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17 Signs That Most Americans Will Be Wiped Out By The Coming Economic Collapse

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Submitted by Michael Snyder of The Economic Collapse blog,

The vast majority of Americans are going to be absolutely blindsided by what is coming.  They don't understand how our financial system works, they don't understand how vulnerable it is, and most of them blindly trust that our leaders know exactly what they are doing and that they will be able to fix our problems.  As a result, most Americans are simply not prepared for the massive storm that is heading our way.  Most American families are living paycheck to paycheck, most of them are not storing up emergency food and supplies, and only a very small percentage of them are buying gold and silver for investment purposes.   They seem to have forgotten what happened back in 2008. 

When the financial markets crashed, millions of Americans lost their jobs.  Because most of them were living on the financial edge, millions of them also lost their homes.  Unfortunately, most Americans seem convinced that it will not happen again.  Right now we seem to be living in a "hope bubble" and people have become very complacent.  For a while there, being a "prepper" was very trendy, but now concern about a coming economic crisis seems to have subsided.  What a tragic mistake.  As I pointed out yesterday, our entire financial system is a giant Ponzi scheme, and there are already signs that our financial markets are about to implode once again

Those that have not made any preparations for what is coming are going to regret it bitterly.  The following are 17 signs that most Americans will be wiped out by the coming economic collapse...

#1 According to a survey that was just released, 76 percent of all Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.  But most Americans are acting as if their jobs will always be there.  But the truth is that mass layoffs can occur at any time.  In fact, it just happened at one of the largest law firms in New York City.

#2 27 percent of all Americans do not have even a single penny saved up.

#3 46 percent of all Americans have $800 or less saved up.

#4 Less than one out of every four Americans has enough money stored away to cover six months of expenses.

#5 Wages continue to fall even as the cost of living continues to go up.  Today, the average income for the bottom 90 percent of all income earners in America is just $31,244.  An increasing percentage of American families are just trying to find a way to survive from month to month.

#6 62 percent of all middle class Americans say that they have had to reduce household spending over the past year.

#7 Small business is becoming an endangered species in America.  In fact, only about 7 percent of all non-farm workers in the United States are self-employed at this point.  That means that the vast majority of Americans are depending on someone else to provide them with an income.  But what is going to happen as those jobs disappear?

#8 In 1989, the debt to income ratio of the average American family was about 58 percent.  Today it is up to 154 percent.

#9 Today, a higher percentage of Americans are dependent on the government than ever before.  In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau 49 percent of all Americans live in a home that gets direct monetary benefits from the federal government.  So what is going to happen when the government handout gravy train comes to an end?

#10 Back in the 1970s, about one out of every 50 Americans was on food stamps.  Today, about one out of every 6.5 Americans is on food stamps.

#11 It is estimated that less than 10 percent of the U.S. population owns any gold or silver for investment purposes.

#12 It has been estimated that there are approximately 3 million "preppers" in the United States.  But that means that almost everyone else is not prepping.

#13 44 percent of all Americans do not have first-aid kits in their homes.

#14 48 percent of all Americans do not have any emergency supplies stored up.

#15 53 percent of all Americans do not have a 3 day supply of nonperishable food and water in their homes.

#16 One survey asked Americans how long they thought they would survive if the electrical grid went down for an extended period of time.  Incredibly, 21 percent said that they would survive for less than a week, an additional 28 percent said that they would survive for less than two weeks, and nearly 75 percent said that they would be dead before the two month mark.

#17 According to a survey conducted by the Adelphi University Center for Health Innovation, 55 percent of Americans believe that the government will come to their rescue when disaster strikes.

Just because you are living a comfortable middle class lifestyle today does not mean that it will always be that way.

If you doubt this, take a look at what is going on in Greece.  Many formerly middle class parents in Greece have become so impoverished that they are actually dumping their children at orphanages so that they won't starve...

Scores of children have been put in orphanages and care homes for economic reasons; one charity said 80 of the 100 children in its residential centres were there because their families can no longer provide for them.

Ten percent of Greek children are said to be at risk of hunger. Teachers talk of cancelling PE lessons because children are underfed and of seeing pupils pick through bins for food.

If the U.S. economy crashes and you lose your job, how will you and your family survive?

Will you and your family end up homeless and totally dependent on the government for your survival?

Get prepared while there is still time.  If you do not know how to get prepared, my article entitled "25 Things That You Should Do To Get Prepared For The Coming Economic Collapse" has some basic tips, and there are dozens of excellent websites out there that teach people advanced prepping techniques for free.

So there is no excuse.  You can trust that Ben Bernanke and Barack Obama have everything under control, but as for me and my family we are going to prepare for the giant economic storm that is coming.

I hope that you will be getting prepared too.

 

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Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:06 | 3692563 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

Could you point out where I intimated that storing crude oil was the way to go??

Or could it be that the connection between the dollar and oil completely escape you?

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:10 | 3692572 TuPhat
TuPhat's picture

The dollar oil connection is not relevant.  Much like a lot of your comments.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:17 | 3692596 Citxmech
Citxmech's picture

But for the grace of the Petro-dollar, the wheels of the US economy turn.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:32 | 3692796 DanDaley
DanDaley's picture

You're probably right about the oil; about the firearms, well that depends upon how bad for how long and where you are...lots of variables.

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 00:30 | 3693631 chindit13
chindit13's picture

If it looks like the transition from the founder's sons will not go well, Saudi Arabia will become a protectorate of the US (and Washington will cede Iran to China).  What we now disparagingly call imperialism or neocolonialism is, in fact, the status quo for all of human history.  Playing somewhat nice and being politically correct are recent, and most likely temporary, breaks in the behavior patterns that characterize the long march of humanity.  There are not too many Ron Pauls, Gandhis, Henry David Thoreaus, etc. in history, but plenty of Alexanders, Genghis Khans, and Caesars.  We will revert to the mean, and be mean, when this honeymoon ends.

Sure, the US will have to rebuild a few trashed GOSPS or something, but Saudi oil will come under US military control.

I am not advocating this by any means (my stab at being PC), but when survival is at stake, those who can, do.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:37 | 3692472 Seasmoke
Seasmoke's picture

I am glad Obama is president. I never trusted the fucker since day 1. Maybe I'm a racist. But if I am , at least it got me ready for the collapse.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:40 | 3692485 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

I tip my hat, at least you are attempting to be honest with yourself about it...

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:18 | 3692994 clymer
clymer's picture

oooo I bet you just love the idea of introducing that, don't chya. Ya race-baiting fuck, ya

 

even the trendy's on reddit have woken up to Barry O' (about friggin time, and 5 years too late)

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 20:42 | 3692925 klockwerks
klockwerks's picture

Has nothing to do with race but his agenda

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:38 | 3692473 Devotional
Devotional's picture

Imagine this, even if the collapse arrives people will scrap up some fiat to buy the latest gadget. Why do I say this? Well, I iive in a country that is under a TROIKA bailout and smartphones sales increased 30% in the last year. So guys ... people don't give a rats ass about the collapse. That is why I stand by this motto "We need the collapse, I will embrace it."

30% increase in effing smartphone sales? WTF? In a broke society? LOL

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:37 | 3692474 Richard Head
Richard Head's picture

This isn't 17 signs.  Numbers 2, 3, and 4 are the same thing.  

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:03 | 3692550 TuPhat
TuPhat's picture

I agree, why a numbered list?  The numbers are meaningless.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:21 | 3693028 samsara
samsara's picture

Then ignore the numbers, problem solved. Think of them as a the random order of the spread numbering as he keyed them in.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:38 | 3692476 jmaloy5365
jmaloy5365's picture

TPTB planed this along time ago.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:02 | 3692541 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

They did no such thing.  And even if they knew it was coming, they would have been terrrified to admit it. They rationalized it away as any admission was anathema to the orthodoxy of the growth paradigm..

Do you really think that BB does not know the system is primed for collapse?

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:14 | 3692998 clymer
clymer's picture

And where does the flak hail from? You in the U.S. - if so, where?

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:22 | 3693031 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

Greater NYC currently  but I have lived for short spells in Palo Alto a ways back... Outside Chitown near Fermilab for 5 years....

I have travelled extensively in the US...

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 22:03 | 3693147 Almost Solvent
Almost Solvent's picture

You fib like a twink. 

 

Last week you told me about your life in Montreal. 

 

Come run away with me you fuckin canuck!

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:03 | 3692966 Clever Name
Clever Name's picture

Personally, I think they axed for it.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:46 | 3692477 Chupacabra-322
Chupacabra-322's picture

MY rights enumerated in the Constitution...are ABOVE any in govt...as long as my personal activities do NOT infringe upon the rights of another individual...The contract between me and the govt IS the Constitution...I AM above the Constitution...GOVT is given ONLY the powers given it, by that Constitution...Govt MUST be held TO the Constitution or it is NO LONGER a legitimate govt...I claim now that this is NO longer a legitimate govt according to the oath THEY swore to defend and protect our founding document...read the Declaration of Independence...if this does NOT apply to this treasonous govt...I don't know what does...we have truly been infiltrated by an enemy from within...soon we will throw off this CRIMINAL govt..it is our RIGHT...it IS our DUTY...molon labe!

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 20:18 | 3692879 DanDaley
DanDaley's picture

I agree with you, but that doesn't mean that they won't kill you just the same. 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:38 | 3692480 kahunabear
kahunabear's picture

Dependency = votes

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 20:56 | 3692949 Oldwood
Oldwood's picture

We used to vote for those who promised to steal the least from us and now we vote for those who promise to steal the most from others.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:40 | 3692489 lakecity55
lakecity55's picture

I think more people know we are forked.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:43 | 3692494 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

If you come to a fork in the road, take it....

Maybe you will come across a matching spoon further down the line...

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:04 | 3692969 Clever Name
Clever Name's picture

There is no spoon.

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 03:49 | 3693789 Parrotile
Parrotile's picture

Too much a "single purpose" tool - we prefer Sporks!!

http://www.lightmyfire.com/products/wild-kitchen-collection/spork/spork-original.aspx

(They also do a titanium version that's well nigh indestructible, or could be "implanted" for extra-safe keeping??)

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:41 | 3692490 Xibalba
Xibalba's picture

Psyops will make Americant's *feel* like it's all just an unfortunate coincidence.  Now line up and bend over.  

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:41 | 3692491 1984
1984's picture

#1-10 say they're already wiped out.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:42 | 3692495 D-2
D-2's picture

So in Greece, as bad as things are, only one in ten kids is in danger of being hungry. I see a billboard every day that says "one in six" kids in this country (US) is hungry. Wonder which is right, if either?

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:55 | 3692837 Overfed
Overfed's picture

My kids are always hungry. Whoever put up that sign must also have teenage boys around.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 22:30 | 3693244 Bear
Bear's picture

75% of American schools have eating programs ... but the healthy foods are thrown out and the kids starve because they don't like carrots 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:43 | 3692498 JR
JR's picture

I fear what’s coming are devastating crashes unlike anything we would have imagined and I don’t mean the stock market.

The politicians are not aware of massive forces headed toward each other in the American system regarding what middle class Americans feel about their country and their future.

One force is the desperation caused by devastating unemployment, accompanied by severe reduction in opportunities for American youth especially in technology for the higher educated  and for well-paying blue collar employment for the others. Middle management positions in industry for America’s older middle class also disappeared with America’s manufacturing base.

This crisis is complicated by a raging welfare state: free telephones for millions, an explosion in food stamps for millions, free meals for millions served in the schools, free health care for millions on Medicaid, subsidized housing and education for millions of families…in tandem with a deliberate wipeout of savings for millions of older Americans and the financial future of millions of retirees.

In opposition to this massive crisis, the politicians have designed meteor-like movements headed directly for an impact on this middle class dilemma.

First is the transfer of American industry, jobs, patents, manufacturing, research and development out of the hands of Americans and into the hands of totalitarian governments.

Second, and almost unbelievable, is an employment and cultural trajectory heading toward the American middle class dream in the form of Third World illegal immigration called “legal.” Workers and families, primarily low skilled, are headed for American communities by the millions to absorb jobs, infrastructure and resources, and in their wake changing the culture through their voting standards and by impact through their sheer numbers. And much of the new wave will be instant additions to an already burgeoning welfare system.

These opposing explosive movements are destined not only to create widespread chaos, poverty and declining American standards of all kinds from education to living standards, but they are very likely to create something else – namely a third major movement, a movement designed to overturn a political system that would permit such suicidal policy – an America first movement to carve out again the Founders’ hope for free men and free enterprise and a government that would ensure this freedom.

At this point in America’s history, amnesty and a continual Congressional gifting of the ownership and control of America’s currency to international banking families and their private interests are economic suicide for America.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:52 | 3692516 F. Bastiat
F. Bastiat's picture

Certainly, the bankruptcy and destruction of the middle class is a key objective of marxism.

Which is precisely why Hussein Obama is furiously attempting to raise electricity prices and healthcare prices.

Know Your Enemy

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:11 | 3692574 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

Oh, so that was the master plan...

Was he just following the game plan devised the Supplysiders in the '80s? They sure as fuck did a number on the middle class or did you miss that?

Considering that BHO is well to the right of DDE and Nixon, would you call them Marxists? I think you would be publically ridiculed if you did...

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:53 | 3692696 F. Bastiat
F. Bastiat's picture

Igor Shafarevich's works are perhaps the seminal works on modern socialism.  Here's a link to his essay "Socialism in Our Past and Future":

http://www.savageleft.com/poli/hoc.html

 

Shafarevich also wrote a book entitled "The Socialist Phenomenon", that is an excellent resource as well.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:03 | 3692730 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

Fill your boots, I prefer more empirical analyses as opposed to rehashed claptrap...

Whatever problems faced by the US, the 17 or so Marxists still prowling around ain't one of them...

Paul Ryan on the other hand....

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:48 | 3693102 F. Bastiat
F. Bastiat's picture

Seventeen's a decent estimate for the hardcore marxists in our midst; here's the list I came up with, along with known affiliatiions:

- Gyorgy Schwartz
- Cass Sunstein (Harvard Soviet)
- Jack Lew
- Peter Orszag
- Elizabeth Warren (Harvard Soviet)
- Larry Summers (Harvard Soviet)
- Doug Schulman (IRS)
- Lois Lerner (IRS)
- Steven Miller (IRS)
- Bill Ayers
- Anthony "Van" Jones
- Andrew Stern (SEIU)
- Joseph Schwartz (Temple Soviet)
- Hussein Obama (Obviously)
- Elena Kagan (Harvard Soviet)
- Daniel Schrag (Harvard Soviet)
- Mikey Weinstein

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 04:07 | 3693801 OldPhart
OldPhart's picture

18 Valerie Jarrett

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:12 | 3692742 FrankThinkTank
FrankThinkTank's picture

Flak is truly one dumb motherfucker. 

 

Empirical evidence unless its keynesianism or properties of carbon. Then he's tits up partisan. 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:18 | 3692768 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

Do you feel better now that it is off your chest?

Don't know how you dragged JMK into the picture, but whatever....

And as for carbon, that is probably the empirically cleanest cut example relevant to this discussion. Science works, bitchez, even when people like you don't get it...

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 22:23 | 3693217 F. Bastiat
F. Bastiat's picture

Who's claiming that "science doesn't work"?

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 00:07 | 3693491 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

I believe that if you correctly parse what it was in reply to it is possible to infer such given the clear intent on display....

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 22:01 | 3693136 Mike in GA
Mike in GA's picture

BHO is to the right of Nixon and Eisenhower?  You are one truly deluded partisan and don't let go because your grip on reality is slipping.

 And Paul Ryan is much more likely to be helpful in saving the economy than anyone else in DC if given the chance.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 22:24 | 3693224 F. Bastiat
F. Bastiat's picture

Paul Ryan's a wimp.  Just like Mitt Romney.   They're both cowards who were too afraid of Hussein Obama to viciously attack him in the manner required.

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 00:23 | 3693615 Mike in GA
Mike in GA's picture

Sadly, well-mannered politeness is taken as cowardice inside the beltway.  Don't sell Paul short.  I believe that principles matter and a principled man in control of the facts does not have to be the loudest or the most aggressive to win. 

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 08:05 | 3694072 F. Bastiat
F. Bastiat's picture

You seem to be assuming the world to be civilized; we don't live in that world, anymore.  One must fight aggressively to defend the ideas and institutions of Western civilization.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:07 | 3692564 TuPhat
TuPhat's picture

Good post, JR.  Better than the article.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:44 | 3692499 disabledvet
disabledvet's picture

most of them are going to be blindsided by the fact that some of these leaders know exactly what they're doing "but it's not very nice." that includes apparently "the people we elect and hope will protect us from those people." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0gHTNJVFtA

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:45 | 3692503 Debugas
Debugas's picture

based on the article above - the bullish market is in....

you guessed it right - that is something that americans buy with food stamps.

invest in JUNK FOOD

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:45 | 3692504 EclecticParrot
EclecticParrot's picture

88.4 % of Americans get bored with doomsday lists of any appreciable length and stop reading, on average, after element #5.

 

 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:59 | 3692535 tawse57
tawse57's picture

Especially when certain websites have been forecasting economic collapse for 5 or 6 years and it still ain't happened yet.

 

 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:20 | 3692605 Citxmech
Citxmech's picture

Ain't happened yet?  You're soaking in it.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:33 | 3692643 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

I rarely give greenies (or the converse for that matter) but you earned one....

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 22:11 | 3693170 Almost Solvent
Almost Solvent's picture

You are such a lying sack of french speaking canadian shit. 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 20:12 | 3692870 RockyRacoon
RockyRacoon's picture

That's what all the soon-to-be-boiling frogs say.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:32 | 3692635 Winston Smith 2009
Winston Smith 2009's picture

"it still ain't happened yet."

It has surprised many, including me, that they've managed to keep the game going this long, but all they've really accomplished is to make the eventual crash much worse that it would have been if they'd just let events take their proper course back in 2008.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:41 | 3692664 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

I beg to differ, Greenspan went all in and all BB could do was double down on side bets...

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:46 | 3692675 Winston Smith 2009
Winston Smith 2009's picture

Which is why I said the eventual reality crash will be much worse than it would have been; trillions more dollars in debt to simply delay what will eventually happen anyway.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:54 | 3692697 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

Here is a thought, since the Dollar is "Jew Confetti" and is doomed but is still the reserve currency, shouldn't we be printing as fast as we can and turning that confetti into real infrastructure for the 21st century? And when the default/dollar collapse occurs, we could simply renege on the obligations?

In other words, since all that debt is going to be repdudiated, why not party while you can? All in all, what the fuck is the difference between 10 trillion of debt and 25 trillion when the jig is up?

I can assure you that the collapse will be nothing to look foward to, even for those that are "ready" for it...

And if you really want a collapse, you should be encouraging the activity that will predicate it....

Hey, all I am asking of people is to be at least internally consistent with the logic...

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:18 | 3692763 Winston Smith 2009
Winston Smith 2009's picture

First if all, "jew confetti" is your term not mine and is an indication to me of your fundamental character.

"I can assure you that the collapse will be nothing to look foward to... and if you really want a collapse."

Who said I wanted a collapse?  I just want the inevitable to happen sooner rather than later because the longer it's delayed, the worse it's going to be.

The debt principle will not be defaulted upon, but the interest on it will still have to be paid.  If that turns out to be too onerous once rates rise to back to historic norms, the dollar will be intentionally inflated (devalued) until it isn't and only an idiot would want that.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:26 | 3692783 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

Re: the confetti, I was was phrasing things in an idiom that the typical ZHer could relate to and understand (hence the quotation marks)...

My point is that given how bad it will be, discussing degress of worseness is akin to arguing about the number of angels you can fit on a pin head...

Out of curiousity, you would agree that FR has been desperate to devalue the dollar relative to other currencies for at least the past 5 years? Did they materially succeed? And curiously, when BB hinted at the taper, why did Au and damn well near everything else crater? 

It ia all about the convertability of dollars into oil. When that is no longer possible, and only then, the jig is up...

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 20:23 | 3692889 Winston Smith 2009
Winston Smith 2009's picture

"I was was phrasing things in an idiom that the typical ZHer could relate to"

Well, this "ZHer" and, I think, most of the other "ZHers" I've seen here don't relate to it.  There are participants from all religions and plenty of agnostics and atheists who are part of the fiat money, fractional reserve financial system game.  Jews have traditionally got into banking as much as they have simply because at one time there were religious prohibitions against usury in both the Muslim and Christian religions.

"My point is that given how bad it will be, discussing degress of worseness is akin to arguing about the number of angels you can fit on a pin head..."

I have no idea how bad it will be.  All I do know is that the longer it's delayed, the worse it will most likely be.  That which cannot continue indefinitely won't.  And there are all kinds of "degrees of worseness," losing two eyes being worse than losing one, two legs worse than one, etc.

"Out of curiousity, you would agree that FR has been desperate to devalue the dollar relative to other currencies for at least the past 5 years? Did they materially succeed?"

Yes, but not on a permanent basis and not by actually inflating the dollar but by preventing the proper, market correcting deflation by supporting those concerns whose bankruptcies would have triggered the proper deflation via market forces. Further explanation below. 

"when BB hinted at the taper, why did Au and damn well near everything else crater?"

Probably in part because margin calls needed covering so gold was sold and through the realization that the correct move by the Fed (gradually getting their freaking hands off) would much more likely lead to deflation than inflation, deflation being the natural market mechanism the Fed is trying to fight at great cost.  

Widespread bankruptcies of the overextended and overleveraged should have been allowed to happen in 2008 and at the end of every other bubble the Fed has blown in the last 30 years.  The Darwinian effect of widescale bankruptices of malinvestments which can be massively deflationary is absolutely necessary, but the Fed has foolishly prevented most of them for the last 30 years.  

Like Kyle Bass has said, "Capitalism without bankruptcy is like Christianity without Hell" and the very same goes for the absolute need for bankruptcies in a financial system that creates money exclusively (except for coinage) from issued debt. The inherently exponential growth in the outstanding debt curve reaches an unmanageable slope where new debt can no longer be issued in sufficient quantities to cover the payback of the principle AND interest on previously issued debt.  At that point, bankruptcies must be allowed to flush the bad debt out of the system and bring the curve back to a manageable slope while at the same time weeding out malinvestments. See "Money as Debt" on YouTube about all that.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:01 | 3692958 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

Thanks for the measured reply. You are basically correct on all accounts...

So, you think that from the aftermath of 2008 that a forced liquidation of the Western worlds banking assets would have put us in a better position that 10 years later? I disagree...

Dinners Up. I'll be back later...

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:18 | 3693007 Almost Solvent
Almost Solvent's picture

How is dinner in Montreal?

Hopefully you can make it to Toronto on July 4th for a nice chianti to celebrate the birth of us southerners.

 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:34 | 3693063 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

You do realize that when the dollar goes, the country splits. I will be amazed if it holds together in the event of a dollar demise...

My take is 2008 was that  if it was not properly handled could have resulted in exactly that. I don;t see anyone coming out for the better there...

The problem with 2008 was that banks were not dealt with correctly. The ability to backstop the banks existed, temporailly nationalize them so you could fire the execs, rewrite the rules without lobbyists, and eventually within 3-4 years re-privatize them...   

The Coup d'Etat happened then and there.... And it was on Bush's watch. Don't ever forget that....

Love to continue but my lady now takes precedence over the Hedge...

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:52 | 3693085 Almost Solvent
Almost Solvent's picture

Come run away with me in Toronto.

I'll fuck your brains out like you wish your inflatable girlfriend could.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:16 | 3693004 samsara
samsara's picture

Yes and no. This what a slow cascading collapse over years looks like on the ground.

Just like in the movies where something, an airplane or truck is wrecked on the side of the cliff. The people are moving around very slowly, no sudden moves. The wreck every so often slips a little bit and people tense up. Then continue moving slowly to safety.

But EVERYBODY KNOWS the wreck is going down that mountainside but they might not be able to predict exactly when.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:02 | 3692547 YC2
YC2's picture

Once they make me click through a slideshow it will be peak ZH

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:18 | 3692602 bonin006
bonin006's picture

67.3% of statistics are made up on the spot.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:54 | 3692698 WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot
WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot's picture

"... and most internet quotations are total bullshit." 

- Abraham Lincoln

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:23 | 3693032 espirit
espirit's picture

The Vampire Killer?  Cool guy.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:58 | 3693130 Hulk
Hulk's picture

Wasn't that Jefferson ???

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:50 | 3692510 F. Bastiat
F. Bastiat's picture

Today's liberals are not only detached from reality, they actively wage war against it.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:54 | 3692518 lolmao500
lolmao500's picture

Statists believe that there's an economic recovery... and if not, then Ben will just have to print moar... and if not... the government will just have to seize and tax moar! And if that doesn't work... well it cannot not work!! Government is all powerful!

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:12 | 3692577 jomama
jomama's picture

but 'conservatives' have got it all straight! riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 20:53 | 3692946 klockwerks
klockwerks's picture

NO

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:52 | 3693111 F. Bastiat
F. Bastiat's picture

Well, Western civilization is a function of three things, more or less:

- Private property
- The family
- Christianity

Today's liberalism, like its marxist ancestors, wages war upon those three things.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:51 | 3692512 pragmatic hobo
pragmatic hobo's picture

"and most of them blindly trust that our leaders know exactly what they are doing and that they will be able to fix our problems"

I stopped reading right there ... shirley, most people do NOT believe that.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:16 | 3692592 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

... and don't call me Shirley....

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:45 | 3692672 MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

Just jesting.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:57 | 3692705 Winston Smith 2009
Winston Smith 2009's picture

Well, voter turn-out was nearly 58% in 2012, so at least that percentage is still apparently buying into much of the scam.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:52 | 3692515 ebworthen
ebworthen's picture

"#8 In 1989, the debt to income ratio of the average American family was about 58 percent.  Today it is up to 154 percent."

And those Americans are on the hook for $17 Trillion of National Debt thrown at Wall Street and the Corporatocracy.

DEBT NATION!

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:55 | 3692520 Bloody Chiclitz
Bloody Chiclitz's picture

Clickbait

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 17:56 | 3692523 lolmao500
lolmao500's picture

When something like THAT happens...

The Day The Dollar Died...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N8gJSMoOJc

There's gonna be hell to pay.

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 04:15 | 3693806 Parrotile
Parrotile's picture

And all that was needed was China saying "no more thanks" to T-Bill purchases . . . . . .

Seems China (and others) are providing "welfare" to the US, so that the USUS may continue to support its "Entitlement" programmes, providing welfare to "those that need it". Interesting that the standard of living for those who are providing all this largesse (Globally) is usually far poorer than the American recipients.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:00 | 3692539 AGuy
AGuy's picture

"#3 46 percent of all Americans have $800 or less saved up.
#4 Less than one out of every four Americans has enough money stored away to cover six months of expenses."

Something is not right here. Its unlikely that anyone expenses for six months is under $800. How could 46 have less than $800 saved up but 20% have savings to cover sixe months of expenses.

I guess this means 90% of all figures collected are inaccurate or just wrong!

 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:06 | 3692554 lolmao500
lolmao500's picture

46% + 25% = 71%... The #2 is included in the #3...

#2 27 percent of all Americans do not have even a single penny saved up.

#3 46 percent of all Americans have $800 or less saved up.

#4 Less than one out of every four Americans has enough money stored away to cover six months of expenses.

And you could live 6 months with $800... if you just have to pay food...

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:35 | 3692647 wisehiney
wisehiney's picture

oBUMMER weasels do not have monthly expenses.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:00 | 3692540 richard007
richard007's picture

I'm aware that almost no one will belive this. However,

In Matthew 25:1-7 the Bible speaks of an event that will awaken all the churches.

That event seems to be a financial collapse as described in this aticle.

PS: It will be triggered by the prophecied Iran War. We'll see soon!

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:14 | 3692582 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

Aren't you lucky! You are going to get Raptured in your lifetime! What are you gonna say when you meet the Big Guy?

Given that all religions stress humility, your hubris is truly outstanding... 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:48 | 3692678 MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

I don't do the whole religion thing, but I respect the right of others to do so. Besides, I may not be correct about it.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:56 | 3692740 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

Oh, but I do respect peoples religious choices, however, when you wear them on your sleeve in public, you become fair game...

Like masturbation some activities are best in private, or at the very least in the company of fellow believers....

And I stand by my statement that the hubris of the Evangelicals that believe the Rapture will occur in their lifetime is utterly astounding.... It is merely another form of Narcissism....

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:08 | 3692983 Oldwood
Oldwood's picture

Got a mirror?

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:58 | 3693132 Bringin It
Bringin It's picture

Comparing religious expression to masturbation says a lot about you Flak.

You should read some Jung.

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 00:16 | 3693588 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

Well, I was comparing it to a private activity which registers favorably on the pleasura scale...And is not the whole idea of religion just to make yourself self feel better as well?  I mean if you are really there for the mumbo-jumbo salvation and not just because it is the social club. Seems like a far comparison....

And we also know it is one of the oldest means of social control, but we don't need to go there... 

So, sue me...

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 03:26 | 3693779 Bringin It
Bringin It's picture

Flak - one of the oldest means of social control - Unfortunately, I have to agree.  So one needs to be aware of that aspect.

I mean if you are really there for the mumbo-jumbo salvation and not just because it is the social club. Seems like a far comparison....

You're prejudging the outcome.  I'm not recomending any particular path, but it's best not to assume the Cartesian outlook holds all the answers.  That's another kind of blind faith, ie. they used to barbaque pundits who said things like the earth rvolves around the sun.

Happy seeking.

 

 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:01 | 3692544 JJ McApe
JJ McApe's picture

well we will see what happenes. maybe the stock markets keep going up, maybe not.

it all depends on the wizard of oz i mean bubble benny. free markets dont exist any more. only fed and qe.

who wants to bet in a rigged casino?

 

 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 20:01 | 3692851 lotsoffun
lotsoffun's picture

i would love to - but i have a 30 day holding period.  hopefully - my bank doesn't blow up (again) so i will still have no capital gains or this year, but job....

 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:04 | 3692553 Spastica Rex
Spastica Rex's picture

"most of them blindly trust that our leaders know exactly what they are doing..."

I don't even trust that they know roughly what they're doing.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:18 | 3692599 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

You're the ex-English teacher (IIRC), did I use anathema correctly above?

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:13 | 3692752 Spastica Rex
Spastica Rex's picture

Yes and yes.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:41 | 3692805 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

Man, it is good to be on a roll....

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 20:58 | 3692953 klockwerks
klockwerks's picture

Sorry Flak, your not on a roll or anything close to it.

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 04:20 | 3693808 Parrotile
Parrotile's picture

Would that be a Spring Roll, or maybe an Egg Roll??

Once the Far East becomes the controller of the World's reserve currency, you may need to get used to certain culinary changes (how do you prefer your dog? wokked or deep-fried??!!)

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:05 | 3692556 Oldwood
Oldwood's picture

I hate these fuckers that have turned our world upside down. This is not the future my ancestors worked for. Unfortunately I'm afraid it is me that has failed. Desperately clinging to the "good life" while turning my back on those stealing the very foundation of our heritage. I should have resisted. My parents of the great depression saw it. They knew it was all on a path of destruction because they had seen it before and they had seen what it took to save it. Work. Save. Avoid debt at ALL costs. This is what austerity is and it was their way of life. I wanted no part of austerity. I wanted the fast cars and big house, right? Payback is a bitch. Luckily I kind of caught on over the years and have tried to do the right thing, even if it is a bit late.

 History repeats itself because children always think their parents are of an irrelevant past, but there is no such thing. The past, our history, is everything, and if we choose to ignore it we are swimming with sharks. Maybe, at least, we might provide a lesson for younger generations but I fear our propaganda based government education system (and the NFL) will prevent even that from happening.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:21 | 3692576 Bam_Man
Bam_Man's picture

Most Americans will not be "wiped out by the coming economic collapse".

They are already flat broke.

The coming economic collapse will actually be an opportunity to re-build the economy into something more sustainable and equitable than this "financialized" abortion we are currently stuck with.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:36 | 3692649 espirit
espirit's picture

Problem being that most people today have no clue what a sustainable lifestyle entails, nor would they be able to achieve one before they starved to death on a 1000 calorie per day diet.

You can't burn what you don't earn.

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 00:00 | 3693551 AgentScruffy
AgentScruffy's picture

Individuals also have opportunities now. If someone has little to no savings or assets, but has a job, they can cut back all unnecessary spending to the bone. Getting started on a plan is galvanizing.

  • buy 1/10 oz. silver,
  • buy a few cans or bags of food/beans/rice every time they go to WalMart (it'll start to add up fast). Then move on to dehydrated food. Cheapest in the world is from the Mormon stores.
  • Like Peter Schiff says, you have no assets, the good thing is you have nothing to lose. You can "invest" in non-perishables to beat inflation and lack of availability: batteries, razors, shampoo, toothpaste, motor oil, etc. You can get really creative here. NoMoreRack.com has emergency batteries for cell phones for $12.
  • Start a little "barter box" and add to it. You may wind up using these items in exchange for car repair, handyman work, or maybe safe passage through an area via an armed guard. (mini bottles of booze, cigarettes, tobacco chew, lighters, waterproof matches.)
  • learn web technologies via free or super-cheap online courses (just as in 2008, there will be an uptick of need in this area, as more brick+ mortar shuts down, more print shuts down, and everything focuses increasingly online. Even now there are tons of web dev jobs out there remaining unfilled. Start small, do a little bit every day. (Code Academy, Lynda.com)
  • Work out, get fit, to handle stress. Eat well. 
  • Do the Peak Prosperity free course. Create a Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 plan.
Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:25 | 3692622 starman
starman's picture

What would you expect when generation after generation people are raised up on consuming and borrowing.

Today the life of a average citizen revolves around work to borrow to consume, borrow more to consume work more to borrow more to consume more. Welcome to the land of........... Fuckd up really! 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:30 | 3692634 MedicalQuack
MedicalQuack's picture

Wow, Greece story is so sad but we better be aware now as when you look at incomes here in the US, well enough said.  Here's another step in the way down with United Healthcare wanting a rent check from you as well.  They are a small investor compared to Blackstone but they invested $22 million in New Mexico for low to middle income apartments, so where you end up before you can't make the rent check. 

After your claims are not paid by an insurer and bankruptcy has taken place, this is where the investors are running next.  $22 million would pay a lot of claims but they also got a tax write off here too. 

http://ducknetweb.blogspot.com/2013/06/blackstone-is-not-only-corporatio...

Bill Moyer did an update too on ALEC...a know  a lot of companies left but there's still a ton of them on there....a store front for lobbying that is not called lobbying...I know ALEC didn't start out that way bit it is what it is today.

http://ducknetweb.blogspot.com/2013/06/when-you-have-alec-who-needs.html

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:32 | 3692637 Diamond Jim
Diamond Jim's picture

When the poo hits....Prez Owe will just have the new Fed Chief...Ghoulzbee crank up the printing press and send everyone a check or EBT card. Just got to be careful we do not run out of ink or paper, or plastic.......

How about a ZH prayer for Prez Owe, Foolsbee and SkyNet........

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:40 | 3692659 espirit
espirit's picture

I only upvoted you one because I had to modify:

"President Owie"

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:50 | 3692687 MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

"Owe" as in the debt brother, ala WilliamBanzai.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:28 | 3693038 espirit
espirit's picture

Thanks Ms.  Missed that.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:34 | 3692646 smacker
smacker's picture

Just before you suffer collapse, take a peek at this website which - after a quick scan - looks to provide some good (often opensource s/w) alternatives to mainstream software to run on your 'puter system and avoid government spying: http://prism-break.org/

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 00:15 | 3693585 Prometheus418
Prometheus418's picture

Ran across this eariler, and I'll endorse it conditionally.  It's a good list, but incomplete.

First thing to note is that Linux is better than it used to be- I tried it in the late 90's, and it was so arcane and convoluted, I gave up after a month or two- that's no longer the case.  There is now a lot of online support that is more or less instantaneous, and the package managers and installers have really improved.

That being said, I've tried most of the major linux distros in the past year, and I'd like to clear up the differences.  There are two major forks- Debian (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.) and Arch (Fedora, Opensuse, etc.)  The difference there is that the Debian fork is more entertainment oriented, and geared towards a casual user.  It's actually more fun, IMO, but it's realatively easy to break because they are less conservative about endorsing upgrades and new software.  The Arch fork is geared towards stable enterprise systems, and is a little more conservative as a result- in my testing, that means that it is much more stable.  Opensuse (Arch) is what I use, because it means less tinkering after it's all set up.  

Either fork lets you choose how it is going to look and act.  The major desktops are Gnome, KDE, Unity and Cinnamon.  This has as much effect on your experience as the distribution you choose, at least in my opinion.  A Gnome 3 desktop looks the same on the Debian fork as it does on the Arch fork, and behaves in a similar manner.

Moving to Linux is a trade-off.  It limits the potential for design work and casual gaming, for the most part.  It does not support all computer hardware, and there is a learning curve in making that move.  To use it effectively, it does require typing commands into a terminal, and a few other things that casual Windows users aren't accustomed to, as well as a fair amount of time (at the outset) reading forums to find answers that were easy on Windows or Mac- most applications are functionally equivalent or better than their mainstream counterparts, but are not always intuitive, especially during an initial install and setup.

I did it with most of my computers, and I enjoy it and feel it was worth it- and it doesn't hurt that almost everything is free.  Don't get me wrong, it's easy enough to crack software- but I'd rather have it because the developer(s) are giving it away, and not just because I was able to.... evaluate it.

All that being said, here are two valuable additions, neither of which require a dedicated computer.

http://learn.adafruit.com/onion-pi/overview

http://sourceforge.net/projects/mandragoralinux/

Mandragora can be used from a bootable thumb drive, and is suitable for use with almost any machine without changing your current operating system.  It also comes pre-installed with a lot of hacking tools. 

 

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 08:02 | 3694068 smacker
smacker's picture

I agree that for many people, Linux is the way to go for better security and many people have done that. But that assumes the user is able to get Linux up and running in a stable way etc. I was not.

I installed VirtualBox some while ago and installed Mint under it, believing that I could have Windows XP and Linux Mint running at the same time until I was able to migrate fully to Linux (no easy task given that I use some programs on Windows that will not run under Linux). But sadly Linux Mint - although one of the best versions available - simply didn't cut the mustard. I eventually gave up. I also tried several other Linux cuts and most were even worse than Mint.

That experience confirmed my long held view that Linux is not ready for prime time. Will it ever be? or is it only for folks who like fiddling around, not for people like me who actually use their systems for serious productive work? The jury's out on this. I speak as someone who intensely dislikes Microsoft and would like nothing better than to see them get bitch-slapped.

On the prism-break website ...there is probably no list of "best" software that provides all the best user security and protection from spying. Their list contained some good stuff, although I could probably mention a few other pieces and techniques that I use, not listed by them.

One e-mail service they list is www.riseup.net and I have an account with them. I checked the Headers ('metadata' in current parlance) of test e-mails I sent thru their service and Riseup do not stamp the senders IP Address in there, so that's a good thing. And I believe Riseup is owned and run by Lefty agitprops, so I'm always happy to spend their money ;-)

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:35 | 3692648 Make_Mine_A_Double
Make_Mine_A_Double's picture

The current generation of Americans has known nothing but peace and prosperity (I'll exempt the citizen soldiers from that comment...). They think it is the default position for their place in the galaxy and they are going to get a very rude awakening in short order.

The average American has never traveled outside the USSA unless for some cheap holiday in Mexico or Canada. Hell, most of them don't even have a current passport. If you have been to HK, Sweden or any place else with a hard currency recently it almost painful to do the exchange rates in your mind.

And never in my life have I seen such a concerted effort between the 'media' and the DNC to so totally brainwash the sheep as now. Even fairly well educated people I know beleive we are finally in 'recovery'. It is beyond anything Orwell could have imagined.

I was at the grocery store yesterday and most of the people looked like mutants - fat, out of shape, mindlessly staring at the ObOzOphones and loading up on shit food.

When it comes it's going to be a nasty re-set.

 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:24 | 3692779 vulcanraven
vulcanraven's picture

I was driving down Highland Avenue in San Bernardino, CA. last weekend... truly a frightening sight.

"EBT accepted here" in big, bold letters on every other storefront. Groups of transients shooting up drugs/drinking under a bush in the vacant dirt lots along the thoroughfare. I got hungry and stopped at a Carl's JR to get something to eat. What a depressing group of folks inside that place. I was next to this man that looked like a zombie straight out of The Walking Dead TV series, along with his female companion. They made me want to turn around and leave immediately, I watched them load up on garbage fast food and I felt overwhelmed with sorrow for these folks. They surely have nothing left to live for and are just grazing out the last few years of their life at a fast food joint in the armpit of California. I imagined what their house must look like, truly a hoarders paradise.

Signs of collapse are everywhere, it's the slow burn that is killing me. I just wish this goddamn shit would reset already. It would put a hell of alot of people out of their misery.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 22:03 | 3693146 Bringin It
Bringin It's picture

I know. I know.  I got stuck in Merced a few years back.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:03 | 3692967 klockwerks
klockwerks's picture

The ones in my line were in the same shape and did not speak English and used snap cards.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:37 | 3692650 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

Actually by a recent estimate 47% of Americans are already wiped out....

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:31 | 3693057 espirit
espirit's picture

Prolly more if you count middle classers with an Oxy habit.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:39 | 3692656 Mr. Hudson
Mr. Hudson's picture

: "but as for me and my family we are going to prepare for the giant economic storm that is coming."

What do you have planned when an armored Homeland Security Hummer and van pulls up to your place to take you and your family away to a FEMA camp?

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:03 | 3692731 Oldwood
Oldwood's picture

The people in danger from our government in the case of a major collapse will be those trying to organize against said government or those who possess what said government needs. The rest of us they could give a shit. The biggest threat from our government for most of us is what they are already doing...right now. Robbing us blind and enslaving us to their every wish. A free ride to a FEMA camp is the least of my worries. Being murdered and robbed by the people gone nuts, the ones who ignored reality, the ones who were enthralled by the Word of the One (hope and change), those are who I'm worried about. The Zombies that need to eat and destroy to feed their dead brains. To the government I'm probably still worth more alive than dead...barely.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:15 | 3693003 klockwerks
klockwerks's picture

Shoot

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 21:33 | 3693060 espirit
espirit's picture

Only if I can drive.

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 04:11 | 3693803 Seer
Seer's picture

FEMA requires a lot of resources.  I suspect that it could only ever manage a small percentage of the overall population.  Always question the premise.  Perhaps these "camps" are for the Praetorian guard and NOT for the average drone?  They're safe places in which antidotes are made available for the protectors of the 1%?

Make yourself a small target.  And, rather than spend one's time trying to cover bases which might fall victim to an incorrectly diagnosed premise, go forward and create the way you want life to work- set the example (hint: "the meek shall inherit the earth"- one doesn't necessary have to BE meek so much as to appear to be so [and this is why flaunting is a REALLY bad idea]).  The future really needs people who can figure out how to live in a more sustainable fashion.

I suppose that one could use the premise to avoid having to confront a hard future, though that would almost certainly be at the expense of longevity... and, really, who can say, when the books are closed, which will be the smarter move?

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 04:40 | 3693820 Parrotile
Parrotile's picture

Art of War - "If strong, project the image of weakness".

Keeping a low profile never hurt anyone (apart from the glitterati - and when "it" hits the fan they'll be early casualties of "The Great Reset"!)

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 04:37 | 3693817 Parrotile
Parrotile's picture

If your local Politicians are smart (and they will be), it'll NOT be the armoured truck with a SWAT team; rather it'll be a widely announced "local" disaster - chemical spillage / LPG tanker accident, whatever, and you'll be very politely asked (by. e.g. local volunteer first responders, or the American Red Cross), to proceed to a local evacuation centre for a short while until the problem has been resolved - they'll even provide transport (School busses are a very good psychological tool for this purpose).

Only problem is, you ain't going home, and once they've got you, they've got you.

Easy, isn't it. And the vast (95%++) majority will go along without a second thought.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:42 | 3692663 fuu
fuu's picture

Is this a repost from 2004? Most Americans were already wiped out by the current economic collapse.

Oh wait I see it in the fine print, it's from 1999.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:58 | 3692710 lolmao500
lolmao500's picture

The crashes of 99, 04 and 08 were NOTHING compared to what's coming.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:45 | 3692674 Debt Slave
Debt Slave's picture

Most Americans are completely unaware of the fact that what is about to happen to them has happened many times in the past. Which is precisely the reason it is going to happen to them.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:58 | 3692704 yogibear
yogibear's picture

If the 1% start a huge war there will be less of the 99% and it will make the 1% even more wealthy.

The 1% never send their own into war, they send the 99%.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:06 | 3692737 Oldwood
Oldwood's picture

Its the only way left for full employment. Kill or be killed. They will probably put a little shortcut in the immigration bill for illegals to gain citizenship if they will willing enlist. Afterall, they only take the jobs real Americans won't.

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 04:45 | 3693822 Parrotile
Parrotile's picture

They better start soon then, if the collapse is "imminent". In today's modern Armies, effective training (not just Basic Training) takes a considerable time, depending on the "toys" the user is being trained to use.

The demand for the footsoldier has waned considerably since WW2

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:03 | 3692729 GirlyLocks
GirlyLocks's picture

That's all well and good, and nothing we did not already know.  But, are people seriously thinking the only thing they need do is "prep"?  I've gotten used to the fact that most Americans are soft, but this is about more than personal survival.  This is about the survival of a great republic, and it does not require waiting until the place is shot to hell to do something about it! So you'd better be the change you wish to see in the world before it gets to that.  Join a group, write, call, get active.  This place depends on citizen involvement!

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:54 | 3692830 NeedtoSecede
NeedtoSecede's picture

Girly, by involvement, do you mean a movement to secede?  I'm in.

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 04:38 | 3693818 Seer
Seer's picture

"This is about the survival of a great republic"

Fairy tales are fun, aren't they?

The US was ALWAYS about serving the "chosen."

Sigh, it's easy to cherry-pick from the past and gussy it all up...

I would argue that there is ZERO need of any govt. and that people should be free to be as they are.  Those groups that seek to engage in perpetual growth on a finite planet will always reach the exact same predicament that we're in now.  You see, it's got less to do with "govt" and governing ideologies- it's about predicating an entire social structure on the IMPOSSIBLE.

I'm not slamming all the feel-good, nice words that we might cling to.  There are lots of great quotes and ideas from the past (and I'm sure many yet to come), but when they meet the actual road things are a different matter: "all men are created equal" except those, and those there, oh, and "women!"

The "trick" has ALWAYS been that someone else needs to tell us what our "rights" are.  And this ALWAYS comes at the expense of one's personal (except those doing the telling) rights ("God-given rights").

Nature is all about deception (for survival).  Humans ARE of nature.  Creating institutions of humans means the creation of a center for deception: safety in numbers I suppose... so figures the lemmings...

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:05 | 3692734 Rentier
Rentier's picture

zzz same old doom and gloom show me the end...tired of same old broken record BS.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:08 | 3692739 SmittyinLA
SmittyinLA's picture

get prepared to get looted by people with guns 

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:10 | 3692744 q99x2
q99x2's picture

Nah there'll be a lot of jobs fighting the NSA and world bankster families.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:10 | 3692745 Bully
Bully's picture

Ah yes the usual call for the end of humanity on zerohedge. Gonna be funny to make fun of this post in 2017 when we're still not in Fight Club land and people are still prepping like it's happening "soon"

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 22:29 | 3693235 Ocean22
Ocean22's picture

Bully, you make sense, however, it IS going to happen someday.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:20 | 3692772 razorthin
razorthin's picture

Hey there, #2-#4, "saved up" and "stored away"  You need to be more specific.  I hope you mean the Brinks in your attic and not the one in the money changer's temple.  Shall be stored "away" alright.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:43 | 3692780 slowsmile
slowsmile's picture

Yeah, it fits.....For me, I stopped using credit cards (only carry one now just for emergencies -- never been one for buying trinkets, gadgets and Mercedes SLs unless I had the money) and I was always a saver since the early 80s after a particularly bad experience with credit cards. I was always old style.  

Saw the 2007/8 crash coming -- so got the hell out of UK fast before the crash. Been living in the Philippines for over 7 yrs ever since. Bliss compared to UK(or the US). Got two sons and a brother still suffering in UK and they report that life is a very sharp bag of nails in UK now.

For those who continually and wistfully insist on defending the wonderful   Constitution, you just don't understand the situation, you just aren't getting it are you? The US Govt is simply too strong now, and the population too politically dumbed-down and mesmerized by their propaganda to do anything now.  Do you want to become government tax cattle? And for those who continually squeak and bleat politically about "Hope and Change"(heard that crap before, eh?), what chance when the US govt reps -- and the vote -- are all bought and paid for by their paypals in Wall Street?  And YOU put them there!! Do you want to be crunchingly poor for the rest of your natural to support the 1%? Do you really think you will solve anything by sitting on your fat ass doing nothing and relying on the US government to save your hairy-assed butt?

Stop pissing around blabbing and do something -- get the hell out of America and move to a primitive country where the US govt cannot track you. Move to a country where food grows all around you for free like in the tropics. The poor Filipinos with no job no money -- who have nothing -- seem to survive just fine where I'm living.  

If you don't have enough money then buy food, guns and find a cave in the mountains to quietly live in. It might be tough but you will survive for awhile at least before you too are forced to become milkows as part of the Government Tax Herd.

The US govt. is only there to save the 1%. And if that's the case then you've got no-one on your side now.

No-one.

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:43 | 3692812 JuicedGamma
JuicedGamma's picture

Where in PI? Ready very soon to make the same move.

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 05:26 | 3693845 Seer
Seer's picture

"The poor Filipinos with no job no money -- who have nothing -- seem to survive just fine where I'm living."

My wife is Filipino, lived there until her mid forties.  While she's still got a house there I'd only consider it as a last resort (she has no interest in returning there to live [and not because she has a glamorous life with me- we're struggling start-up farmers]).

As they say, change is inevitable.  It might be good there now, but what will happen when things go to shit around the globe?  The poor there are pretty much "adjusted" to being such (much is the same everywhere): Roman Catholicism works real well in getting people to accept this.  The concern is with those that are currently NOT- how will THEY react when they DO become "poor?"  The GDP there is propped up to the tune of 10% from remittances.  What happens when that starts eroding?  All seems to work as long as there's a bit of growth: man, if you've been to metro Manila, however, you really have to ask yourself whether folks in the outlying area are "fine" (they do the best they can, but if ever the word "poverty" can be described it is there).

Don't get me wrong, I like it there (though in the country), and my experiences there have been good (family stuff- I was accepted really well [owing to the great respect for my wife]).  As a white guy I stuck out like a sore thumb in my wife's neighborhood.  History tends to suggest that blending in is a more successful survival strategy: I constantly worry about that with my wife, here, which is why I tend to jump all over the racist fucks running loose (also help spoil things for whites residing in places that are not predominantly populated by whites).

The fires will come (everywhere).  The US govt will, just as history/entropy says, burn itself out.  And I suspect that there might be a lot of the "bad guys" fleeing, in which case I'll play contrarian and stay.  Either case, here's hoping that it works out for both of us and that the Filipinos around us stay well.

Oh!  I might be "Older" style- I've NEVER had a credit card! (nor purchased a new vehicle, other than a riding mower).  And my wife is more old-school Filipina: sometimes it can become painful to get her to focus on "value" more than "cheap/inexpensive" - ha ha!

Tue, 06/25/2013 - 19:49 | 3692823 Henry Hub
Henry Hub's picture

Well I can tell you if I have the choice of eating freeze dried food and starving...I'd rather starve!

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