Preparing for Change

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  • Preparing for Change
    Preparing for Change
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Regardless of what happens this week in the presidential election and Senate races in Georgia, we are collectively about to face major changes in our existence. The COVID crisis coupled with the ascendency of socialism as a viable political alternative will change the very fiber and fabric of our society.

What this actually means on a national and global level is anyone’s guess, but based on economics and the promises of the Biden-Harris campaign regarding energy and other matters, it is a good bet that we are in for hard times. And if the political and economic threats don’t materialize, there are strange things going on with the magnetic poles which may portend some sort of natural disaster. So whether we are affected by economics or natural disaster, it is then that we will need all of the American ingenuity that some still believe in.

I was listening to some podcasts and one analyst named Catherine Austin Fitts was talking about Americans generally. One of her observations was that Americans watch hours and hours of television each and every day. Television has taken a major toll on the American culture whether we are aware of that or not. What does this have to do with economic or natural disaster?

Instead of wasting our time watching TV, we should be learning how to do the things that are needed to sustain ourselves without all of the modern conveniences. Our area is rich with people who either know or are in the process of learning how to do things the “old way.” We have lost some of them to death and old age, but some remain.

There are people in our area who know how to plow fields with mules, raise chickens and goats, grow and can food, sew, knit, weave, and play music. You may or may not know them, and even if you know them you may not know that they have some of these skills.

Rather than wait for a disaster, I want to challenge you to turn off the TV and start learning something that may have always interested you but you just haven’t taken the time to pursue. Pretend that the world has fallen apart, and you need some of these skills, and you need to be able to barter with your neighbors. Can you see it happening?

While you are at it, consider your own health and well-being. Following the advice of government nutrition “experts” we find ourselves overweight and unhealthy. This would be a good year to lose weight. Just Google “how to lose weight” for more help than you could even dream of. I have some suggestions.

As one who drank Dr. Pepper daily or much of my adult life, I lost weight when I stopped. So cut the pop. Even the artificially sweetened stuff is bad for you. I drink a cup or two of black coffee, and occasionally tea, and otherwise I drink water. And oh, how hard it is to quit. But the rewards are great.

The second suggestion is to cut the carbs. Especially cut back on chips and breads. Oh, how I love bread, but I don’t eat it very often. It’s a treat when I do. The same with chips, which are another rare treat for me.

The third suggestion is to cook some of your own meals. Stop eating out so much. I know that won’t help your local restaurant, but it will help you. And when you do cook your own meals, mind your portions.

Once you have turned off the TV, consider reading more books – fiction and non-fiction. I just finished reading The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. It was a good read. I had avoided his books my whole life.

If you don’t have any idea what books to read, contact your library. Librarians have keen insight into what books people like. It’s their business, so to speak. And if you have children, read to them. Read good books. My father read us Pinocchio, Robinson Crusoe, and many other classics. I read Winnie the Pooh to my younger sisters, and they have never forgotten that.

Try to imagine your world without television. It only came into common use 70 years ago. And yes it has done some good, but has become the focus of life for too many people. Try to imagine your world without fast food and Wal-Mart. Try to imagine a world where the electricity may or may not be there and the gas and water supply is not reliable. As a nation we have

enjoyed a stability unprecedented In human history. We need to be preparing ourselves for the growing likelihood that our world is about to change, and not for the better. Are you ready?