Zaphod for President

During the summer of 2006, Lysander Spooner (co-author on this blog) and myself spent some time exploring the FOREX market, which trades FIAT currencies the world over.

During this period, Mr. Spooner suggested that the Canadian dollar would reach parity with the US dollar before the 2008 presidential elections.

He was right:

As a matter of fact, the US dollar is currently worth less than a Canadian dollar.

Does this mean that Mr. Spooner is a visionary? Does this mean that everything Mr. Spooner says is gospel? No. However, I have known Mr. Spooner for the past 15 years, and can say, without question, that he is right more often than he is wrong.

He has often said the same of me.

Therefore, at the risk of being ignored, I am issuing a warning to all patriots, to all heroes, and to all visionaries- the revolution is upon us.

What should I do?

• Find a shelter made from brick, cement block, or stone. Wood homes sheeted in plastic or vinyl siding can be breached easily with a pocket knife- and even easier by a bullet
• Find a source of fresh water, and the means by which to filter it. I also have several cases of bottled water, however, these will not last me very long without extreme rationing.
• Stock-up on can goods, and ideally, create a small garden somewhere on your property so that you can retain access to fresh produce. Marijuana farmers have created a plethora of indoor growing technology, so even if you lack a yard, you still have the ability to create a garden.
• Invite friends, neighbors and family over to enjoy a dinner together. During dinner, attempt the following conversation: If you were unable to shop at the local grocery stores and gas stations, what would you do to survive?. Note: this question does not need to be directly related to open revolution. The same question might be asked of surviving a serious natural disaster. The goal here is two-fold: a) to gauge the supplies available within your direct support network and b) to encourage your local support network to consider the answers to these questions, and begin preparations of their own.
• Find a weapon. I personally suggest at least one non-lethal weapon (i.e. a taser gun) and at least one lethal weapon (i.e. pistol, shotgun). Don’t forget an adequate supply of munitions.
• Find a physically-powered source of transportation. I personally favor bicycles, but there are plenty of options. If unable to buy fuel, how will you and your loved ones travel? If you have the means, I will strongly suggest obtaining several horses.
• Play politics. In open-warfare, which of your neighbors will side with the state? Which will side with the revolt? Supplies should be shared with all allies, as mutual defense is more effective than individual resistance. Also make note of enemies, and potential enemies. Remember: rather than kill or injure an enemy, why not offer them food, water and shelter, and create a new ally?
• Women, children, elderly and all persons who are physically challenged must be protected by the healthier members of your support network. Although not effective in direct combat, these people hold skills of value to all. For example: most of my elderly neighbors are wonderful cooks. Children make excellent scouts. A physically frail geek may not be much good in regards to physical survival, but they are an essential resource in re-establishing communications, and gathering critical information.
• Be prepared to offer lodging (including food, water and entertainment) to as many as 50 people. The goal is not to lead an army, the goal is to protect your own little corner of the world. Consider: if only one person per city block followed this advice, we would all be able to survive anything that comes our way.
• Go get naked, and look at yourself in the mirror. If you find yourself holding your breath and looking for favorable angles, you know what you must do. This isn’t about vanity, this is about survival. Can you carry 50-100 pounds? Can you walk 10 miles without rest? Can you resist attacks to your person or property? These are essential skills, no matter your gender, age or occupation.
• At all times seek allies, not enemies. Violence has always been, and shall always remain, a measure of last resort.

Consider this: if I am wrong, and nothing happens, nothing on this list would harm you in any way. If I am right, but you fail to take proper precautions, your survival will depend upon the generosity of people like me.

Hungry for more?

• The Federal Reserve System