How did we get here and what has to change?
I’m writing this blog on April 13, 2020, just six weeks into a pandemic that will last who knows how long. Almost the entire world is shut down. The discussion is raging about when the world can “reopen.” So this topic will have to be addressed at a later date. But for now, some thoughts.
Such an event should cause us Americans to rethink our values and our priorities. But first we should look at what got us here.
- Excessive disposable income led to extravagant spending and a lavish lifestyle
- Excessive time for that which has little value
- Disposable values
- Almost total focus on satisfying self which leads to a mad dash from pleasure to pleasure
- Short-term vision; the good life will never end
- Worthless pursuits, especially in education, but including destructive political agendas and phony causes
- Too much information along with the inability to filter and evaluate what is real and what is important
- Too much media influence not balanced by critical thinking; believing a lie
The Good Coming out of Pandemic 2020
Home schooling: Parents are learning how corrupt the public education system is and may look for alternatives.
Supply chain for everything: Drugs, groceries, guns, machinery, electronics, rare earth metals, raw materials of every kind, fuel, etc. must be moved back to the US.
Borders are important: Even the touted EU found out the value of borders. Nations must control access for a variety of reasons: pandemic control, crime and terrorism, the destructive effects of uncontrolled immigration.
Reliance on government at any level will always bring disappointment.
Politicians will always be politicians and will put their own interests before yours.
Individual and family preparedness: Developing the mindset that preparedness is essential.
Need to prepare: Cash, barter goods, non-perishable foods, medications, pet supplies, household supplies, fuel, alternate entertainment, home schooling materials, elder care.
The value of family and community; actually get to know your neighbors, learn who you can trust, share skills and assets.
Family activities that do not include TV, internet or cell phones: Reading books, board games, cooking, making useful things.
Guarding against lawlessness: What happens when 911 doesn’t work?
Self-reliance; gardening, canning, usable stockpiles of common items, anticipating shortages, cash reserves, home-made stuff, repair, reuse, repurpose.
As the supply chain shrinks, local stores, industries and service businesses will begin to adapt and will again become the primary source of goods and services for the community.
Long neglected skills will become much more important. The elder will teach the younger.
Everything that can be shaken will be shaken. Only the unshakable will remain. (Paraphrase of Hebrews 12)
Only the future will tell if we have actually learned anything.