Thankfully, the longest U.S. presidential campaign in history has finally ended (nearly two years!).
I don't care who you voted for or who's fault it is that (Obama Chuck McCain Barr Paul) is or is not president elect; we deal in realities here.
In January, a new man will be sworn in along with a different Congress. Laws will be changing in short order. I predict a couple of immediate presidential executive orders as well. Might as well get ready.
With any change in government, there will be a transition. With the continued economic mess and challenges in the world of 2008, there will be pain for all Americans.
It is going to be a tough winter and spring. If the economy goes further down, there will be layoffs, cutbacks and credit shortages. Already, the jobless rate is the highest is has been in 14 years and it will be growing.
You do not want to be a burden to your family, friends or community. By building some self reliance, you will not strain private and public resources when the hard times come.
Who knows? You may be able to help others.
Don't be a hindrance, refugee or end up homeless.
It is too late to pay off your home, but try and minimize expenses and stop adding debt.
Scale back Christmas plans now.
Focus on tangibles.
Continue stocking long term emergency food.
Stock up on basics now that food prices are going down.
Flour, sugar, salt, powdered milk, cooling oil, spices.
Purchase additional canned goods. Not a few cans, but a case or two as possible.
Purchase plenty of "fillers" - rice, pasta, grain, beans.
Continue stocking seeds and gardening supplies.
Lay out your spring garden now.
Grow some winter vegetables and herbs.
Google cold frame.
Build a greenhouse.
Go on Amazon and buy a dehydrator. Go to the grocery store and buy plenty of in season fruit and dry them. Store in Ziploc bags.
Go on Amazon and buy a home canning system.
Go to the grocery and buy plenty of Ball jars - they are on sale now that the fall is here. Get lots of lids and rings.
Start canning tomatoes, cucumbers and corn.
Continue storing water. Buy some larger water containers, but get plenty of five gallon water containers as they are portable.
Get plenty of bleach and coffee filters.
Get a portable water filtration system like a Katadyn.
You already know the drill - firearm prices and ammunition scarcity are rising already everywhere.
Like it or not, guns, in the hands of responsible citizens, stop crime. It is proven every day. An armed population scares a brutal dictator, jealous invader and overbearing government.
Buy as much .22 and 12 guage ammo as possible. Buy plenty of any other caliber you own, use and depend upon whether it be for hunting or protection.
If you do not have a defensive rifle and money is tight, consider an AK or SKS variant. There are plenty of .223 knockoffs out there. Research online and buy what you can afford. .223 is the standard among military and police.
Get plenty of magazines. Factory is best, but get what you can get and afford.
Consider purchasing a few boxes in calibers you do not own, (9mm, 38 Special, 45, 357, 30-06, 243, 270, etc). Buy no name or cheapo brands if money is tight. Your friends and neighbors will show up with a fine rifle but only ten rounds to feed it. Ammo makes a fine investment and trade item - but only with people you know and trust!.
Stock up on batteries, propane, canned camp fuel. Get a camp stove if you do not have one - camping season is over.
If possible, get a wood stove for the house. Get plenty of firewood for this winter.
I cannot stress this next section enough - hygiene and medical preparedness.
Winter means cold and flu season. If you lose your health insurance.. if the local hospital goes bankrupt and closes in February.. if a pandemic borne overseas makes its way to our shores through unmitigated migration..
Stock plenty of aspirin (generic is fine), cold remedies, and other over the counter medicines.
Get plenty of vitamins.
Stock liquids for sickness, Gatorade and Tang powdered drinks.
Stock plenty of Lysol, bleach, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies - keep your home virus and germ free!
Get a flu shot now.
Get a full physical and fitness check up.
Restock all prescriptions and eyeglasses, contacts.
Start a strength training regime now. Weights, running, walking, biking..
Eat correctly for strength, health and stamina. Keep your internals running smoothly.
Stop smoking, excessive alcohol, cut out sodas, fast food and junk food. You will save money and develop the habits needed for the world of 2009.
Drink plenty of clean water!
Invest in precious metals once food and other tangibles are taken care of first. That means junk silver (pre-1965 silver U.S. coins) and gold coins. Small denominations will be preferable for day to day transactions.
Look, I don't know what will happen in January or February of 2009. As a preparer, I am an optimist and seldom leave my fate and future to others, no matter how well meaning.
However, as stated, any transition is precarious, especially in these times.
Get ready, be ready, stay ready.
Tell me what you think!
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