still have to be ready and able to protect and defend the country and provide support of civil authorities in disaster situations. While virtually every aspect of society would be affected, “the implications for Northern Command will be very significant.”
“[A pandemic would have] a huge economic impact, in addition to the defense-of-our-nation impact,” Felderman said. The United States isn’t alone in preparing for such a potential catastrophe. (Gail Braymen, op cit)
Apart from the CNN dispatch and a FOX news report, there has been virtually no mainstream press coverage of this issue. No statement has been made by USNORTHCOM.
The Fox New Report suggests that US troops would be involved in organising military quarantines (see videoclip below).
We invite our readers to review Global Research's News Highlight Dossier: H1N1 Swine Flu Pandemic Dossier. The latter contains a collection of articles and analytical reports.
Related Article: Michel Chossudovsky, Martial Law and the Militarization of Public Health: The Worldwide H1N1 Flu Vaccination Program,
Global Research, July 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Jobs As Concentration Camp Guards Advertised By US Government
The National Guard of New York is hiring internment specialists to guard civilians at resettlement facilities.
The concentration camps of Nazi Germany were also called “resettlement” facilties.
Is it acceptable that a series of criminal governments has created a genocidal infrastructure of FEMA camps on American territory and then dares to use this against its own people?
Is it acceptable that the mainstream media does not report on this concentration camp infrastructure or the dangers of mass vaccinations justas the media did not report on the concentration camps in Nazi Germany?
The verdict of the Nuremberg Trials on Nazi German war criminals was that no state of emergency could justify gross violations of civic rights by any government or military body under any circumstances.
Those officials in the Nazi German government or military who colluded with Nazi genocide were found guilty of crimes against humanity no matter what their rank or position in government.
Field Marshall Wilhelm Keitel, the head of the German armed forces under Hitler, claimed he did not know what was happening in the Nazi concentration camps but the verdict of the Nuremberg Trials was that he should have known; he should have taken the trouble to know; it was his duty to be informed. The verdict was that the guards who were employed in these camps were also guilty of crimes against humanity.
Does America need a second Nuremberg Trials and this time for those members of government and military, whether generals or camp guards, who work for the bankers, for WHO and the UN?
—-
Fed Now Hiring Concentration Camp Guards
http://targetfreedom.typepad.com/targetfreedom/2009/08/fed-now-hiring-concentration-camp-guards.html
Would you like a job putting people into concentration camps?
Your government’s “help wanted” ads say that you can earn while you learn to be a “Internment / Resettlement Specialist”
Here is a discussion of the ad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvBlaRhs-R0
Here is the ACTUAL ad:
http://tinyurl.com/nzsjfe
This redirects to jobview.monster.com
Job Title: Internment/Resettlement Specialist]
LIFE WITH BIG BROTHER
National Guard asked to explain ‘internment’ jobs
Campaign recruiting for workers at ‘civilian resettlement facility’
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=106304
http://targetfreedom.typepad.com/targetfreedom/2009/04/plot-to-kill-capitalists.html
http://www.canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/5742
Undercover FBI agent Larry Grathwohl told us of people whom he described in this way:
“They felt that this counter-revolution could best be guarded against by creating and establishing re-education centers in the Southwest, where we would take all of the people who needed to be re-educated into the new way of thinking and teach them how things were going to be.
I asked, well what is going to happen to those people that we can’t re-educate that are die-hard capitalists? The reply was that they would have to be eliminated. When I pursued this further they estimated that they would have to eliminate 25 million people in these re-education centers. When I say eliminate, I mean kill … 25 million people.
I want you to imagine sitting in a room with 25 people, most of which have graduate degrees from Columbia and other well-known educational centers, and hear them figuring out the logistics for the elimination of 25 million people. And they were dead serious.”
————————————-
Actual U. S. Army Regulations For Managing Concentration Camps
http://targetfreedom.typepad.com/targetfreedom/2009/03/usarmyregulationsformanagingconcentrationcamps.html
http://www.apfn.org/pdf/prison_camps.pdf
Why does the US Army have regulations for running a concentration camp?
Army Regulation 210-35 Civilian Inmate Labor Program14 January 2005 Unclassified
This new regulation is dated: 9 December 1997
Chapter 3: Establishing Civilian Inmate Prison Camps on Army Installations
Gulag Archipelago Excerpt on resisting tyranny
http://targetfreedom.typepad.com/targetfreedom/2009/02/gulag-archipelago-excerpt.html
An Excerpt From “The Gulag Archipelago” … On How to Resist Fascism & Tyranny. The Lesson That is Just as Important Today as it Was Half a Century Ago.
“During an arrest, you think since you are not guilty, how can they arrest you? Why should you run away? And how can you resist right then? After all, you’ll only make your situation worse; you will make it more difficult for them to sort out the mistake.
And how we burned in the camps later, thinking: What would things have been like if every Security operative, when he went out at night to make an arrest, had been uncertain whether he would return alive and had to say goodbye to his family?
Or if, during periods of mass arrests, as for example in Leningrad, when they arrested a quarter of the entire city, people had not simply sat there in their lairs, paling with terror at every bang of the downstairs door and at every step on the staircase, but had understood they had nothing left to lose and had boldly set up in the downstairs hall an ambush of half a dozen people with axes, hammers, pokers, or whatever else was at hand?
The Organs would very quickly have suffered a shortage of officers and transport and, notwithstanding all of Stalin’s thirst, the cursed machine would have ground to a halt! We did not love freedom enough. Every man always has handy a dozen glib little reasons why he is right not to sacrifice himself.” The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
FEMA & DHS preparing for mass graves and martial law near Chicago?
http://spktruth2power.wordpress.com/2009/02/13/is-fema-dhs-preparing-for-mass-graves-and-martial-law-near-chicago/
FEMA inquired to where mass graves could be placed in the county and would they accept bodies from elsewhere.
Concentration Camps in USA?
http://targetfreedom.typepad.com/targetfreedom/2009/01/concentration-camps-in-usa.htmlhttp://targ
Who believes that this is true? You judge it for yourself.
I did not pass this along because I have no way of verifying that it is true. After the high level of interest that was expressed at the meetup, I have concluded that people should at least have the chance to judge it for themselves.
These videos are presented WITHOUT ANY CREDITS BEING GIVEN. These videos are supposedly produced by someone on the inside; who found his OWN NAME on a list of people to be liquidated, and then decided to tell the public. The voice is electronically altered. You judge it for yourself.
Gee, why didn’t we see this on TV?
FOR WHATEVER IT IS WORTH
Confession of a CIA Agent about FEMA – Important
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K9dgqKmJ50&NR=1
FEMA CONCENTRATION CAMPS:
Locations and Executive Orders
www.apfn.org/apfn/camps.htm
Visit the concentration camps near you and see what you can learn.
BUT THERE IS HOPE: Military men are joining the American resistance to tyranny. Here is why they need foreign troops:
http://oath-keepers.blogspot.com/
http://targetfreedom.typepad.com/targetfreedom/2009/03/militarymenjoiningresistancetotyranny.html
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread59023/pg1
www.freedomfiles.org/war/fema.htm
Clinton Evades Question: FEMA Camps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQBiHVbOGvg&NR=1
Oliver North Questioned – Rex 84 Exposed During Iran Contra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug0IL7k3elQ&NR=1
Unhidden Agendas: Off To Camp FEMA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTvPljNxYTI&NR=1
Concentration Camps being built for U.S citizenshttp:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJBxdRIQx7Y&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9Ut-t7k_zY&NR=1
This has happened in many other places. Of course, “It can’t happen here”, right? Personally, I am not going anywhere. BUT if I wind up in a concentration camp, I am not going to have to remember a day when I should have done more to defend liberty. I will save this country or die trying.
It is not at all ambiguous.
The Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act, and a few hundred Executive Orders that are detailed in the videos, were not passed by Pelosi. Pelosi simply invoked these. If you look and see who it was that put these things in place you will know that this has nothing to do with partisan politics. The enabling legislation is all in place.
Watch This One:Directive 51
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMs733gFg-I
I thought it was interesting to learn that Hitler had a law that said the same thing, and that Hitler’s law was ALSO CALLED directive 51.
By the Way: Most dictatorships are Created as a “Temporary Emergency” Measure.
Life is temporary.
Martial law is not a piece of paper.
Martial law is not an edict from on high.
Martial law is not possbile unless the people accept it.
Wake the people.
It is not enforceable, just because they say so.They do not even have the courage to say so openly. It is “classified” and only being said to the conspirators who are supposed to implement it. The plans to suspend the constitution have always been “classified”as you can see in the video where Col. is questioned about it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl1VIhdpl4c&feature=related
The concentration camps of Nazi Germany were also called “resettlement” facilties.
Is it acceptable that a series of criminal governments has created a genocidal infrastructure of FEMA camps on American territory and then dares to use this against its own people?
Is it acceptable that the mainstream media does not report on this concentration camp infrastructure or the dangers of mass vaccinations justas the media did not report on the concentration camps in Nazi Germany?
The verdict of the Nuremberg Trials on Nazi German war criminals was that no state of emergency could justify gross violations of civic rights by any government or military body under any circumstances.
Those officials in the Nazi German government or military who colluded with Nazi genocide were found guilty of crimes against humanity no matter what their rank or position in government.
Field Marshall Wilhelm Keitel, the head of the German armed forces under Hitler, claimed he did not know what was happening in the Nazi concentration camps but the verdict of the Nuremberg Trials was that he should have known; he should have taken the trouble to know; it was his duty to be informed. The verdict was that the guards who were employed in these camps were also guilty of crimes against humanity.
Does America need a second Nuremberg Trials and this time for those members of government and military, whether generals or camp guards, who work for the bankers, for WHO and the UN?
—-
Fed Now Hiring Concentration Camp Guards
http://targetfreedom.typepad.com/targetfreedom/2009/08/fed-now-hiring-concentration-camp-guards.html
Would you like a job putting people into concentration camps?
Your government’s “help wanted” ads say that you can earn while you learn to be a “Internment / Resettlement Specialist”
Here is a discussion of the ad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvBlaRhs-R0
Here is the ACTUAL ad:
http://tinyurl.com/nzsjfe
This redirects to jobview.monster.com
Job Title: Internment/Resettlement Specialist]
LIFE WITH BIG BROTHER
National Guard asked to explain ‘internment’ jobs
Campaign recruiting for workers at ‘civilian resettlement facility’
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=106304
http://targetfreedom.typepad.com/targetfreedom/2009/04/plot-to-kill-capitalists.html
http://www.canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/5742
Undercover FBI agent Larry Grathwohl told us of people whom he described in this way:
“They felt that this counter-revolution could best be guarded against by creating and establishing re-education centers in the Southwest, where we would take all of the people who needed to be re-educated into the new way of thinking and teach them how things were going to be.
I asked, well what is going to happen to those people that we can’t re-educate that are die-hard capitalists? The reply was that they would have to be eliminated. When I pursued this further they estimated that they would have to eliminate 25 million people in these re-education centers. When I say eliminate, I mean kill … 25 million people.
I want you to imagine sitting in a room with 25 people, most of which have graduate degrees from Columbia and other well-known educational centers, and hear them figuring out the logistics for the elimination of 25 million people. And they were dead serious.”
————————————-
Actual U. S. Army Regulations For Managing Concentration Camps
http://targetfreedom.typepad.com/targetfreedom/2009/03/usarmyregulationsformanagingconcentrationcamps.html
http://www.apfn.org/pdf/prison_camps.pdf
Why does the US Army have regulations for running a concentration camp?
Army Regulation 210-35 Civilian Inmate Labor Program14 January 2005 Unclassified
This new regulation is dated: 9 December 1997
Chapter 3: Establishing Civilian Inmate Prison Camps on Army Installations
Gulag Archipelago Excerpt on resisting tyranny
http://targetfreedom.typepad.com/targetfreedom/2009/02/gulag-archipelago-excerpt.html
An Excerpt From “The Gulag Archipelago” … On How to Resist Fascism & Tyranny. The Lesson That is Just as Important Today as it Was Half a Century Ago.
“During an arrest, you think since you are not guilty, how can they arrest you? Why should you run away? And how can you resist right then? After all, you’ll only make your situation worse; you will make it more difficult for them to sort out the mistake.
And how we burned in the camps later, thinking: What would things have been like if every Security operative, when he went out at night to make an arrest, had been uncertain whether he would return alive and had to say goodbye to his family?
Or if, during periods of mass arrests, as for example in Leningrad, when they arrested a quarter of the entire city, people had not simply sat there in their lairs, paling with terror at every bang of the downstairs door and at every step on the staircase, but had understood they had nothing left to lose and had boldly set up in the downstairs hall an ambush of half a dozen people with axes, hammers, pokers, or whatever else was at hand?
The Organs would very quickly have suffered a shortage of officers and transport and, notwithstanding all of Stalin’s thirst, the cursed machine would have ground to a halt! We did not love freedom enough. Every man always has handy a dozen glib little reasons why he is right not to sacrifice himself.” The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
FEMA & DHS preparing for mass graves and martial law near Chicago?
http://spktruth2power.wordpress.com/2009/02/13/is-fema-dhs-preparing-for-mass-graves-and-martial-law-near-chicago/
FEMA inquired to where mass graves could be placed in the county and would they accept bodies from elsewhere.
Concentration Camps in USA?
http://targetfreedom.typepad.com/targetfreedom/2009/01/concentration-camps-in-usa.htmlhttp://targ
Who believes that this is true? You judge it for yourself.
I did not pass this along because I have no way of verifying that it is true. After the high level of interest that was expressed at the meetup, I have concluded that people should at least have the chance to judge it for themselves.
These videos are presented WITHOUT ANY CREDITS BEING GIVEN. These videos are supposedly produced by someone on the inside; who found his OWN NAME on a list of people to be liquidated, and then decided to tell the public. The voice is electronically altered. You judge it for yourself.
Gee, why didn’t we see this on TV?
FOR WHATEVER IT IS WORTH
Confession of a CIA Agent about FEMA – Important
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K9dgqKmJ50&NR=1
FEMA CONCENTRATION CAMPS:
Locations and Executive Orders
www.apfn.org/apfn/camps.htm
Visit the concentration camps near you and see what you can learn.
BUT THERE IS HOPE: Military men are joining the American resistance to tyranny. Here is why they need foreign troops:
http://oath-keepers.blogspot.com/
http://targetfreedom.typepad.com/targetfreedom/2009/03/militarymenjoiningresistancetotyranny.html
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread59023/pg1
www.freedomfiles.org/war/fema.htm
Clinton Evades Question: FEMA Camps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQBiHVbOGvg&NR=1
Oliver North Questioned – Rex 84 Exposed During Iran Contra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug0IL7k3elQ&NR=1
Unhidden Agendas: Off To Camp FEMA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTvPljNxYTI&NR=1
Concentration Camps being built for U.S citizenshttp:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJBxdRIQx7Y&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9Ut-t7k_zY&NR=1
This has happened in many other places. Of course, “It can’t happen here”, right? Personally, I am not going anywhere. BUT if I wind up in a concentration camp, I am not going to have to remember a day when I should have done more to defend liberty. I will save this country or die trying.
It is not at all ambiguous.
The Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act, and a few hundred Executive Orders that are detailed in the videos, were not passed by Pelosi. Pelosi simply invoked these. If you look and see who it was that put these things in place you will know that this has nothing to do with partisan politics. The enabling legislation is all in place.
Watch This One:Directive 51
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMs733gFg-I
I thought it was interesting to learn that Hitler had a law that said the same thing, and that Hitler’s law was ALSO CALLED directive 51.
By the Way: Most dictatorships are Created as a “Temporary Emergency” Measure.
Life is temporary.
Martial law is not a piece of paper.
Martial law is not an edict from on high.
Martial law is not possbile unless the people accept it.
Wake the people.
It is not enforceable, just because they say so.They do not even have the courage to say so openly. It is “classified” and only being said to the conspirators who are supposed to implement it. The plans to suspend the constitution have always been “classified”as you can see in the video where Col. is questioned about it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl1VIhdpl4c&feature=related
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Prayer & Prepping
The following, briefly, are some of my distinctive religious views, and a prayer for all of my readers. It is not my intent to offend anyone, but I do have sincere religious convictions, and I do not hesitate to share them. It is my duty to do so, as a Christian:
It is my firm belief that God grants his Providence to his Covenant people. Don’t expect God’s blessings if you aren’t in fellowship with God.
I wholeheartedly believe in Christian charity. I believe that we should not only be prepared to provide for our families, but also to store up extra food to dispense as charity to those who are less prudent. If in doubt, store far more than you ever expect to use.
Yes, I believe in Election. Yes, I believe that God’s Remnant is small. Enough said.
Some of my favorite Christian sites are listed at my Links page.
I'm often e-mailed links to other Christian sites, but I only post a few of them. Why? I'm forced to be selective because the modern Christian world is awash in bad doctrine. Sadly, the majority of Christian denominations are presenting a watered-down gospel, urging people to "make a decision for Christ." I've got news for you. You don't do the choosing. God did the choosing, and he did it before the foundations of the Earth. (For some details, see Arthur W. Pink's book on Election.)
Clarification on Christianity and Physical Preparedness
I occasionally get e-mails from SurvivalBlog readers, asking about how I can justify active preparedness in light of my Christian faith. Some of them cite the "Lilies of the Field" passage in Matthew 6:25-34 (KJV):
"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof."
In my view, people are misinterpreting these verses. These are verses about worry, not about work or preparedness. Never does the Bible teach that we should laze about and not provide for our families. Earning our daily bread is the Godly way to live. We are taught not to be lazy or dependent on others. Yes, we are to trust in God's providence, but nowhere do the scriptures absolve us of the responsibility to work or to save up for lean times. Consider these four verses from the book of Proverbs:
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain [persons is] void of understanding.. Proverbs 12:11, KJV
In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury.(Poverty.) Proverbs 14:23, KJV
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. Proverbs 21:25, KJV
The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want. Proverbs 21:5, KJV
Food Storage
The Bible encourages storing food.
Look at Gen. 41:47-49 (KJV):
"And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.Gen 41:48 And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which [was] round about every city, laid he up in the same. And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for [it was] without number."
And then see Gen. 41:53-57:
"And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy [corn]; because that the famine was [so] sore in all lands."
The preceding is a good example that illustrates the need for food storage. As I write this in 2008, a growing portion of the world is already experiencing famine. You should recognize that famine could just a well come to stalk America, Europe, the British Isles, and Australia. (The regions with the largest SurvivalBlog readership.)
It is prudent and Biblically supported to stock up during good times in anticipation of lean times.
Prov. 6:6-15 (KJV): "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a forward mouth. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; Forwardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy."
The lessons from scripture are clear: Don't be lazy and lax. Store up in good times for future lean times. Consider this: "[There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up." - Prov. 21:20 (KJV)
And ponder this Old Testament passage: Psalm 34:9-10 (KJV): "O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for [there is] no want to them that fear him.Psa 34:10 (KJV) "The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing]." And then look at this New Testament passage:, from 1 Timothy 5:8 (KJV): "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."
One of the many names of God is Jehovah Jireh, which means God Who Provides. As a Christian, I believe that God will provide for his covenant people. I believe that one of the many gifts that the God has provided is a conviction, by the Holy Spirit, to be well prepared. I realize that we are only on Earth for about 80 trips around the sun, and that is just the twinkling of an eye versus eternity.
Where we end up after this brief life is far, far more important in the grand scheme of things. We will spend eternity either in heaven or in hell. But how we spend our +/-80 year life on Earth is up to us. (And the most important thing that we do in the is life is make ourselves right with God, though his Grace, to accepting eternal life in heaven.
But stepping back to this temporal world: The Bible makes it very clear that we are to be good stewards of the blessings that God provides us. I therefore feel strongly convicted to not just share the gospel of Christ, but also to physically prepare for my own family, and store extra to dispense as charity. The bottom line: I can't continue to share the gospel if I starve to the point of achieving room temperature!
Self Defense
Other readers question how I can justify owning guns for self-defense. Some Mennonites, for example, eschew all means self defense and decry even the willingness to defend oneself or one's loved ones. That, in my opinion is taking "turning the other cheek" (Luke 6:29) to an extreme that is not scripturally founded.
Exodus 22:2 provides Biblical justification for killing someone if he intends to forcibly rob or kill another man: " If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, [there shall] no blood [be shed] for him." Exodus 22:2 (KJV)
Jesus teaches that it is wise to be armed, in Luke 22:35-36 (KJV): "And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing?
And they said nothing.
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take [it], and likewise [his] scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."
In an article titled: What Does The Bible Say About Gun Control? Larry Pratt keenly observed the difference between self-defense and vengeance:
Resisting an attack is not to be confused with taking vengeance which is the exclusive domain of God (Rom. 12:19).
This has been delegated to the civil magistrate, who, as we read in Romans 13:4, ". . . is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil."
Private vengeance means one would stalk down a criminal after one’s life is no longer in danger as opposed to defending oneself during an attack. It is this very point that has been confused by Christian pacifists who would take the passage in the Sermon on the Mount about turning the other cheek (which prohibits private vengeance) into a command to falter before the wicked.
Let us consider also that the Sixth Commandment tells us: "Thou shall not murder." In the chapters following, God gave to Moses many of the situations which require a death penalty. God clearly has not told us never to kill. He has told us not to murder, which means we are not to take an innocent life. Consider also that the civil magistrate is to be a terror to those who practice evil.
This passage does not in any way imply that the role of law enforcement is to prevent crimes or to protect individuals from criminals. The magistrate is a minister to serve as "an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil" (Rom. 13:4).
Jesus taught both to turn the other cheek and to be well-armed to defend oneself. The important factor is having the wisdom to know when to employ either approach depending on the circumstances. I pray, for wisdom, discernment, and discretion, daily. I don't seek out trouble, and in fact I have moved my family to a remote, lightly populated region in good part to avoid trouble. But if unavoidable trouble comes my way, I want to have the option of resisting force with force. And I only have that option if I am armed and trained.
Some critics of armed preparedness cite Matthew 26:52-54 (KJV), which descries how Jesus responded when Peter cut off the ear of a high priest's servant, using a sword: "Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?"
In context, Jesus is telling Peter that it would be suicidal to fight in that particular situation, since they were quite outnumbered. And of course Jesus knew it was in God's plan for him to be arrested, tried, crucified, and resurrected. Jesus told Peter to put his sword in its place –which was back in his belt.
Jesus was telling Peter in effect that "there is a time to fight, and this, my friend, isn't it." He didn't command him to "throw that sword away", or "surrender it", or to "stop carrying it". After all, according to Luke, Jesus had just recently ordered the disciples to arm themselves. The reason for the arms was obviously to protect their own lives when traveling--not to protect His own life, which He intended to sacrifice, to pay for our sins, once and for all.
The Old testament teaches both to be armed, and to be trained. We read in Psalm 144:1:
Blessed [be] the LORD my strength,
which teacheth my hands to war,
[and] my fingers to fight:
Yes, as Christians our battles are mainly spiritual, but we must also be prepared to defend our lives, and the lives of our loved ones, against evildoers.
Charity
Charity--both in time of plenty and in times of disaster--is a Christian responsibility with its roots in the Old Testament tradition of Tzedaka. This responsibility--particularly for the support of widows and orphans--was repeated in the New Testament, such as in Acts 11:27-30: "And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul."
The Biblical approach to survivalism is to avoid trouble, but to be ready for it nonetheless. And when trouble does come, have extra stores on hand, so that you can dispense copious charity. Give until it hurts!
A Key Verse
"A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished." - Proverbs 22:3 (KJV)
My Prayer For You
The following is one of my favorite psalms, which is particularly appropriate for folks that are interested in preparedness.
May Almighty God put you in the right place at the right time, with the right friends whom you can count on.
I'll close with one of my favorite Psalms:
Psalm 91 (KJV)
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day;
[Nor] for the pestilence [that] walketh in darkness; [nor] for the destruction [that] wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the LORD, [which is] my refuge, [even] the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
It is my firm belief that God grants his Providence to his Covenant people. Don’t expect God’s blessings if you aren’t in fellowship with God.
I wholeheartedly believe in Christian charity. I believe that we should not only be prepared to provide for our families, but also to store up extra food to dispense as charity to those who are less prudent. If in doubt, store far more than you ever expect to use.
Yes, I believe in Election. Yes, I believe that God’s Remnant is small. Enough said.
Some of my favorite Christian sites are listed at my Links page.
I'm often e-mailed links to other Christian sites, but I only post a few of them. Why? I'm forced to be selective because the modern Christian world is awash in bad doctrine. Sadly, the majority of Christian denominations are presenting a watered-down gospel, urging people to "make a decision for Christ." I've got news for you. You don't do the choosing. God did the choosing, and he did it before the foundations of the Earth. (For some details, see Arthur W. Pink's book on Election.)
Clarification on Christianity and Physical Preparedness
I occasionally get e-mails from SurvivalBlog readers, asking about how I can justify active preparedness in light of my Christian faith. Some of them cite the "Lilies of the Field" passage in Matthew 6:25-34 (KJV):
"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof."
In my view, people are misinterpreting these verses. These are verses about worry, not about work or preparedness. Never does the Bible teach that we should laze about and not provide for our families. Earning our daily bread is the Godly way to live. We are taught not to be lazy or dependent on others. Yes, we are to trust in God's providence, but nowhere do the scriptures absolve us of the responsibility to work or to save up for lean times. Consider these four verses from the book of Proverbs:
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain [persons is] void of understanding.. Proverbs 12:11, KJV
In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury.(Poverty.) Proverbs 14:23, KJV
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. Proverbs 21:25, KJV
The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want. Proverbs 21:5, KJV
Food Storage
The Bible encourages storing food.
Look at Gen. 41:47-49 (KJV):
"And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.Gen 41:48 And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which [was] round about every city, laid he up in the same. And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for [it was] without number."
And then see Gen. 41:53-57:
"And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy [corn]; because that the famine was [so] sore in all lands."
The preceding is a good example that illustrates the need for food storage. As I write this in 2008, a growing portion of the world is already experiencing famine. You should recognize that famine could just a well come to stalk America, Europe, the British Isles, and Australia. (The regions with the largest SurvivalBlog readership.)
It is prudent and Biblically supported to stock up during good times in anticipation of lean times.
Prov. 6:6-15 (KJV): "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a forward mouth. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; Forwardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy."
The lessons from scripture are clear: Don't be lazy and lax. Store up in good times for future lean times. Consider this: "[There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up." - Prov. 21:20 (KJV)
And ponder this Old Testament passage: Psalm 34:9-10 (KJV): "O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for [there is] no want to them that fear him.Psa 34:10 (KJV) "The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing]." And then look at this New Testament passage:, from 1 Timothy 5:8 (KJV): "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."
One of the many names of God is Jehovah Jireh, which means God Who Provides. As a Christian, I believe that God will provide for his covenant people. I believe that one of the many gifts that the God has provided is a conviction, by the Holy Spirit, to be well prepared. I realize that we are only on Earth for about 80 trips around the sun, and that is just the twinkling of an eye versus eternity.
Where we end up after this brief life is far, far more important in the grand scheme of things. We will spend eternity either in heaven or in hell. But how we spend our +/-80 year life on Earth is up to us. (And the most important thing that we do in the is life is make ourselves right with God, though his Grace, to accepting eternal life in heaven.
But stepping back to this temporal world: The Bible makes it very clear that we are to be good stewards of the blessings that God provides us. I therefore feel strongly convicted to not just share the gospel of Christ, but also to physically prepare for my own family, and store extra to dispense as charity. The bottom line: I can't continue to share the gospel if I starve to the point of achieving room temperature!
Self Defense
Other readers question how I can justify owning guns for self-defense. Some Mennonites, for example, eschew all means self defense and decry even the willingness to defend oneself or one's loved ones. That, in my opinion is taking "turning the other cheek" (Luke 6:29) to an extreme that is not scripturally founded.
Exodus 22:2 provides Biblical justification for killing someone if he intends to forcibly rob or kill another man: " If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, [there shall] no blood [be shed] for him." Exodus 22:2 (KJV)
Jesus teaches that it is wise to be armed, in Luke 22:35-36 (KJV): "And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing?
And they said nothing.
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take [it], and likewise [his] scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."
In an article titled: What Does The Bible Say About Gun Control? Larry Pratt keenly observed the difference between self-defense and vengeance:
Resisting an attack is not to be confused with taking vengeance which is the exclusive domain of God (Rom. 12:19).
This has been delegated to the civil magistrate, who, as we read in Romans 13:4, ". . . is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil."
Private vengeance means one would stalk down a criminal after one’s life is no longer in danger as opposed to defending oneself during an attack. It is this very point that has been confused by Christian pacifists who would take the passage in the Sermon on the Mount about turning the other cheek (which prohibits private vengeance) into a command to falter before the wicked.
Let us consider also that the Sixth Commandment tells us: "Thou shall not murder." In the chapters following, God gave to Moses many of the situations which require a death penalty. God clearly has not told us never to kill. He has told us not to murder, which means we are not to take an innocent life. Consider also that the civil magistrate is to be a terror to those who practice evil.
This passage does not in any way imply that the role of law enforcement is to prevent crimes or to protect individuals from criminals. The magistrate is a minister to serve as "an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil" (Rom. 13:4).
Jesus taught both to turn the other cheek and to be well-armed to defend oneself. The important factor is having the wisdom to know when to employ either approach depending on the circumstances. I pray, for wisdom, discernment, and discretion, daily. I don't seek out trouble, and in fact I have moved my family to a remote, lightly populated region in good part to avoid trouble. But if unavoidable trouble comes my way, I want to have the option of resisting force with force. And I only have that option if I am armed and trained.
Some critics of armed preparedness cite Matthew 26:52-54 (KJV), which descries how Jesus responded when Peter cut off the ear of a high priest's servant, using a sword: "Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?"
In context, Jesus is telling Peter that it would be suicidal to fight in that particular situation, since they were quite outnumbered. And of course Jesus knew it was in God's plan for him to be arrested, tried, crucified, and resurrected. Jesus told Peter to put his sword in its place –which was back in his belt.
Jesus was telling Peter in effect that "there is a time to fight, and this, my friend, isn't it." He didn't command him to "throw that sword away", or "surrender it", or to "stop carrying it". After all, according to Luke, Jesus had just recently ordered the disciples to arm themselves. The reason for the arms was obviously to protect their own lives when traveling--not to protect His own life, which He intended to sacrifice, to pay for our sins, once and for all.
The Old testament teaches both to be armed, and to be trained. We read in Psalm 144:1:
Blessed [be] the LORD my strength,
which teacheth my hands to war,
[and] my fingers to fight:
Yes, as Christians our battles are mainly spiritual, but we must also be prepared to defend our lives, and the lives of our loved ones, against evildoers.
Charity
Charity--both in time of plenty and in times of disaster--is a Christian responsibility with its roots in the Old Testament tradition of Tzedaka. This responsibility--particularly for the support of widows and orphans--was repeated in the New Testament, such as in Acts 11:27-30: "And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul."
The Biblical approach to survivalism is to avoid trouble, but to be ready for it nonetheless. And when trouble does come, have extra stores on hand, so that you can dispense copious charity. Give until it hurts!
A Key Verse
"A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished." - Proverbs 22:3 (KJV)
My Prayer For You
The following is one of my favorite psalms, which is particularly appropriate for folks that are interested in preparedness.
May Almighty God put you in the right place at the right time, with the right friends whom you can count on.
I'll close with one of my favorite Psalms:
Psalm 91 (KJV)
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day;
[Nor] for the pestilence [that] walketh in darkness; [nor] for the destruction [that] wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the LORD, [which is] my refuge, [even] the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Frugal Prepping
Hi! I'd like to thank RW for allowing me to be a guest poster once again! Being unemployed gives me way too much free time to surf all the survivalist websites, and gives me too much time to think about things, and how to do it on a budget. I'd like to share a few of my tips and tricks with everyone. This will have nothing to do with guns and ammo, just basic stuff. So let’s start saving some money!
First off, decide if you’re bugging in or bugging out. The only difference is shelter. We all have, or should have, canned, dehydrated, frozen food stashed already. Where you eat it is up to you. Do you have a decent house, tent, RV, cave? If not, that's your priority. Anything is better than nothing.
Pay attention to your prep shopping. Do you buy something you see on a website just because it's "cool"? "Wow, a year supply of dehydrated lima beans for a $100 a case??” Give me a break! I'll be the first to say, these "advertisers" make a killing off of your paranoia. Need to bury something? Get a plastic tube for 200 buck's......or make it yourself for $20. See where I'm headed here? A little brains and sweat can save you big money! I'm here to try and give everyone a few tips and tricks to stretch each prep penny!
Yard Sales:
With the economy the way it is, every family is trying to reduce costs, or make a quick buck... Good for everyone!! Stop at every yard sale you see, you never know what you might find, regardless if you "need” it, or if it might be a good barter item. That old tent with a broken zipper for 20 buck's is better than no tent. That sleeping bag with a tear in it for 3 bucks is a great blanket or ground cover. A Coleman lantern with a crack in the glass for 3 bucks. That dirty camp stove for 10 bucks...
Goodwill:
I'm not sure if this is a national thing or not, but the first Saturday of the month, our local Goodwill has a half price day, and it's a ZOO! I'm a mechanical kinda guy, and I always see stuff like fan belts, lawnmowers, weed eaters and stuff. Computer cables, you name it!
Coupons:
If you’re not using coupons, you’re losing money, period. I know, most coupons are for national brands, with a higher price tag, or buy 3, get 1 free or something. Today, almost every grocery store has double coupons, up to a buck or so. If you save those coupons till there is a sale, you can get a bunch! I once got 10 boxes of laundry soap for 2 buck's on sale with coupons!
Neighbors:
I was helping my neighbor out with unloading some lumber, noticed he had a huge pile of red bricks, so I asked him what he was making...Come to find out, he wanted to get rid of them, so I got a pallet full for 50 bucks. I made a gorgeous BBQ grill out of them, and still have a ton left! He also had a roto-tiller that I bought for 50 bucks when I redid my yard. The motor is toast now, but cheaper to replace than the same tiller new.
Just to share a few of my finds with you. A water canner with 60 jars and lids from Craigslist for 15 bucks. A food dehydrator, in the original box with manual, 10 bucks at a yard sale. A pressure cooker, small, new and in the box, but better than nothing, for 10 bucks.20 MASH style mess trays from park and swap for 20 bucks, solid stainless steel dated 54-56! And piles of camping gear I've gotten over the years I can't recall!
Just remember... Prepping isn't what you spend, it’s where, what and how you spend it!
Source:
Stealth Survival Blog
Monday, March 30, 2009
First off, decide if you’re bugging in or bugging out. The only difference is shelter. We all have, or should have, canned, dehydrated, frozen food stashed already. Where you eat it is up to you. Do you have a decent house, tent, RV, cave? If not, that's your priority. Anything is better than nothing.
Pay attention to your prep shopping. Do you buy something you see on a website just because it's "cool"? "Wow, a year supply of dehydrated lima beans for a $100 a case??” Give me a break! I'll be the first to say, these "advertisers" make a killing off of your paranoia. Need to bury something? Get a plastic tube for 200 buck's......or make it yourself for $20. See where I'm headed here? A little brains and sweat can save you big money! I'm here to try and give everyone a few tips and tricks to stretch each prep penny!
Yard Sales:
With the economy the way it is, every family is trying to reduce costs, or make a quick buck... Good for everyone!! Stop at every yard sale you see, you never know what you might find, regardless if you "need” it, or if it might be a good barter item. That old tent with a broken zipper for 20 buck's is better than no tent. That sleeping bag with a tear in it for 3 bucks is a great blanket or ground cover. A Coleman lantern with a crack in the glass for 3 bucks. That dirty camp stove for 10 bucks...
Goodwill:
I'm not sure if this is a national thing or not, but the first Saturday of the month, our local Goodwill has a half price day, and it's a ZOO! I'm a mechanical kinda guy, and I always see stuff like fan belts, lawnmowers, weed eaters and stuff. Computer cables, you name it!
Coupons:
If you’re not using coupons, you’re losing money, period. I know, most coupons are for national brands, with a higher price tag, or buy 3, get 1 free or something. Today, almost every grocery store has double coupons, up to a buck or so. If you save those coupons till there is a sale, you can get a bunch! I once got 10 boxes of laundry soap for 2 buck's on sale with coupons!
Neighbors:
I was helping my neighbor out with unloading some lumber, noticed he had a huge pile of red bricks, so I asked him what he was making...Come to find out, he wanted to get rid of them, so I got a pallet full for 50 bucks. I made a gorgeous BBQ grill out of them, and still have a ton left! He also had a roto-tiller that I bought for 50 bucks when I redid my yard. The motor is toast now, but cheaper to replace than the same tiller new.
Just to share a few of my finds with you. A water canner with 60 jars and lids from Craigslist for 15 bucks. A food dehydrator, in the original box with manual, 10 bucks at a yard sale. A pressure cooker, small, new and in the box, but better than nothing, for 10 bucks.20 MASH style mess trays from park and swap for 20 bucks, solid stainless steel dated 54-56! And piles of camping gear I've gotten over the years I can't recall!
Just remember... Prepping isn't what you spend, it’s where, what and how you spend it!
Source:
Stealth Survival Blog
Monday, March 30, 2009
Frugal Living Tips
Cut back on spending now. If you can do without it, save your money, or better yet put the money saved, toward filling your pantry with storage foods or that ammo box with .22LR rounds.
Cut out convenience foods
Learn to pass that McDonald's up and start preparing your meals at home. You will save money and become healthier by not clogging up the ticker. At one time I was eating out just about everyday because of my work schedule, I had blood work done at the doctors office and my cholesterol was 280 with the triglycerides at 404! I stopped eating the crap served at fast “food” joints and within six months everything was back to normal.
Screw the oil companies
To save at the gas pump, don’t make unnecessary trips, even short runs to the supermarket ads up to a lot of cash out of the wallet at the end of the month. Try to do all you’re shopping for the week or month with one stop, or stop by on your way home from work (if you still have a job). If you can walk or ride a bike to where you need to be, do it. Fix a flag to your bike that reads something like, “screw the oil companies” and you could find yourself on the evening news.
Learn to do for yourself
Learn new skills and do things yourself. Every time you acquire knowledge that will enable you to do something for yourself that you would normally pay others to do, you save money. Mechanical, building, pluming, and home repair are areas worth looking into.
Avoid the unemployment line
Let’s look at the facts; even if you have a job it is most likely not 100% secure and you could be sent to the unemployment line at any time. Work toward becoming self-employed now before getting the boot from your present employer. Nothing beats working for yourself and once you get established making more money than you did at a conventional job is not only possible but likely.
If you regularly read Survivalist Blog then you know I work as a handyman and do odd jobs in order to acquire the cash I need to keep the homestead kitty (travel trailer on junk land) afloat. Try to find something you like to do that you can make money at.
It’s not all that difficult, write down everything you can think of over the next five days, things you know how to do, that people would pay you for. Let’s see; reloading, odd jobs, furniture refinishing, mechanical work, building, wild crafting, welding, gunsmith, computer repair, cleaning, etcetera.
Chances are if you are good at something you can figure out a way to make money from it.
Cut out convenience foods
Learn to pass that McDonald's up and start preparing your meals at home. You will save money and become healthier by not clogging up the ticker. At one time I was eating out just about everyday because of my work schedule, I had blood work done at the doctors office and my cholesterol was 280 with the triglycerides at 404! I stopped eating the crap served at fast “food” joints and within six months everything was back to normal.
Screw the oil companies
To save at the gas pump, don’t make unnecessary trips, even short runs to the supermarket ads up to a lot of cash out of the wallet at the end of the month. Try to do all you’re shopping for the week or month with one stop, or stop by on your way home from work (if you still have a job). If you can walk or ride a bike to where you need to be, do it. Fix a flag to your bike that reads something like, “screw the oil companies” and you could find yourself on the evening news.
Learn to do for yourself
Learn new skills and do things yourself. Every time you acquire knowledge that will enable you to do something for yourself that you would normally pay others to do, you save money. Mechanical, building, pluming, and home repair are areas worth looking into.
Avoid the unemployment line
Let’s look at the facts; even if you have a job it is most likely not 100% secure and you could be sent to the unemployment line at any time. Work toward becoming self-employed now before getting the boot from your present employer. Nothing beats working for yourself and once you get established making more money than you did at a conventional job is not only possible but likely.
If you regularly read Survivalist Blog then you know I work as a handyman and do odd jobs in order to acquire the cash I need to keep the homestead kitty (travel trailer on junk land) afloat. Try to find something you like to do that you can make money at.
It’s not all that difficult, write down everything you can think of over the next five days, things you know how to do, that people would pay you for. Let’s see; reloading, odd jobs, furniture refinishing, mechanical work, building, wild crafting, welding, gunsmith, computer repair, cleaning, etcetera.
Chances are if you are good at something you can figure out a way to make money from it.
Barter Economy
In a post collapse world, barter would be essential. Currency may have little value, while the value of certain things like sawing needles and matches for example, could increase dramatically. Put back what you will need for your own survival first, then and only after ensuring you have enough supplies such as food, water, water filters, first-aid, fuel, weapons and ammunition etc, to meet your own needs should you worry about stocking up on trade goods.
Whiskey and Cigarettes
Whiskey and Cigarettes would become very valuable items if the normal supply were suddenly stopped. You would have little trouble trading these items for just about anything needed. Just don't get busted by the BATF, don't think for a moment that the government will go away because of an economic or peak-oil collapse, no way. The powers that set on the thrown will only strengthen its grip on the population, becoming more suppressive in order to stay in control.
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