You Are Already in the Collapse

Disclaimer: Don’t worry, this isn’t a fear-mongering, doom and gloom post. It’s a reality check post.

What do most people think of when they think of a societal collapse? They think of what Hollywood showed them….Mad Max, The Road, The Book of ELi, I Am Legend. That’s fiction, and the worst-case scenario.

So, then, what does a real collapse look like? Well, skyrocketing gas and grocery prices. Multiple wars and civil unrest. Fraudulent elections and jailing the incumbent/coups. Rampant crime in which criminals are punished and laws are only enforced against those who defend themselves. In other words, it looks a lot like the world we live in.

This doesn’t mean it’s time to run to the hills or jump into crisis mode, I just want you to realize where you are and start operating at a different level. You need to be aware of the increased risk domestically and internationally.

then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves.

Ezekiel 33:4-5

My friends at Shield Arms have a motto, Ante Omnia Armari, which means “before all else, be armed”. Not bad advice to start off with. Being armed doesn’t always mean a firearm. It could be a knife, an expandable baton, pepper spray, but whatever it is, be as armed as you legally can be. Just today, we had three men in Austin driving around, randomly shooting people and just yesterday in Italy, a man drove his car into a crowd and jumped out to begin stabbing people. None of us know when we will be at one of these scenes, but the risk is too great to ignore.

I know I say this one all the time, but right now you should be carrying a first aid kit everywhere you go. If you carry a small boo-boo kit, plus a tourniquet and a pressure bandage, you’ll be surprised how often it comes in handy. Plus, shoud something violent, or a car crash or other accident happen, you’ll be prepared to help out. Don’t tell me you’re afraid to help out of fear of a lawsuit, because every state in the union has a Good Samaritan first aid liability law protecting you. Take a first aid class and practice the skills.

Talk to your family and friends about what to do not only in the “end of the world” situations, but also in things like an active shooter, severe weather, or major power outage. Develop a plan to check in with each other (inlcuding ways that don’t involve phones). Have a response plan if someone fails to check in during an actual event.

Most collapses have not been sudden, world-ending events. They were gradual and built in severity over time so slowly that only by looking back did anyon realize a line was crossed.

We like to think that our modern, comfortable way of life is unshakable and solid, but it is increasingly unstable, as it all now requires the free flow of electrons in order to function at literally anything. Imagine if some malign actor (or even a random, natural event like Carrington) took down the power grid in Western nations. Chaos would ensue and quickly.

Don’t let constant bad news and world events drag you into depression – you’re prepared and trained. You’ve got one thing going for you – You Are Already in the Collapse, and you’re surviving. Sure, it can get worse, way worse, but you’ve go this, as long as you pay attention, heed the warnings, and stay positive.

Get involved locally in government and political decisions. We’ve citizens convince cities to abandon Data Center plans and plans for Chinese plants staffed with Chinese workers (Michigan). Your voice does still matter, at least at the local level, so use it.

Educate your friends and families. Without being a doomer, advise them of the risks and where we are, but offer suggestions for them to improve their positions. Focus on “We Are Going To Make It” rather “doom and gloom”.

Speaking of doom and gloom: Let me update you on Allen Erickson, the founder of the NW Montana Veterans Stand Down & Food Pantry, as well as Camp Ponderosa. He is in hospice care and is slipping away. He has made it clear that I will be solely responsible for continuing his vision at Camp Ponderosa. I will need you all to help me, even if it’s just with encouragement. It is very sad seeing this hero fade away.

You can donate to the Camp here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/BFW3LTd04QAl4HixiACmLg

Camp Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1038N8GYHRWX8?ref_=wl_share