The Coming Storm Series – Part I – Food

I am starting a new series of blogs to discuss different items of concern.  I may turn it into a different blog than “Thoughts from the Clan” but for now, it is here.  The first I would like to discuss is the possibilities of a food shortage and how we can prevent it affecting us.

The financial crisis that is being played out in the world economies right now compounded with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as other places in the world have placed a tremendous strain on the populations of the world.  In the US, we are at a crossroads where we need to wake up.  Most of the population does not want to deal with the realities of the coming global superstorm that is about to unfold.  We can stop it if everyone wakes up and takes control of their lives and their countries but the chances of that happening are slim to none at the moment.  Most would wait until everything explodes and when the find out FEMA and the Federal, state and local governments cannot help them (as we saw with Katrina) they will finally get it into their heads that they are on their own.

When that happens, those that planned ahead will need to prepare for the possibilities of protecting what they have acquired.  I’m not talking about hording but while some prepare for their own survival, others who did not plan will want to take that to survive. Defense will be a different topic on the Coming Storm Series.

While I do not profess to be a professional in any of the discussions, there aren’t many and we all need to start to learn.  This can be a milestone for most of us to step up, realize that there is a situation and prepare for the worst.

As for Part I, we discuss the possibility of a food shortage and what precautions can be made.  There are both short-term and long-term things that need to be discussed and, as this is a learning process, those that take up the challenge will become proficient in planting and gathering.  This is not something unique to our race but has been lost over the past couple hundred years as we have moved out of the rural areas and into the city areas.

Food is essential for survival.  Without eating, we would die.  It is important that we understand that Smith’s and Albertson’s may not always be there to support our grocery needs and we may need to prepare for the possibilities that we would need to create and maintain our own food supply.

The reasons for this are because of many things being played out now in our global environment but which we have become oblivious.  Due to economies, the corporatization of our faming industry, the wars, our support of other countries, and our growing habit of waste, we are using up food supplies very rapidly.  Another report suggests that our grain stores may suffer because of the use of corn in ethanol production to try to move away from fossil fuels.  We are limited on growing space without creating an impact on other food sources as well as natural wildlife and human living spaces.  In our area, a lot of farms have been destroyed to put up new housing developments.

The outlook is bleak if we do not do something but if we start now, we can make a difference in our own lives and those in our communities.  For a start, we could learn how to farm or at least grow gardens in our own backyards.  We could, within local laws, learn how to grow or raise other food sources such as rabbits, chickens, etc.  We can utilize more of our “McDonald’s” budget to increase food storage and other essential supplies.

This is not to say that we should only focus on the future events because being alive is not the same as “living”.  This is a call to go “back to basics” and re-learn all of the things that we have lost in our technology.  People used to grow their own food, work their own land, and make a living doing other things.  Look at “Little House on the Prairie” or any other show that has a historical basis.  While life may not be as picturesque as shown, the ideals are the same.  Besides, wouldn’t you rather learn it when you can fail and it be alright rather than have to learn it because you have no other alternative and failure means that you may not survive?

As I said, I’m not an expert but I plan to begin my training immediately.  I am setting a goal for the next two weeks to gather the materials and plan and plant a small garden.  From there, who knows but I will report my progress.  I will also post other “things to think about” in this series.  While we hope for the best, we should plan for the worse.  Instead of burying our head in the sand, we should become more knowledgeable.

If nothing worse, planting a garden can be rewarding and help to save money over the current cost of produce at the supermarket.

Giving Away America

I’m not sure if we are blind because we don’t know any better or because it is easier to close our eyes and pretend that problems don’t exist.  We are at a crossroads in our country where the external forces and internal forces are trying to cause a severe rupture in the stability of our lively hoods.  These forces are not new.  They have been in existence for a very long time and have gradually increased in power and prominence over the years.   Since this country first declared its independence, it has grown and with that, the forces for its destruction have also increased.

The US has not been the most popular but has been a very prosperous nation.  Anytime you see prosperity, you see the sludge of humanity coming out to try to take it away or destroy it.  What starts out as good and wholesome or starts out as a benevolent force, begins to have the leeches attach as it gains momentum.  As it grows, these leeches grow with it.  They become a cancer killing and destroying as it goes.

It is these forces that have taken simple ideas and complicated them.  They have taken the true spirit out of the founding father’s vision and skewed it to their own personal ideas.  They are bitter for one reason or another and feel that it is up to them to show the rest of us how to be as miserable as they are.  They seem to feed off of the sorrows of others so the more misery they create, the more happy (for lack of a better word) they become.

Because of the trials that we face each and every day, it is hard for the average citizen of the US to look beyond their own homes.  They do not necessarily see the things going on in the world around them.  There are things half way around the world that affect us directly and we don’t see that direct effect because our names are not in the story.  How many more people would pay attention if they knew that these events affected them.

How little we pay attention to because we get caught up in life.  Work, spouses, kids, careers, housework, etc.   all add to the further frustrations we already feel because we cannot see past our own neighborhoods to the bigger, broader picture of the world today.   Our country is being stolen away from us from various sources, and we simply do not care because The Simpson’s or American Idol is on.  We do not read the news; we do not listen to the speeches from our leaders; we try to allow others to lead their own lives.

I have spoken before on television programming.  There was a show that I severely found offensive and spoke out for a boycott of that program.  One argument that made complete sense was that we each have the right to turn off the television.   It is that attitude of “turning the other cheek” that is helping to create an America that we will not be worth living in.  It is that which will turn us into a third-world country.

We are allowing people to dictate to us what to say, what to think, what to watch, and how to feel.  We are giving up our own opinions because it is easier to be numb to the world around us as long as there is something to watch on TV.  Even if there isn’t, we have 400 channels to chose from and by the time you surf through 400 channels to find absolutely nothing on, enough time has passed that you surf again because all of the shows have changed.

Most of us just press forward, head down following the feet in front of us without realizing that we are being led as lambs to the slaughter.  Our country is in a mess right now and most do not realize it because the effects of it have not changed their lives very much.

Home foreclosures are at an all-time high, gas prices are at record highs, we are currently in a recession that we are masking, consumer’s haven’t figured out that they are spending way too much money on credit, banks are closing, we are facing a huge debt because of the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, we have to live in constant threat of a terrorist attack because of 9-11, our borders are wide open for anyone to enter, and we all sit, head in the sand, watching our idiot boxes.

We are currently at a crossroads where, and most people don’t realize this, that our daily lives are going to change.  We grumble about gas prices but we continue to buy the gas-guzzling vehicles.  We complain about the number of illegal aliens within our borders but we do not encourage our Congress or Senators to take action.  We do not get involved.

What most don’t realize is that a storm is coming, a very large storm.  One that will uproot all of our ideals and our lives.  It will be so large and people will then “fend for themselves.”  Those caught off guard will have the most tragic stories.  Look at Katrina and the effects of the floods.  Most didn’t pay attention to that because it didn’t directly affect them, or so they thought.

If something happens, what are you to expect?  Is FEMA going to come to your rescue?  Are you one that will look to the Federal, State and Local governments when a disaster happens?   There are over 300 million people in the US and if a nationwide disaster strikes, will you be prepared?

Because we are unprepared, uninformed, and lack any desire to cure either, we are giving away our nation.  We close our eyes and hope for the best but we do not try to fix any of the problems.  We look at those who preach of the problems as kooks of fanatics.  We don’t take any of it serious and when the rug is pulled out from under us, it will be too late.

Now is the time!  We stand at the precipice.  We have been backed into the corner and we still have the chance to fight or give in.  If you are giving in, probably shouldn’t read any further because I’m sure there is something on TV better than these ramblings.  If you are ready to fight, get involved.  Look around your communities for the organizations that are working to repair the damage done.  Find the cause that upsets you the most, the one that you have the most passion about, and find the organization to help that will affect that area.

We do not need to take the entire world on our shoulders, but we should make differences where we can.  Conserve fuels, buy vehicles that are more energy-friendly or even bus passes, get involved with politics, write your congressman/woman, join a neighborhood watch, etc.  There are all kinds of opportunities that each of us can do to make a difference.  Spend less money on video games and save.  Make sure that in the event of an emergency, any emergency, that you have the capabilities to survive.  Make sure you have a 72-hour kit for each person in your family complete with water, means of warmth, and, if necessary, a plan to change locations quickly.  Make sure that you save enough money to last a couple of months in the case of a layoff or accident.  Make sure you know who your neighbors are.

Get involved with organizations that are better equipped to handle things that you can help with.  These organizations are established as a means of support and there is strength in numbers.

We can all make a difference but we need to wake up and make some changes starting with our attitude.  Turn off the television and turn on the brain power.  Put away the video game console and get out the desire to make a change.

Racial Comments in Presidential Race

Geraldine Ferraro quit her post with the Hilary for President campaign today because of pressures from comments she made regarding the Obama campaign.  She stated in an interview that Barrak would not be succeeding in the presidential race if he weren’t black.  Of course the Obama campaign took offense calling on Clinton to denounce the statement.

Spokespeople for his campaign stated that if they made the comment about the success of the Clinton campaign hinged on the fact that Hilary was a woman that the Clinton campaign would be offended as well.

What a bunch of dolts!!!  Do they (they being Barrak and Hilary) think that their success in either of their campaigns was on their resume alone?  No offense to either campaign but the fact that one is black and one is a woman has definitely contributed to their success.  It may not be the only reason for their success, it definitely has helped their campaign.

I cannot believe than anyone would be so naive as to believe that their campaign is solely on their campaign promises or their current records.  The subject of race and sex has come up more and more through this campaign and is not new to the public eye.  The fact that they would be offended at any such remark shows how childish about this Presidential race they really are.

Someone makes a comment, in this case Geraldine Ferraro, and the other campaign tries to gain sympathy by crying foul when they know good and well that they have discussed those same aspects in meetings.  Are you trying to tell me that Barrak hasn’t gone into meetings with his campaign managers and never once discussed the “black vote”?

It is not hard to see that people of ethnicity stick together.  You can see it walking down the street for the most part.  I’m not saying this to be rude nor am I saying this to put anyone down.  Facts are facts regardless of whether you like them or not.  I’m not saying that using your ethnicity, religion, background, etc. is bad because it is done all the time.  Doubt that?  Look at which states Mitt Romney won.  Landslides in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming (LDS strongholds) and tell me it was on his resume alone.  If you were to get an honest poll of those that voted for him, you would see that the LDS background would be the #1 cause of those votes.  Sure there were those that voted for his abilities, charisma, etc. but the reason for his landslide was his religion.

Hilary and Barrak too have capitalized on their sex and race respectively.  Not all of their success is attributed to those reasons but it has played a major role.  Why anyone would be offended is beyond me.

Just found it funny that someone speaks the truth and has to step down for being honest.  Just goes to show you that lying is more valued then speaking the truth.  Go Figure.

I’m First!!!!

Driving is so much fun.  You get to see how stupid people really are.  Truely, they are morons.  I’m not saying I’m a perfect driver, far from it, but I do realize that I’m not the only one on the road and that I may own a small part of it through my taxes, but I’m not the only one.

I’ve been thinking about drivers and blogging about them for quite some time.  There are so many different aspects of driving that I could touch on in the way of “this really bugs me”.  I could probably write an entire book on it, maybe entitle it something like “Stupid Human Tricks – The Driver’s Edition.”

I can’t say I haven’t done some really stupid things driving, mostly from not paying as close attention to the road as I should but I don’t blatently do idiotic things.  Anyway, post any examples of things that really bug you about other drivers.

One of my favorites is the people who, knowing a lane is going to end, try to get as far ahead as possible.  They will push ahead just one more car as if that will make all of the difference in the world in their travel time if they just get ahead of that one more person.

Another one that I like are the people that speed up as you are coming onto the freeway.  They ride the right lane and even though, at current proper speeds, you will come out ahead of them, decide that they want to go from 65mph to 100mph just to make sure that you are behind them.  Instead of moving over or allowing you just to merge, they get to the point where they almost force you off the road because you ran out of lane and they are right in the way.

Idiots!!!  Anyway, what is your favorite “quirk” about drivers?

Political Unrest

This is an e-mail I recently wrote in response to a series of conversations regarding the current political environment (specifically in regards to the Presidential races).  I may post the other previous responses but liked where this one went.  Its a little long winded (as I usually am) and takes a lot of turns but there is a lot of info.  My opinion is my opinion whether you agree or disagree.

I always love to get other points of view.  I agree that the Republicans seem to represent the rich and powerful more often than regular people but what I find funny about our current political system is that these parties were basically drawn up in the mid- to late 1800’s.  If you know your history, that is the time of the Civil War.  Basically the political lines at that time were the North and the South.  Born from that were the Republicans and the Democrats, respectively.  I find it funny that the “slave-holders” created a political party to “represent” the race in which they had enslaved for several hundred years.  The exploits of the Democratic party through the years have been documented and today is no different.  One reason I do not like the Democratic party is because of its roots and how it has molded into what it is today.  They say they are for the general people but they are very liberal and seem only to say what they think people want to hear.  They also do things that make the people happy but when the bill comes, they point fingers at the other side.  A lot of the problems in the home market are because of things done by former President Clinton.

Unfortunately, both political parties are out for their own best interests.  Presidential candidates used to come from the people but now they come from the elite.  They have grown too big and we have let them.  We, as a people, want the tough stuff just to be taken care of.  The less we know the better.  This not only happens in government but I have seen it in a lot of other areas.  Why do something when someone else is willing to do it for you?  We listen to the promises of politicians without thinking about the consequences.  One recent report stated that Obama wanted to give a $4000 tax credit to every college student.  On the surface, I’ll go back to college if I could get $4000 credit towards my tuition.  The next question that any person with common sense should ask is where is the money going to come from?

We do not think of the consequences of the promises.  I think America really needs to tighten its belts, figuratively and literally.  We need to get back to basics.  We need to look to our own.  We have spent so much money on other nations (the bill for Iraq is huge) but we cannot concentrate on our own.  Education, law enforcement, NAFTA, Free Trade, open borders, etc. are all things that need to be addressed.  In the long run, that is the better option for us.  To do this, we need to take back our country.

One thing we need to adopt is an attitude of isolation.  I understand we are moving more toward a global economy, but we have carried the torch for the world for too long.  We have been the nice guys for too long.  What do we get for our trouble?  Backstabbing, requests for more handouts and demands on our charity.  Not “Thank You” but “Give us more, NOW!”

Then there is the UN.  Good concept, bad implementation.  The UN theory is wonderful, a body of representatives from every nation bringing global concerns to the forefront for all to assist and be a party.  In practice, what a bunch of idiots.  I thought our political environment here was difficult but the red tape bureaucracy is crap.  I think the majority of it is because a lot of nations need to just grow up.  It becomes more of a pissing contest in a lot of respects.  Its a place where we can come together as nations of the world and play stupid games.  I’m sure there are some things that pass through there that it is wonderful to have such a body but for the most part, its a waste of a building.  Did you know that, if we became a true UN nation, we would have to give up certain rights that we currently enjoy, one of which is the right to bare arms?

I’m one of the people that believes we need to hit the reset button.  We need to go back to the original documentation of the birth of our nation with the true intended spirit.  We need citizens that are willing to be a part of our country and our economy.  We need people that are going to accept the blame if they are at fault.  We need people who are going to do the grunt work involved with building of a better system.  We need people that can accept that someone did their best instead of suing for every possible dollar.  Everyone seems to be out for monetary gains.  Look at the cost of health care.  Part of that is the medical profession looking to make a buck while the rest is the greedy people trying to cash in on a medical mistake.  One of the biggest costs to doctors is Malpractice insurance.  If someone sues and they are found innocent, their malpractice insurance raises anyway.  This is one of the reasons they are moving to arbitration.

One of the greatest things in our nation is the ability to disagree.  If you and I are of differing opinions on any subject, we are allowed.  We have to be willing to accept someone else’s ideas and practices.  There has to be some boundaries or we would have total anarchy but we should not impose our views on others or have someone else’s views imposed on us.  We have the freedom of speech and that is a awesome responsibilities.  True Americans at heart will defend the freedom of speech even when someone is speaking about something they would spend all of their energy speaking against.

There are so many in either political party that would be more than willing to usurp your rights if you are willing to give them.  By not taking stands, by not being educated, by not working together within our communities, we do just that.  There are a lot within our nation, as you have stated, that bust their butts trying to make ends meet.  These people cannot get assistance at all.  Be lazy, do nothing, and come here illegally from another country, and we will give you everything you want.  Where is the sense in that?

Anyway, I am pretty long winded.  I love my country.  I love the principle with which it was founded.  I hate to see some of the things going on right now but, as an individual, it is a very long, hard, uphill battle.  There has to be a collective awakening for something major to happen.  I thought 9-11 would be that but that lasted 5 minutes and then everyone went back to sleep.  Its easy to get upset about the war.  Its hard to watch our family and friends in a situation helping rebuild a country that would just as soon see us dead as anything.  It is hard to know that we are being taken advantage of by the current political power there because they show signs that they are friendly.  Another history lesson – We used to be friends and allies with Osama Bin Laden.  In the early 80’s, we trained and armed him.  ????   In the 90’s, after Bin Laden was seen as a threat, President Clinton had been offered Osama’s head on a platter at least twice and he turned it down.  In the 60’s, Saddam Hussein was assisted into power by the US CIA and seen as a friend against the powers of communism.  What’s going to happen in 10, 20 or even 30 years after we have done in Iraq what we are doing now?

More tangents but it is interesting to see the web that is being drawn.  Its not as cut-and-dry as most would have us believe.