I am uncertain about taxes, and where they will be going in the future. And I am not sure about the effects of "global warming", or even if it is real science. But there is one thing I am relatively certain about - the world supply of oil is limited, and is being depleted at an alarming rate, particularly since two very large and heavily populated "third world" countries (India & China) have only just begun using petroleum. And as of this writing, there is absolutely no feasible alternative that can keep everything running.
And, while I like to believe that American ingenuity will bring us an alternative in time, I have serious doubts that anything based on current knowledge could be a viable alternative to oil. I believe it is likely that, as the oil reserves run out, there will be a period of time where entire economies are shut down until new alternatives become available. Without sufficient oil, goods cannot be produced, nor shipped. Store shelves will be empty. People will panic. Economies will shrink, and there will likely be a period of disaster on a world-wide basis.
I would expect this scenario to begin taking shape within the next 30 years - sooner, if radical terrorists have their way. Therefore, just to be on the safe side, I am taking a cue from Noah (of the Ark). I am preparing for my family. I am taking steps to insure their survival in the event of long-term food shortages, for example. And, living in New England, I am insuring the ability to keep the homefires burning in the Winter. I guess it's the "Boy Scout" in me, with the motto of "Be Prepared" - hope for the best, but plan for the worst.
Some may believe I am being an alarmist, or some kind of "doomsday" quack, but that simply is not the case. I am just a man who believes it is wise to be prepared for things that could happen, even if they are unlikely to happen. I certainly do not want to be the person who gets caught in a bad situation, facing disaster or even death because I did not take some basic precautions. In our lifetime, we face a number of serious threats to our existence - global warming and oil shortages are just two possibilities.
For those who are interested, here are some steps I have taken. Most are simple and inexpensive:
1) I purchased "heirloom" seeds of vegetables (www.heirloomseeds.com) - they can produce seeds of the same quality for planting year after year. Seeds you buy in stores are hybrids, and the seeds they produce cannot be used for the following year's crop. By planting just a few seeds of each vegetable each year, I can keep producing another year's supply of seed. Then, if food becomes scarce, we will have sufficient seed to produce much of our own food. I currently grow enough crops for our own needs, and the excess helps feed four other families in need. It's a "feel good" thing.
2) Some good books on gardening and canning for my children and grandchildren to learn from, if it becomes necessary. These are quickly becoming lost arts.
3) For shortages or emergencies, I keep a one year supply of MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) for each family member, as it can take months to grow a crop, and the crop may not last until the next one. Since MRE's can last 10 years or more, in 9 years we will donate them to the local food pantry for the needy, replace them with a fresh supply and write off the donation on our taxes.
4) We have a woodstove, and I have purchased a woodlot close to home. All the firewood we could ever possibly need. If there is a shortage of fuel oil or gas, the demand for wood will be so strong that you may not be able to buy a suitable supply when needed. So it is wise to have your own supply, close to home (there may be a shortage of gasoline for transporting for long distances). In addition, I have saws and axes that do not require gas and oil. However, I do not think I will need to use them - I would simply allow another family to harvest some wood for themselves in exchange for them cutting and splitting mine.
A pellet stove is not a good choice - if fuel becomes scarce, you would still be dependent upon supply and delivery of pellets, which would also be in short supply. And pellet stoves require electricity - if a storm knocks out your power, or the grid goes down because of oil shortages you had better have other alternatives for heat.
5) We have set aside adequate fishing gear and supplies. You can get sick of eating fish, but it is high protein and low on fat, and will keep you alive in a pinch.
6) We have purchased an old, rebuilt steam generator (and spare parts) with an AC inverter and have it stored in the shed. If energy shortgages become a problem, we can provide our household with basic electricity by burning wood.
Not everyone can afford a woodlot - but several families together might be able to pool enough to buy a lot. And if you do not have enough land for a garden, most people can arrange to use a small portion of someone else's land, in exchange for part of the crop.
Now, there is only about 1 chance in 5 that there will be a need for these precautions in this generation. If not needed, they can still be used to save money. And if they are needed, they will provide a path to survival.
In any case, if you are not prepared to provide food, water, shelter, and heat for your family for a period of at least 90 days, without relying on outside sources, you are simply not prepared for your family to survive a disaster. Just ask those who survived Katrina...
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