In response to Michigan Badger's primary question, Will I survive?, answer is most likely I shall waste away, become significantly unhealthy, and then die for lack of medical attention.
I recall various conspiracy theories of days gone past which spurred survivalist movements.
It never quite hit the fan, and many were left with mud on their face looking foolish before an ever more dis-believing general populous they had enthusiastically tried to convince of their wisdom.
Yet, for this go-around things have changed.
The most obvious factor is there are now many more inhabitants of the planet.
If significant crop failures occur, or distribution fails, impact of shortages will be felt much quicker by the burgeoning population who are more than ever, centered in cities, as opposed to agrarian settings.
Potable water is critical. Lack of water, coupled with inavailability of staples could send large masses of marauders outward from the teeming metropolitan areas. There would be no reasonable possibility of any lasting defense against such large numbers of desperate individuals.
Here's a small article I recently found, which many of you may be quite familiar with. It's an indicator.
US Water Pipelines Are Breaking, Colleen Long, Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) - Two hours north of New York City, a mile-long stream and a marsh the size of a football field have mysteriously formed along a country road. They are such a marvel that people come from miles around to drink the crystal-clear water, believing it is bubbling up from a hidden natural spring.
The truth is far less romantic: The water is coming from a cracked 70-year-old tunnel hundreds of feet below ground, scientists say.
The tunnel is leaking up to 36 million gallons a day as it carries drinking water from a reservoir to the big city. It is a powerful warning sign of a larger problem around the country: The infrastructure that delivers water to the nation's cities is badly aging and in need of repairs.
(8 April 2008)
<eof>
Elsewhere around our country, any number of large cities are presently having difficulty servicing their municipal bond debt. A number of cities have filed for bankruptcy protection.
Local and state property taxes MUST escalate!
Just one more factor that did not exist on such a scale for the last go-round.
There are many others, compounding the present situation which did not exist in the past.
I am forced to be confident people shall rise to the occasion and meet challenges as they arise just as they have done throughout history when confronted with the face of adversity.
Will a general collapse occur? I feel the possibility exists, more now than in the past.
Is it probable? I can't say, for lack of commonly available information beyond reproach.
What am I doing about it? Very little. I am not affluent, retired and getting income from a sound pension fund, do not own a plot of land capable of a self - sustaining lifestyle. It's gonna hurt if all this comes about.
To date, I have seen no one but arrogant chest-beaters say it can not happen and NONE of them is able to offer coherent facts supporting their position that all is coming up roses.
I have no doubt fellows such as Ted Turner will be just fine, ensconced upon their ranches.
I don't feel that is the point of the matter, even though they might disagree!
Best,
rmptr
