I don't know when things changed. People had a work ethic, pride, honor, and the family was important. Perhaps I was insulated as a child? As a child of a Air Force lifer, it was expected that everyone did their best. Rules were followed, and jobs were done. I was about eight or nine years old when my parents divorced, and I was thrown into the civilian perspective. Heck, I figure there has to be some sort of clinical diagnosis about this kind of trauma. Nevertheless, the divorce affected me for many years, and still haunts me in some ways.
Before I wander too far down the rabbit hole, this also gives me a unique perspective on a lot of things. Mainly, the idealistic part of me is in constant turmoil with reality. When did living off the government handouts become the "American Dream" for so many?
Let me make something very clear. I love this country, or what it used to stand for. I don't know when things changed or perhaps I changed, nevertheless the United States isn't in good shape. Pogo was right, the enemy is us.
What kind of future can I expect for my new son, my oldest, and middle son? I prepare for the future because I've seen what America once was, where she is, and drawn a line between the two points.
I've also updated the header line on my blog to reflect that we reside in Arkansas. Sweetheart and I have debated about this point, it is a big state, and it doesn't break OPSEC. I'll be able to reflect on current politics, and economics in the state, which should add more information for the masses.
I'll be revamping the blog and adding more content as time allows, so everyone...
Keep Right On Prepping - K
I won't hold Arkansas against you :)
ReplyDeleteWhen did it change? Dude I don't know but the change goes so deep and fingers it's way into so many lives you cannot even talk about it in entirety without pissing people off and becoming a Pariah.
There are so many forms of government welfare and those who point fingers at the EBT crowd won't even look in a mirror and/or the account books and admit we spend many times that amount on bloated make work government positions and pensions. The easy ones they just give money to, the ones who want to feel superior they allow them to at least come punch a clock and take a nap.
The entire thing is so two faced, hypocritical and corrupt no one knows where to begin and as soon as someone decides to begin somewhere they are attacked for single someone out.
I don't know what to tell ya.
Our Ozark and Boston mountains are a great place for a hideout. Jesse James would use the mountains and hollows to evade numerous posses sent to dispatch him. You had several posts on Missouri's location, and rebuilding potential. Spot on, now I'll be able to post comments on future such posts.
DeleteI'll also be able to break down geographic regions within the state, and their potential for small sustainable estates. Water quality, political infighting, resources, and other relevant issues.
The whole government subsidy for the masses is more of an observation, rather than trying to lay blame on any one or more crowd. Bread and circuses, I suppose.
This post boils down to the future that my kids are going to have in this state, and this country as they grow older. Nothing more, nothing less. You've posted that your small hold is an exercise in generational sustainability, which I think would be a wonderful legacy to leave your tribe. Sweetheart and I have a rough outline/plan in our works for our tribe.
K - I hope you didn't misunderstand me. I was speaking in generality and not pointing any fingers especially at you about the EBT thing.
DeleteI agree the Ozark mountains would be prime defensive country. Drop a few trees, blow upa bridge or two and you are isolated.
I thought I was being misunderstood for a minute. No harm. Yes, pointing fingers doesn't do any good.
DeleteThe Ozarks is a prime retreat area. Jobs being the biggest issue, then health care. Most of the area was subsistence farming and logging. A slim margin for error in a SHTF scenario. More on the area to follow in a separate post.
I have worried for years about our kids. Who will they marry ? If they are homeschooled, how will they do in college? Will they be able to size up people or see danger coming ? The world deteriorated as we were raising them, but they grew up, became good and decent people, went through college and on to jobs. One bought a home and the others are navigating in a harder world than I had.
ReplyDeleteAlthough there will always be circumstances we cannot foresee, your children will be fine. The most important things are to be a parent to your children, not their best buddy. Foster communication and love them and even you will be surprised as to what fine people they will become. Best wishes to you and yours.
I've always taken to the thought that if you didn't worry as a parent, then something was wrong. Sweetheart and myself are on the same page on raising our kids, we love each other firs. Being good to the spouse is probably one of the best ways to raise a child. It teaches them to communication ( The Y chromosome makes that difficult, I must admit), forgive, love, and be responsible. I could go on and on...
DeleteI expect them to do their best in all things. Want them to be happy fulfilled adults. I also don't want to shirk my duty as a parent. It would kill me to see my kids suffer from my lack of planning (i.e starve) and foresight.
As a fellow Arkansawyer I have had many of the same thoughts. If you don't alreay follow The Arkansas Project blog, you might be interested. They follow local politics (all counties as well as LR) and often have some interesting stuff about happenings in the state. http://www.thearkansasproject.com/
ReplyDeleteI'll check it out.
DeleteHaha, well I guess you let the cat out the bag about where I am from too huh? Oh well, no big secret for me. By the way, we still need to go shoot soon K!
ReplyDeletePancakes! I forgot about that. I promise that I won't tell them about your 25 revolver collection ;-)
DeleteI hear you. When I was growing up during the 'cold war', I didn't want to have kids. I love my boys, but this country is not the place I grew up in, and sometimes I wish I had stuck to that decision.
ReplyDeleteOne of my best friends lives in Arkansas. We have been invited there to help them hold what they have, should our place here become untenable.
I know what you mean though. When did the lazy, "I deserve everything for nothing without working for it crowd" become so pervasive? And when did it become okay?
Stay strong. God bless. Look forward to your blog changes.
We are not giving up on anything.
DeleteTimes have changed. Everyone has to decide how much of that change they can tolerate and what parts of it they personally find unacceptable.
ReplyDeleteSpoken like a wise man.
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