Posted: 1/12/2026 9:25:38 AM EDT
[Last Edit: TheOtherDave][Edited]
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What would that look like for you? I’d be off work on disability from a shoulder surgery, a little caught with my pants down from a few bigger bills recently but $10k loan as far as debt goes. The crib is paid for, BOL is paid for and livable-I’d suffer a bit but not as much as most…. Things just feel Baaaaad right now, and coming to a head all at the same time-am I the only one feeling it? Financially, domestically, geopolitically, socially…… it just feels like something is about to pop off. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By TheOtherDave: What would that look like for you? The small mom and pop company that I have worked for for the past 8+ years got bought out by a much bigger competitor back in Sept. With that I took a fairly large pay cut. It sucks, but I'm kind of lucky to have a job I guess as I was in management and operations, had a hand in everything and that is not needed now. Now I just do a tech support role, with little to no on-call where I was 365/24/7, even on vacation.. So that parts been nice. Not sure what's going to happen. Where do you feel like we are going to see action? Russia/Ukraine Iran (or some other M.E. Sandbox) China, Norks Greenland, Antarctica, Mexico, Venezuela , On our soil? Shit, Spread us thin!!! |
LARUEMINATI
NRA Endowment Life Member
Originally Posted By Boom_Stick:
""AKs are for villagers you have to tell not to shit in their water supply.""
NRA Endowment Life Member
Originally Posted By Boom_Stick:
""AKs are for villagers you have to tell not to shit in their water supply.""
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Originally Posted By smullen: It would suck for me The wife and I are in our 50s and I'm in a specialized trade, in a rural area with no jobs. The small mom and pop company that I have worked for for the past 8+ years got bought out by a much bigger competitor back in Sept. With that I took a fairly large pay cut. It sucks, but I'm kind of lucky to have a job I guess as I was in management and operations, had a hand in everything and that is not needed now. Now I just do a tech support role, with little to no on-call where I was 365/24/7, even on vacation.. So that parts been nice. Not sure what's going to happen. Where do you feel like we are going to see action? Russia/Ukraine Iran (or some other M.E. Sandbox) China, Norks Greenland, Antarctica, Mexico, Venezuela , On our soil? Shit, Spread us thin!!! Most likely would be Iran, but I wonder why the negotiation process between Putin and Trump has been so dragged out-the attack on Putin’s residence seemed staged by people wanting to prolong the war. Iran? I can’t really see us going to war-if the Iranians overthrow their government the need to goes away, and right now Trump could sneeze and blow them over. China has a ton of internal problems, war might help get the people moving in one direction, but they really aren’t ready for it and it would destroy their economy even if they won. Venezuela is going to play ball. Mexico will probably see some special ops action. As far as war on our soil? It’s as least as likely as a war outside of our shores. These MAM’s didn’t migrate here for no reason… |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By smullen: It would suck for me The wife and I are in our 50s and I'm in a specialized trade, in a rural area with no jobs. The small mom and pop company that I have worked for for the past 8+ years got bought out by a much bigger competitor back in Sept. With that I took a fairly large pay cut. It sucks, but I'm kind of lucky to have a job I guess as I was in management and operations, had a hand in everything and that is not needed now. Now I just do a tech support role, with little to no on-call where I was 365/24/7, even on vacation.. So that parts been nice. Not sure what's going to happen. Where do you feel like we are going to see action? Russia/Ukraine Iran (or some other M.E. Sandbox) China, Norks Greenland, Antarctica, Mexico, Venezuela , On our soil? Shit, Spread us thin!!! I’m in a specialized trade too, doesn’t matter if you are rural or suburban Detroit like me-when credit constriction happens, they don’t need people you and me. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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FL real estate is taking a nosedive, like 2008. That ripple effect broke open the subprime mortgage market... it's obvious that we will be involved somewhere with boots on the ground... I'm not bullish on Ukraine. If we get sufficiently involved elsewhere, China may bust a move on Taiwan. Maybe not, China has their hands full with domestic issues of their own. All we need done in Iran is being done by the locals. . War is on the horizon. We'll need something to boost the economy, and a regional war would do it. Interesting times indeed... |
Another old guy
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Were cooked. We lose because Trump hasn’t secured the hemisphere from commies and drug smugglers. But seriously. I don’t know. If it’s world policing, I will be like damn this sucks. If its WWIII then nukes will isolate me from any real harm. If they shoot nukes I won’t feel a thing. |
Gonads & Strife
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Originally Posted By Ops: FL real estate is taking a nosedive, like 2008. That ripple effect broke open the subprime mortgage market... it's obvious that we will be involved somewhere with boots on the ground... I'm not bullish on Ukraine. If we get sufficiently involved elsewhere, China may bust a move on Taiwan. Maybe not, China has their hands full with domestic issues of their own. All we need done in Iran is being done by the locals. . War is on the horizon. We'll need something to boost the economy, and a regional war would do it. Interesting times indeed... I think Ukraine gave China an “ohhh…” moment about Taiwan and made them go home and sharpen their pencils a bit. I believe that internally Taiwan is off the table for the Chinese but they also have a lot of domestic problems that need people to be focused and moving together in a productive way and a war for Taiwan might get them that. It would have to basically be a situation where their society were in the brink of collapse because their economy would be absolutely buggered once theory was over. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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SC, USA
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Whatever war may happen, it's not coming here. Nobody has the naval or aerial forces to get here. Nobody can get troops here. Period. There will be zero nukes launched, because the enemies want to succeed in their plans. Any nukes launched by them end up with us destroying them, while they hit us with enough to damage us pretty badly. It's not worth it to them. They achieve nothing by it. That leaves the territories in the Americas. Only China, outside of the Americas has enough troops to get a foothold on any nation in the America's, but tey would be sunk before they ever landed. The only option for them would be to sneak in in container ships. That limits the amount of troops, the number of troops, and the kinds of equipment they can bring to the fight. No tanks, no helicopters, no air force, no naval ships, nothing. Simply ground troops, small arms, heavy MGs, SAMs, and drones, but all of that will be limited numbers, so those troops would be immediately destroyed. Nobody else can do it. They couldn't even get a foothold in the US, but they may be able to gt a small foothold in other countries, but with the same weapons stated above. Those troops would be destroyed quickly, and again, there's no method for them to bring in the heavy armor and aircraft. So, the Americas are safe. That leaves insurrections from inside, fomented and paid for by China. Russia has their hands full with a 2nd world army on their border, and their money is in the toilet. No chance fir them. Iran, falling as we speak. Even if the radicals stay in power, they'll have been kicked back 20 years, with a currency that's worthless. So, there will be no foreign invasions, and the nations inside of the Americas can't do anything. We're safe. Taiwan ? Possibly. Areas around Russia getting taken by China, more likely, but that would drive a huge wedge between Russia and China and would benefit the US. Any increases or territory gains our enemies make will not come at the expense of the US. Our worry, should be forming closer alliances with new nations that we can rely on, to replace the soon to be Muslim Caliphate of Former Western Europe. Those nations will be our sworn enemies in 20 years. We need to pull every nuke out of those former allied countries, and work to have them eliminate their own home grown nuclear programs. If not, we will have to face them in the future. We have allies in Asia, and we need to try and pull Vietnam into an allied posture. The world of today and of the next hundred years will not be the world of the last few hundred. Because of demographics and the new encroaching push of communism, we need allies. Not for technology, but for extra manpower. The Monroe Doctrine needs to be followed strictly and advanced quickly to turn the South and Central American nations into capitalist allies, and then we must pressure Canada to turn back to capitalism. Canada won't have England, if they have them now, to back the or support them. Eastern Canada will fall to the Muslims, just as Western Europe has. If we don't force them to change for the better, we will have to invade them, within the next 50 years, if not earlier. |
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Originally Posted By TheOtherDave: I think Ukraine gave China an “ohhh…” moment about Taiwan and made them go home and sharpen their pencils a bit. I believe that internally Taiwan is off the table for the Chinese but they also have a lot of domestic problems that need people to be focused and moving together in a productive way and a war for Taiwan might get them that. It would have to basically be a situation where their society were in the brink of collapse because their economy would be absolutely buggered once theory was over. Originally Posted By TheOtherDave: Originally Posted By Ops: FL real estate is taking a nosedive, like 2008. That ripple effect broke open the subprime mortgage market... it's obvious that we will be involved somewhere with boots on the ground... I'm not bullish on Ukraine. If we get sufficiently involved elsewhere, China may bust a move on Taiwan. Maybe not, China has their hands full with domestic issues of their own. All we need done in Iran is being done by the locals. . War is on the horizon. We'll need something to boost the economy, and a regional war would do it. Interesting times indeed... I think Ukraine gave China an “ohhh…” moment about Taiwan and made them go home and sharpen their pencils a bit. I believe that internally Taiwan is off the table for the Chinese but they also have a lot of domestic problems that need people to be focused and moving together in a productive way and a war for Taiwan might get them that. It would have to basically be a situation where their society were in the brink of collapse because their economy would be absolutely buggered once theory was over. China will likely keep working what they have been on the other front. Getting their picks in the Taiwan elected government positions and military. Once they get enough obliging or beholding Taiwanese in power they’ll just firm up the relationship as a Chinese province. A slow death for Taiwan. China would be stupid if they went militarily while they can takeover from within. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
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Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: China will likely keep working what they have been on the other front. Getting their picks in the Taiwan elected government positions and military. Once they get enough obliging or beholding Taiwanese in power they’ll just firm up the relationship as a Chinese province. A slow death for Taiwan. China would be stupid if they went militarily while they can takeover from within. Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: Originally Posted By TheOtherDave: Originally Posted By Ops: FL real estate is taking a nosedive, like 2008. That ripple effect broke open the subprime mortgage market... it's obvious that we will be involved somewhere with boots on the ground... I'm not bullish on Ukraine. If we get sufficiently involved elsewhere, China may bust a move on Taiwan. Maybe not, China has their hands full with domestic issues of their own. All we need done in Iran is being done by the locals. . War is on the horizon. We'll need something to boost the economy, and a regional war would do it. Interesting times indeed... I think Ukraine gave China an “ohhh…” moment about Taiwan and made them go home and sharpen their pencils a bit. I believe that internally Taiwan is off the table for the Chinese but they also have a lot of domestic problems that need people to be focused and moving together in a productive way and a war for Taiwan might get them that. It would have to basically be a situation where their society were in the brink of collapse because their economy would be absolutely buggered once theory was over. China will likely keep working what they have been on the other front. Getting their picks in the Taiwan elected government positions and military. Once they get enough obliging or beholding Taiwanese in power they’ll just firm up the relationship as a Chinese province. A slow death for Taiwan. China would be stupid if they went militarily while they can takeover from within. China is barely keeping their domestic issues in line. If they wait too long the CCP might not have any control in mainland China, let alone taiwan |
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Originally Posted By Voland: You are a drug dealer? Look at his username, assuming that's what he's referring to. |
www.jrhenterprises.com
In business since 1992- Over 30 Years in business- Thank you for your business!
Quickest ways to contact us-
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In business since 1992- Over 30 Years in business- Thank you for your business!
Quickest ways to contact us-
912.375.1480
[email protected]
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I was reading this thread in GD and thinking the same thing. https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/Interesting-comment-from-a-defense-contractor-we-are-working-with-yestereday-Gearing-up-for-WW3/5-2829390/ If we don't go to war or do something that really turns the economic tides our currency will just keep going into the shitter. Just in the last couple years: Electric prices in my AO more than doubled if not tripled. Vehicle and homeowners' insurance costs just increased significantly. Taxes are increasing. Assessments are up 30%. Health insurance costs are ever increasing. Wages for the average working man are not keeping up. My wife and I would have a hard time affording to buy our current house at current prices and interest rates if we had to buy it today. We made a lot less a decade ago and were able to afford it once the opportunity presented itself. In my AO you would have a hard time finding a decent livable home for less than 200k other than a singlewide and even a new decent one of those is ~100K. A new full size truck payment would cost me more than what we pay a month for our mortgage to date. Bought a new truck in 2018 and didn't even have to think twice about it. I would not be able to do that today. |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Originally Posted By thederrick106: I was reading this thread in GD and thinking the same thing. https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/Interesting-comment-from-a-defense-contractor-we-are-working-with-yestereday-Gearing-up-for-WW3/5-2829390/ If we don't go to war or do something that really turns the economic tides our currency will just keep going into the shitter. Just in the last couple years: Electric prices in my AO more than doubled if not tripled. Vehicle and homeowners' insurance costs just increased significantly. Taxes are increasing. Assessments are up 30%. Health insurance costs are ever increasing. Wages for the average working man are not keeping up. My wife and I would have a hard time affording to buy our current house at current prices and interest rates if we had to buy it today. We made a lot less a decade ago and were able to afford it once the opportunity presented itself. In my AO you would have a hard time finding a decent livable home for less than 200k other than a singlewide and even a new decent one of those is ~100K. A new full size truck payment would cost me more than what we pay a month for our mortgage to date. Bought a new truck in 2018 and didn't even have to think twice about it. I would not be able to do that today. I have never even owned a new car… But yeah, no way in hell would I be able to buy the house I got in 2013. It would be triple what I paid for it. My retired wife pays for the groceries as her financial contribution to the household so I am largely insulated from inflation as most of the things I spend money on are relatively fixed monthly costs-insurance, taxes etc. I would have a pretty grim outlook if I were a 24 year old with a fiance right about now… I really feel for the young people that were told they could have it better than their parents if they just went to the right school and got the right degree.. I’m seeing young mechanical engineers who went to thru the motions and are struggling to start their lives even 2-3 years after graduation with a decent job… |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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I don't know about the 3 months thing, but I've been spending almost all free time reworking systems and structures that took damage during Helene. That was a big wakeup call for us, a lot of things that should have worked better, didn't.. Lot of damage to outbuildings, garden fencing, animal outbuildings, etc. We looked at the opportunity as a way to "clean slate" and start over a lot of our food production areas/infrastructure. Finished a 12x24 greenhouse in November. It's full of veggies now. Tied into our water grid as well as having a large rain collection tank and a small solar system for it to run an on demand pump from the water tank. So basically it can be part of our water grid or use water collected from the roof of the structure that is pressurized from the small solar setup for that building- 12v 130 watt panel to Trace C40 controller to a 12v battery that runs the on demand pump. Ventilation for it is also solar. So while I don't think the world is ending tomorrow, as the economy (and work) has slowed a bit, I've been taking more time at home getting things squared away at the homestead. These very well might be the "good old days" we look back on at some point, who knows. All of what we are doing is good for the homestead and eventually retirement as well. Keep on keeping on. |
www.jrhenterprises.com
In business since 1992- Over 30 Years in business- Thank you for your business!
Quickest ways to contact us-
912.375.1480
[email protected]
In business since 1992- Over 30 Years in business- Thank you for your business!
Quickest ways to contact us-
912.375.1480
[email protected]
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Honestly, I think this is going to be a banger of a year, stocks are up, my company is doing really well, and I am not much worried about any of the BS doom and gloom being pushed. I figure we are good to go for at least the rest of the trump administration to be fair though a lot of feeling good about things is not being worried since i have no debt, large chunks of net worth well diversified in different things. home with a good chunk of wooded acreage, very economical, can heat with wood, new well and solar that puts out enough that while not meeting my current needs that i can get my power consumption down enough with out to much pain to do what i need it to. also being in an area with several good friends nearby in similar circumstances. Besides I hear President Starky says it's getting better, it's getting better all the time. |
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So as an aerospace engineer... every time things heat up internationally (ie Cold War, war in Ukraine) the job market improves. Own my home. Investments mean I don't have to work. If the dollar and regular investments collapsed I am stocked with precious metals, freeze dried food, medical expertise and supplies, and a rural BOL. If the war came to my home I've got the skills & equipment to engage foreign invaders beyond 1,000 yards with silenced first round hits. |
per aspera ad astra
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I'm a prepper... I choose to anticipate problems and plan ahead...I think it is smart and prudent.... There's a problem: living this way can quickly start to look grim.... It becomes overwhelming and negative. Preps can become extreme, and start to actively harm actual day to day life.... Examples: cold war. I was born in 1967...I was early teens in 1980, 1981, and that era. The risk or threat of totally annihilation by Soviet ICBMs was very very real. We're talking end of humanity and a glassed over planet. Is there anything I can do to prevent that? Not a fucking thing.. sometimes, the best you can do is ignore things too big for you to handle . Y2K... No one knew. Is it going to be real? Is it hocus pocus smoke and vapor? I know of some who bet everything on Y2K: let's run up thousands and thousands on credit for preps. When the computers crash, we'll be ahead!!! Only they didn't crash. I took reasonable precautions: padded the food and energy supplies. Pull extra cash out of the bank. Nothing extreme.... Right know it does seem grim: it's uncertain. A lack of national leadership isn't helping. Most Americans are too stupid to vote intelligently, and we're getting a raft of seriously stupid economic decisions. It would be super easy to go over board. But really, nothing I can do will help prevent the larger economic meltdown. My advice: take some modest, reasonable precautions. Then move on... Don't let all this shit overwhelm. |
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Originally Posted By frozenny: I'm a prepper... I choose to anticipate problems and plan ahead...I think it is smart and prudent.... There's a problem: living this way can quickly start to look grim.... It becomes overwhelming and negative. Preps can become extreme, and start to actively harm actual day to day life.... Examples: cold war. I was born in 1967...I was early teens in 1980, 1981, and that era. The risk or threat of totally annihilation by Soviet ICBMs was very very real. We're talking end of humanity and a glassed over planet. Is there anything I can do to prevent that? Not a fucking thing.. sometimes, the best you can do is ignore things too big for you to handle . Y2K... No one knew. Is it going to be real? Is it hocus pocus smoke and vapor? I know of some who bet everything on Y2K: let's run up thousands and thousands on credit for preps. When the computers crash, we'll be ahead!!! Only they didn't crash. I took reasonable precautions: padded the food and energy supplies. Pull extra cash out of the bank. Nothing extreme.... Right know it does seem grim: it's uncertain. A lack of national leadership isn't helping. Most Americans are too stupid to vote intelligently, and we're getting a raft of seriously stupid economic decisions. It would be super easy to go over board. But really, nothing I can do will help prevent the larger economic meltdown. My advice: take some modest, reasonable precautions. Then move on... Don't let all this shit overwhelm. The whole premise of prepping is to prepare for bad times, bad weather, disaster, etc. The main problem all preppers face (myself included) is a very negative and/or pessimistic outlook on the future. To make matters worse, confirmation bias is extremely evident in the prepper community. Outsiders look at preppers like they are nuts so preppers naturally seek out other preppers. Other preppers are also very pessimistic of the future. Preppers find each other and feed each others paranoia. It’s a vicious cycle. If I knew 100% for certain that the future is going to be rosy, I wouldn’t be a prepper. At the end of the day, no one gets out of life alive. We are all terminal. So, we have to find a balance. A balance of preparing for a realistic future while still enjoying the moment. I believe it was Admiral Stockdale who said, when asked about how bad it was during the almost 8 years he spent as a POW in Vietnam “it was pretty bad. But there were some good times too”. And, consider this additional quote from Admiral Stockdale often referred to as the Stockdale Paradox: “You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end — which you can never afford to lose — with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be” The reality is, what prepping looks like for a citizen in Ukraine looks different than what prepping looks like for a citizen in some African shithole and prepping in America looks different from both those locations. A prepper in FL will have different threats to be concerned about than a prepper in Wyoming. Lots of preppers forget to live their lives. They get consumed by the need to “survive” and forget to enjoy the good times….and also forget that even the bad times can have enjoyable moments. Personally I have a much more positive outlook on the near future than frozenny has. He might be right. Maybe I’m right. We’ll know in a few years but by then we will be looking at different threats and fears. Prepping is smart. But hiding inside your house waiting for death to take you is no life. Get out and live. And yes, maybe you will die while living your life. I’d much rather have a full life cut short than to live my life in fear hiding in my bunker. And if it gets that bad, well I’m not afraid of dying hopefully surrounded by a mountain of brass and the bodies of my enemies. Better than dying in a bed shitting my diaper. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
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Playing da debil's advocate here folks- if you TRULY BELIEVE we only have "3 months" or X time frame, it should put a major fire under your arse. This year will be 40 years for me actively preparing, 40 years. You know how many times I've heard "we only have X time" or "such and such is going to happen on X date?" Not dissing the OP, he's old skewl also and I'm sure he's also heard that over the years. Just saying it's important to temper your expectations. That being said, there was a time during Hurricane Helene dealing with a few systems not working as they should, damage to various structures and thinking through things that I had put off or semi neglected due to being busy with business that I thought to myself- "yeah you got X dollars in the bank, but WTF good is that to you right now?" Almost 3 weeks without standard power isn't the end of the world, but seeing failures in some of your systems happen makes you think why didn't I take care of this? Life is a balance and sometimes we prioritize making those dollars over time spent working on projects/doing PMs, etc. And that's a choice I made and when things got bad, that choice came back on me. Try to maintain balance and make regular preparations. It's easier on your budget versus going wild every so often due to the latest "threat", etc. I totally agree that things look bad now on pretty much all fronts. You still have TIME to prepare, the question always has been and always will be- What will you DO with that time? |
www.jrhenterprises.com
In business since 1992- Over 30 Years in business- Thank you for your business!
Quickest ways to contact us-
912.375.1480
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In business since 1992- Over 30 Years in business- Thank you for your business!
Quickest ways to contact us-
912.375.1480
[email protected]
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Originally Posted By ColtRifle: The whole premise of prepping is to prepare for bad times, bad weather, disaster, etc. The main problem all preppers face (myself included) is a very negative and/or pessimistic outlook on the future. To make matters worse, confirmation bias is extremely evident in the prepper community. Outsiders look at preppers like they are nuts so preppers naturally seek out other preppers. Other preppers are also very pessimistic of the future. Preppers find each other and feed each others paranoia. It’s a vicious cycle. If I knew 100% for certain that the future is going to be rosy, I wouldn’t be a prepper. At the end of the day, no one gets out of life alive. We are all terminal. So, we have to find a balance. A balance of preparing for a realistic future while still enjoying the moment. I believe it was Admiral Stockdale who said, when asked about how bad it was during the almost 8 years he spent as a POW in Vietnam “it was pretty bad. But there were some good times too”. And, consider this additional quote from Admiral Stockdale often referred to as the Stockdale Paradox: “You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end — which you can never afford to lose — with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be” The reality is, what prepping looks like for a citizen in Ukraine looks different than what prepping looks like for a citizen in some African shithole and prepping in America looks different from both those locations. A prepper in FL will have different threats to be concerned about than a prepper in Wyoming. Lots of preppers forget to live their lives. They get consumed by the need to “survive” and forget to enjoy the good times….and also forget that even the bad times can have enjoyable moments. Personally I have a much more positive outlook on the near future than frozenny has. He might be right. Maybe I’m right. We’ll know in a few years but by then we will be looking at different threats and fears. Prepping is smart. But hiding inside your house waiting for death to take you is no life. Get out and live. And yes, maybe you will die while living your life. I’d much rather have a full life cut short than to live my life in fear hiding in my bunker. And if it gets that bad, well I’m not afraid of dying hopefully surrounded by a mountain of brass and the bodies of my enemies. Better than dying in a bed shitting my diaper. It’s hard to keep the perspective that we are all Surviving every day-some days you just have more to work with than others. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By Lowdown3: Playing da debil's advocate here folks- if you TRULY BELIEVE we only have "3 months" or X time frame, it should put a major fire under your arse. This year will be 40 years for me actively preparing, 40 years. You know how many times I've heard "we only have X time" or "such and such is going to happen on X date?" Not dissing the OP, he's old skewl also and I'm sure he's also heard that over the years. Just saying it's important to temper your expectations. That being said, there was a time during Hurricane Helene dealing with a few systems not working as they should, damage to various structures and thinking through things that I had put off or semi neglected due to being busy with business that I thought to myself- "yeah you got X dollars in the bank, but WTF good is that to you right now?" Almost 3 weeks without standard power isn't the end of the world, but seeing failures in some of your systems happen makes you think why didn't I take care of this? Life is a balance and sometimes we prioritize making those dollars over time spent working on projects/doing PMs, etc. And that's a choice I made and when things got bad, that choice came back on me. Try to maintain balance and make regular preparations. It's easier on your budget versus going wild every so often due to the latest "threat", etc. I totally agree that things look bad now on pretty much all fronts. You still have TIME to prepare, the question always has been and always will be- What will you DO with that time? Old school enough that I would be fine for a few years with a total collapse of power generation and food distribution…… ….. doesn’t mean that I don’t worry about it totally fucking my retirement plans though. I’m finally at a place in life where things are good and sailing is relatively smooth, I don’t want to give it up. I’m staring at shoulder surgery in a week that will have me off work for 3-12 months depending on that they find so I’m already looking at a financially poor year on disability - I am more worried about whether I will have a job to come back to once I get cleared for work. I’m a skilled tradesman working in Detroit-this isn’t my first or even third Rodeo, when things slow down in the economy you can’t even BUY a job here as a dishwasher. I’m hoping for smooth sailing, my spider senses are tingling though-2026 had a lot of potential to be rocky. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By Mannlicher: I just don't see everything imploding by April. Just not going to happen. That said, if Armageddon should come about, I'm about as prepared as possible. Frankly, at my age and with my reduced mobility, I'm not in it for the long haul anyway. lol I don’t think this is a prediction thread. More like an exercise/discussion thread on “what if”. But, I could be mistaken as well. We’ve had some silly prediction threads here in the past that went nowhere so maybe I misunderstood the OP. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
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I swear, some of you guys need to... as the kids say... "Touch some grass." Put down the phone, turn off the TV, disconnect from the MSM/twitter doom and gloom for a couple weeks. Stay out of GD. The world isn't about to explode. Everyone in the 24 hour news cycle is going for clicks so the drama is cranked up to 11. We've been closer to catastrophe than we are today. Might there be a civil war soon? Sure but if the current political polarization turns kinetic, we're looking at the Irish troubles more than Serbia or the US civil war. Small, sporadic bouts of violence that don't impact the day to day of most people unless you are unlucky enough to get caught in the crossfire. No one is going to invade us. The markets aren't going to fall apart. Life isn't going to substantially change any time soon. I mean how many of these Y2K, nuclear war doomsday, global pandemic, recession/housing market crash impending doom scenarios do we have to live through before we learn that life just keeps moving? Even when something actually happens, it's never as bad as everyone said it would be and life just continues. Maybe we wear face diapers for a couple years, and yeah SOME people end up having a really hard time but overall, the population as a whole just carries on. So prep the stuff you're going to prep, which can be guns, food, or an emergency fund, etc and then be ready to adapt and just ride out the rest. And in the meantime, enjoy your life while the sailing is smooth. The likelihood of a catastrophic event are low despite how scary such events seem. It's a trick our brains play on us where they dramatically increase the perceived likelihood of events that are scarier. So people are scared of shark attacks but not driving on the freeway to get to the beach despite the statistics being clear on which is more likely to kill you. You can't live your life under the weight of existential dread. |
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Originally Posted By TheOtherDave: It’s hard to keep the perspective that we are all Surviving every day-some days you just have more to work with than others. As I pointed out, SHTF looks different for different people. A job loss could easily be a SHTF situation for some people. People who have prepared for a job loss by having money available to them will be in a better position to weather the financial SHTF than the person who has lots of cool stuff and a large amount of credit card debt. The more prepared you are for realistic threats, the less likely every day SHTF type of events will rise to the level of SHTF. For most people, the most likely realistic threats are job loss, medical issues, and a home loss due to weather, flood, or fire. The first prep there isn’t stuff. It’s money and insurance. We like our guns but realistically, in America you aren’t likely to have to defend yourself. I’ve been in most of the most dangerous cities in America and haven’t had to defend myself. I have spotted potential danger a few times and avoided it….but never ended up in a situation where someone wanted to hurt, rob, or kill me when traveling for recreation. I still take precautions and still carry a gun when traveling but it stays concealed. I’ve also travelled to other countries where I couldn’t carry a gun. Had a great time other places and had zero issues. I am cautious and do my homework before traveling but that’s part of prepping. Lots of preppers just want to hide from the world. Paranoia feeds paranoia. I have a couple personal friends like that. Everything is some conspiracy and the end of the world is always right around the corner. But, never seems to materialize…… Lots of preppers aren’t really serious. For example, if you think nuclear war is right around the corner and you want to survive it, if you aren’t building an underground bunker capable of surviving a nuclear exchange, you aren’t serious about your beliefs. I do not believe nuclear war is likely so I am not building a bunker capable of surviving a nuclear war. But if I really thought it was likely, yes I would definitely be building one. Lots of posters here are just all talk. If you could actually see what their preps look like, you’d probably be surprised at how poorly prepared many posters really are. They will criticize your “lack of preparedness” when posting online but in reality, they are less prepared than you are. Just human nature. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
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Need to get more 3 mil black sheeting.. Seems I am the one one in our neighborhood that has back up power. Was creepy to see the whole area blacked out while 10 deg. Power was out for about 5 hours and seems to be happening more often. Attached File |
Just because you are unique doesn't make you useful.
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Originally Posted By cmxterra: Need to get more 3 mil black sheeting.. Seems I am the one one in our neighborhood that has back up power. Was creepy to see the whole area blacked out while 10 deg. Power was out for about 5 hours and seems to be happening more often. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/156207/dji_fly_20260114_062854_0231_17683942215-3696356.JPG There is a heavy black fabric material that you can find at Walmart that makes great blackout curtains. These will be quieter than plastic and won't have moisture issues, etc. |
www.jrhenterprises.com
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In business since 1992- Over 30 Years in business- Thank you for your business!
Quickest ways to contact us-
912.375.1480
[email protected]
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Originally Posted By Lowdown3: There is a heavy black fabric material that you can find at Walmart that makes great blackout curtains. These will be quieter than plastic and won't have moisture issues, etc. @Lowdown3 Thanks for the tip. Will check that out. |
Just because you are unique doesn't make you useful.
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Originally Posted By Daggertt: Even when something actually happens, it's never as bad as everyone said it would be and life just continues. Maybe we wear face diapers for a couple years, and yeah SOME people end up having a really hard time but overall, the population as a whole just carries on. Tell that to the Ukrainians  . I agree with most of what you said though. But, it really sucks for the ones involved in whatever SHTF personally. For me I am worried to death about shortages and not being able to get things. I just ordered another 3000 9mm projectiles due to recent events. Next week I am going to pick up powder for them. Do I need them? no, but I sleep better at night knowing they are in my basement. I am one of those people that can't move on to other things until I have resolved a problem and closed the tab in my mind. Too many open tabs makes my mind run slow... When Covid hit my entertainment was watching people freak out about the empty shelves. My prepping gave me confidence and a positive outlook during a negative time. While I don't prep for anything specific (except shortages) I do like to know what is going on in the world to try and guess the next possible problem and address it early. Being a cop for 33 years taught me many things, mostly to deal with a problem while its a mole hill BEFORE becoming a mountain. I think most preppers have a form of this mentality. Some people breathe doom and gloom, some people think about it often enough that it is always in the back of their minds, and others wander aimlessly not realizing what's even going on that could impact their life. Prep as you see fit but be realistic about if, at least for your family's sake...
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A Nation of Sheep Breeds a Government of Wolves!!!
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Originally Posted By ColtRifle: I don’t think this is a prediction thread. More like an exercise/discussion thread on “what if”. But, I could be mistaken as well. We’ve had some silly prediction threads here in the past that went nowhere so maybe I misunderstood the OP. No, you’ve got it right-but with as much potential for bad around us right now it could certainly feel like a prediction/doom thread. I made the transition from hobby-prepper to semi-lifestyle 20 years ago. I’m not terribly worried, but you never know-the best laid plans and all that. That rural off grid cabin might be occupied when I get there, lol. Like any day of your life, you dance with the girl you brought. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By DUX4LIFE: Tell that to the Ukrainians . I agree with most of what you said though. But, it really sucks for the ones involved in whatever SHTF personally. For me I am worried to death about shortages and not being able to get things. I just ordered another 3000 9mm projectiles due to recent events. Next week I am going to pick up powder for them. Do I need them? no, but I sleep better at night knowing they are in my basement. I am one of those people that can't move on to other things until I have resolved a problem and closed the tab in my mind. Too many open tabs makes my mind run slow... When Covid hit my entertainment was watching people freak out about the empty shelves. My prepping gave me confidence and a positive outlook during a negative time. While I don't prep for anything specific (except shortages) I do like to know what is going on in the world to try and guess the next possible problem and address it early. Being a cop for 33 years taught me many things, mostly to deal with a problem while its a mole hill BEFORE becoming a mountain. I think most preppers have a form of this mentality. Some people breathe doom and gloom, some people think about it often enough that it is always in the back of their minds, and others wander aimlessly not realizing what's even going on that could impact their life. Prep as you see fit but be realistic about if, at least for your family's sake...Ain’t gonna lie, I made decent coin selling unwanted guns and ammo to panic buying coworkers during Covid….. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By TheOtherDave: No, you’ve got it right-but with as much potential for bad around us right now it could certainly feel like a prediction/doom thread. I made the transition from hobby-prepper to semi-lifestyle 20 years ago. I’m not terribly worried, but you never know-the best laid plans and all that. That rural off grid cabin might be occupied when I get there, lol. Like any day of your life, you dance with the girl you brought. I actually think the future looks bright. Not saying it's all rainbows and unicorns but I don't see the doom and gloom a lot of people see. Of course, posters in this forum will tend to see a lot more doom and gloom than outsiders looking in might see because that's part of being a prepper. I study a lot of current events and then try to apply historical context to them. Based on that, I'm not terribly worried. I'm always cautious but I don't see disaster coming for us here in the US any time soon. Of course there will be issues and hiccups. That's life. I don't see nuclear war or even world war on the horizon. I used to believe every doomsday prepper fantasy out there. Between traveling around the world (military) and a strong interest in history, I discovered that you can study current events and make informed decisions on what is likely to happen next. You’ll never be 100% right but you can be more right than wrong. You just have to put down the love of conspiracy doomsday stuff and start loving truth. Learn to filter out the bullshit from reality. I have found myself being much happier once I stopped smoking the conspiracy doomsday crackpipe. A side benefit (which also has a prepping purpose) is my net worth jumped a lot. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
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Originally Posted By ColtRifle: I actually think the future looks bright. Not saying it's all rainbows and unicorns but I don't see the doom and gloom a lot of people see. Of course, posters in this forum will tend to see a lot more doom and gloom than outsiders looking in might see because that's part of being a prepper. I study a lot of current events and then try to apply historical context to them. Based on that, I'm not terribly worried. I'm always cautious but I don't see disaster coming for us here in the US any time soon. Of course there will be issues and hiccups. That's life. I don't see nuclear war or even world war on the horizon. I used to believe every doomsday prepper fantasy out there. Between traveling around the world (military) and a strong interest in history, I discovered that you can study current events and make informed decisions on what is likely to happen next. You’ll never be 100% right but you can be more right than wrong. You just have to put down the love of conspiracy doomsday stuff and start loving truth. Learn to filter out the bullshit from reality. I have found myself being much happier once I stopped smoking the conspiracy doomsday crackpipe. A side benefit (which also has a prepping purpose) is my net worth jumped a lot. For me, it’s the economic turmoil that concerns me most. I live in suburban Detroit and in normal times we usually see a 10 year boom/bust cycle-we are currently overdue. The last one was the 07-09 recession that was so bad that 33% unemployment was seen and almost the same for active foreclosures…. If you weren’t laid off and losing your house, one of your next door neighbors was. Or maybe both or all 3 of you. We are well overdue for that again. We haven’t seen the fallout from Tariffs yet. Manufacturing is in the toilet. Illegals leaving the country might be lowering rents (apparently it is), but it also means no cheap labor for the things you consume. There is potential for war all over the globe that could affect us financially. Most of us are past the age of going off to fight, but it doesn’t mean we can’t be affected.. We have domestic political instability that could spook investors. We have a problem in the silver commodities market that could expose problems with ALL commodities investing…. It just seems like a lot all at once. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By TheOtherDave: For me, it’s the economic turmoil that concerns me most. I live in suburban Detroit and in normal times we usually see a 10 year boom/bust cycle-we are currently overdue. The last one was the 07-09 recession that was so bad that 33% unemployment was seen and almost the same for active foreclosures…. If you weren’t laid off and losing your house, one of your next door neighbors was. Or maybe both or all 3 of you. We are well overdue for that again. We haven’t seen the fallout from Tariffs yet. Manufacturing is in the toilet. Illegals leaving the country might be lowering rents (apparently it is), but it also means no cheap labor for the things you consume. There is potential for war all over the globe that could affect us financially. Most of us are past the age of going off to fight, but it doesn’t mean we can’t be affected.. We have domestic political instability that could spook investors. We have a problem in the silver commodities market that could expose problems with ALL commodities investing…. It just seems like a lot all at once. Detroit has long been a mess. I think comparing Detroit to just about anywhere else is a mistake. Spook investors? Stock market is at all time highs and going higher. That’s not spooked investors. That’s excited investors. Manufacturing is doing great. Perhaps not in every area but it’s looking good. AI and automation is probably pushing down employment a bit so the lesson there is, try not to work in a field that is affected as much. https://nam.org/mfgdata/ While I don’t want war around the globe, it’s unlikely to hurt us. Look at what happened with jobs and manufacturing in WWII and especially after WWII. Europe and much of the east was in shambles. The US manufacturing base wasn’t destroyed. That led to a huge economic boom for the US after WWII. I’m not advocating for world war but if it happens, the US will likely benefit…..again. Silver is an interesting thing. I suspect it’s a bubble that will pop eventually. I wouldn’t put a lot of planning based on what silver is doing. Look at 2011. Big jump for awhile and then it collapsed back down. I’d be willing to bet we’ll see the same thing again. I have no idea when that will happen. We’ll see. But basing plans on what silver is doing is not a good idea in my opinion. Tariffs haven’t caused the doom and gloom many predicted. Sure a few individuals in the US have been negatively affected. We should not have a tax policy that benefits a small number of people at the expense of most. In addition, Americans are addicted to debt. Lots of people advocate a national consumption tax such as a national sales tax. Tariffs accomplish similar while driving manufacturing back to the US eventually. Go to YouTube and watch what Victor Davis Hanson has to say about tariffs. Bottom line….don't just read stuff that supports your world or national view. Investigate new ideas. Challenge your preconceived beliefs. Just a fair warning….you may find some of your earlier beliefs were wrong!! |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
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I will say I have hope for the future should this model hold true... Look up "The Fourth Turning" by Strauss and Howe, as Howe sometimes references the seasons too - and its not apocalyptic, its a transformational cycle, typically 80 to 100 years and going back repetitively some 500 years. The last Winters (Fourth Turnings) in the US were the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the Great Depression/WWII. The Fourth Turning itself, The Crisis Turn, is here now, its been 'happening' - the question is how much colder is it going to get to make it to Spring (The High). This is NOT a doom post, just look at history and how well the US did after each 'Winter' -- that said, and for those that don't see a bright future where we are right now, I hope this give you a different perspective; it might just be worth it being prepared for the real bad weather to come and it gives me great hope for the future of our children. For the TL crowd, these are the Cliff's notes and really can't make it much shorter... The Four Turnings First Turning - The High - Spring Period of strong institutions, unity, and confidence in collective progress. Society feels secure and optimistic, often following a major crisis. Example: Post–World War II era (1946–early 1960s) in the U.S. Second Turning - The Awakening - Summer A time of spiritual renewal and questioning of authority. People focus on personal authenticity and challenge established order. Example: The 1960s–1970s counterculture and civil rights movements. Third Turning - The Unraveling - Fall Institutions weaken, individualism peaks, and trust in government declines. Society becomes fragmented, and cynicism grows. Example: 1980s–2000s, marked by political polarization and cultural division. Fourth Turning - The Crisis - Winter A major upheaval or crisis resets the social order. Institutions are rebuilt, and a new sense of collective purpose emerges. Example: The Great Depression and World War II were the last full Fourth Turning. Where We Are Now: Late Stage Fourth Turning (approx. 2020–2030) According to Strauss and Howe’s timeline, the current Fourth Turning began around 2008 with the Global Financial Crisis, marking the end of the Unraveling (1984–2007) and the start of the Crisis phase. We are now believed to be in the later half of that crisis period, roughly two-thirds through, approaching what they would call the “climax” - the decisive event or series of conflicts that reshape institutions and national identity. Historically, each Fourth Turning culminates in a major societal “trial” — war, revolution, or systemic collapse — that clears the old order and births a new one. For reference: Revolutionary War (~1775–1790) Civil War (~1860–1875) Great Depression & WWII (~1929–1946) If that rhythm continues, our current crisis likely runs from 2008 to around 2030–2032, when it gives way to a new First Turning — the “High.” Major Phases of the Current Fourth Turning 1. Catalyst (2008–2016) Trigger: 2008 financial collapse and ensuing global recession. Institutions lost credibility; populism and nationalism surged worldwide. Events: Occupy Wall Street, Tea Party movement, Arab Spring, rise of anti-establishment politics (Trump, Brexit, etc.). 2. Regeneration / Disruption (2016–2020) Societal fragmentation intensifies; distrust deepens. Technological acceleration (social media, AI, surveillance) fuels chaos. Rising geopolitical tension: Russia, China, Middle East instability. 3. Climax (2020–2030?) COVID-19 pandemic and government lockdowns acted as the next major shock. Economic stress, inflation, supply chain fragility, and polarization widened divisions. Institutional legitimacy crisis deepened (media, political parties, courts, universities). Emerging global power realignment: U.S.–China rivalry, Russia–Ukraine war, possible Taiwan flashpoint. Generational transition of leadership: Boomers (Prophets) are aging out of power; Millennials (Heroes) are stepping into leadership and reform roles. This “climax” phase is where the future shape of the new order — political, economic, and moral — will be forged, typically under immense pressure. What Comes Next (Predicted by the Model) Outcome Window: 2026–2032 Expect either a single defining crisis (e.g., war, financial collapse, constitutional conflict), or a cascade of smaller crises that together force systemic reform. When the smoke clears, new institutions and cultural norms emerge. Following that, the next First Turning (“High”) would bring stability and optimism, roughly 2032–2050, driven by a rebuilt system led by Millennials and early Gen Z. Whatever happens next, I hope it's global and not isolated to our country -- we do not need to be the only one weakened. If its mostly a US crisis, which I think a debt crisis is possible and subsequently the dollar losing the status as the world's reserve currency, it will hurt much of the globe, but it would be apocalyptic here. Time will tell. |
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Originally Posted By TheOtherDave: Ain’t gonna lie, I made decent coin selling unwanted guns and ammo to panic buying coworkers during Covid….. Capitalism!!! nothing wrong with that, plus just maybe you got a few new people into believing in the 2A. However living in Illinois I was never sue what would be banned prior to restocking....
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A Nation of Sheep Breeds a Government of Wolves!!!
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We aren't that close. Unless something changes and another nation becomes an aggressor out of the blue we aren't even preparing for it. (I have a job where reading the tea leaves is a bit more possible and nothing is happening.) |
The “Three Stupid” Rule: “Do not go to stupid places, with stupid people, and do stupid things”
Religion is a handy device for keeping the philosophically deficient in line.
Religion is a handy device for keeping the philosophically deficient in line.
Food for thought  Signs of War With China |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt