Recipe of the Week: Julienne Potato With Savory Sauce

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The following recipe for Julienne Potato With Savory Sauce is from The New Butterick Cook Book, by Flora Rose, co-head of the School of Home Economics at Cornell University. It was published in 1924. A professional scan of that 724-page out-of-copyright book is one of the many bonus items included in the lastest edition of the waterproof SurvivalBlog Archive USB stick. This special 15th Anniversary Edition USB stick is now available for ordering, and selling rapidly.  (More than 700, in just the first few days.) Mailings of the USB sticks should begin in late February or early March.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups potato cut in strings
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
  • 2 tablespoons fat
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper
  • Grated cheese
Directions
  1. Cut the raw, pared potatoes into strings.
  2. Cook them in boiling water until tender.
  3. Brown the chopped onion and the herbs in the fat.
  4. Add the flour, stirring thoroughly, add the milk, salt, and pepper
  5. Cook in a double boiler for twenty minutes.
  6. Strain and pour over the cooked potato.
  7. Sprinkle with grated cheese and serve.

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Do you have a favorite recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? In this weekly recipe column, we place emphasis on recipes that use long term storage foods, recipes for wild game, dutch oven and slow cooker recipes, and any that use home garden produce. If you have any favorite recipes, then please send them via e-mail. Thanks!

Economics & Investing For Preppers

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Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at the ammunition feeding frenzy. (See the Tangibles Investing section.)

Precious Metals:

Gold price pressured by bearish outside markets

o  o  o

The Big Bluff in Silver – Weekly Wrap Up

Economy & Finance:

The top 5 internet companies are worth almost $8 trillion combined. Just 5 companies are worth more than half of the continent.

o  o  o

At Wolf Street: One Year After the Collapse of the Airline Business Began: What’s the Status Now?

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

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“The best good thing that politicians can do for the economy is to stop doing bad. In part, this can be achieved through reducing taxes and economic regulation, and staying out of our lives.” – The Late Dr. Walter E. Williams

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — February 14, 2021

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February 14, 1942 was the birthday of Prepper/Economist Dr. Gary North.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 93 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper. These have hammer forged, chrome-lined barrels and a hard case, to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR-type rifle to have a quick change barrel. This can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools. It also provides a compact carry capability in a hard case or in 3-day pack (a $1,100 value),
  5. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  6. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  7. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.

Second Prize:

  1. A Front Sight Lifetime Diamond Membership, providing lifetime free training at any Front Sight Nevada course, with no limit on repeating classes. This prize is courtesy of a SurvivalBlog reader who prefers to be anonymous.
  2. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, that have a combined retail value of $589,
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  4. Naturally Cozy is donating a “Prepper Pack” Menstrual Kit.  This kit contains 18 pads and it comes vacuum-sealed for long term storage or slips easily into a bugout bag.  The value of this kit is $220.
  5. An assortment of products along with a one-hour consultation on health and wellness from Pruitt’s Tree Resin (a $265 value).

Third Prize:

  1. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  4. A transferable $150 purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Round 93 ends on March 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

The Fleecing of History – Part 4, by Lazer

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(Continued from Part 3. This concludes the article.)

But What about Fascism?

Oh boy, could I fill the books out on this topic. However, I would like to focus more on the lead in to Nazi Germany than the results…because it re-enforces where my article will end.

Germany in the late 1920s through early 1930s was hit equally hard as America during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. Even though the Nazi party had existed for quite some time, it did not see a popularity boost until a zealous young man gave it a face and a promise. The root problem they faced, was wartime reparations from WWI…it was strangling them financially from previous bad government and wartime action. The German people were desiring a way out, and were lulled into the promises of a mad-man.

The next learning is the frog in hot water analogy…a frog thrown into boiling water will jump out, but put into water that is slowly heated, the frog will cook without so much as a croak. This is the approach that the Nazis set up to seize power. Using communication as a weapon, and oh how they even put the commies to shame with how well they used the propaganda machine, Hitler swooned the country to recognize the Nazi party as a sincere and logical option to the ‘corruption’ and depression of the time.

In one final swoop, Hitler used the fear generated by the (supposed) communists setting the Reichstag fire of German parliament to legislate away every freedom that protects Western Civilization (Similar to our (un)Patriot Act). In one night, 4,000 people deemed a threat or conspirator were kidnapped, many never to be seen again. When you hand this kind of power to your government…it will eventually will be used against you – a hammer always yearns for a nail to hit.

Fascism is born in the same vein as communism, but focuses on strong national productive strength vs ‘everyone in the world should share’. Fascism recognizes what communism faltered with… private industry can make a great bed partner to the government. Make no mistake though, Hitler tried to encompass much of the world under his thumb regardless the difference. You should understand that Fascism, like Socialism and Communism, are illusions that feed off of your desire. They promise everything, but fail to deliver because they are not capable of creation of the thing they are proposing to share – only consumption of it. Though, in some cases, nationalism itself does produce well, it is usually not overly sustainable. Remember, once you start down the road of any of these paths, the longer you are on it, the harder it is to turn around.

What about today? Is there no hope?

I am happy to say to all of you still reading, that yes there is hope. Just like there was hope for the Jews that tomorrow someone would save them from the concentration camp, just like there was hope that the Berlin wall would not have someone shooting you for crossing it, just like there was hope that you could raise a family because you could finally have access to food. There is always hope, and there always will be…you just need to know evil’s playbook, acknowledge how it works and trust in Our Shepherd.Continue reading“The Fleecing of History – Part 4, by Lazer”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

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“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.

But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.” – Romans 10 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — February 13, 2021

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Today is the birthday of the late General Chuck Yeager (born, 1923), the first man to break the sound barrier. He passed away on December 7, 2020, at age 97.

—

February 13th is also the birthday of Robert Charles R.C. Sproul (born 1939, died December 14, 2017), a well-respected American Calvinist theologian.

—

On the phone the other night I  had someone mention “…all those tragic deaths, from COVID.” That got me thinking: The real tragedy is the loss of personal liberty imposed by bureaucrats over a pandemic with a 99.6% survival rate.  Yes, we mourn for those who have died. But I mourn more for the loss of liberty, worldwide!

—

I heard from my #1 Son about two notable listings at SurvivalRealty:

Log Home near Sandpoint, Idaho — still available.

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 93 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper. These have hammer forged, chrome-lined barrels and a hard case, to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR-type rifle to have a quick change barrel. This can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools. It also provides a compact carry capability in a hard case or in 3-day pack (a $1,100 value),
  5. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  6. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  7. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.

Second Prize:

  1. A Front Sight Lifetime Diamond Membership, providing lifetime free training at any Front Sight Nevada course, with no limit on repeating classes. This prize is courtesy of a SurvivalBlog reader who prefers to be anonymous.
  2. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, that have a combined retail value of $589,
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  4. Naturally Cozy is donating a “Prepper Pack” Menstrual Kit.  This kit contains 18 pads and it comes vacuum-sealed for long term storage or slips easily into a bugout bag.  The value of this kit is $220.
  5. An assortment of products along with a one-hour consultation on health and wellness from Pruitt’s Tree Resin (a $265 value).

Third Prize:

  1. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  4. A transferable $150 purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Round 93 ends on March 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

The Fleecing of History – Part 3, by Lazer

39

(Continued from Part 2.)

The Birth of Communism

And here ladies and gentlemen is where the greatest revelation lies…the birth of the infamous Communist Manifesto. When Karl Marx viewed the world, he started as a socialist – but realized that socialism takes too long to accomplish its goal. If one could have the “leaders” make all the decisions, no-one would have to really worry about anything! Life would be easy! Only time is the great hand that slaps humans in the face to wake them up after implementing Communism. Communism after all, is based on subject obedience and brainwashing, plain and simple. One must do as all do, or one will be as none.

The big difference between the Babylonian Empire, the Roman Empire, and the Communist Empire…is communication. Once the radio was invented, mail was not the quickest form of communication anymore. Radio could transmit across countries, across Oceans, across political boundaries. Information became available at light speed compared to script, horse, and even telegraph.

While I am not a Communist, or a Socialist, or a Nationalist, or a Fascist, or a Nihilist, or even an Optometrist…I have studied the effects of said brain disorders throughout my years of life with vigor. The common denominator of the people that fall into the guise of these methodologies is greed. Greed is the ultimate subterfuge sin…it lies in wait with polite patience. When you least expect it to pop up; it pits neighbor against neighbor, brother against brother, wife against husband, etc. It can be something as simple as arguing who gets the last scoop of ice-cream to something as serious as murder.

Even I am guilty of greed, I will admit it readily…as I am sure you are. Do you wish you had 3 shipping containers full of food, bullets, and bandaids? Want is greed, lust is greed, jealousy is greed. Communism relies on the nature of man to be jealous of each other and pit that against each other, while the “elected leaders” fleece everything out from under you and blame someone else. They know that they can pit us against each other, they know that we will fight over crumbs while they write backdoor policy and remove the wealth of our currencies…because they have studied how we react under certain previous empires, governments and dictatorships. Cue the new school bread and circus’… now available on radio!

I am going to break down with a visual aid if you will for a Commie analogy…Imagine one apple tree full of the tastiest looking apples. It has been well cared for, and is full and ripe, ready to be picked. Right next door, another wild tree of the same apple (variety, age, and type), with blemished and misshapen fruit. Would it be a stretch to assume that the first tree was of better quality because of the care by its steward? Spraying for pests, watering for health, weeding for competition? Work, and pride in that work, went into that tree to make it what it is compared to the alternate tree. Free choice for a given end result made that beautiful product.Continue reading“The Fleecing of History – Part 3, by Lazer”

Editors’ Prepping Progress

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To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make long-term and short-term plans. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities and planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, ranch improvements, bug out bag fine-tuning, and food storage. This is something akin to our Retreat Owner Profiles, but written incrementally and in detail, throughout the year.  We always welcome you to share your own successes and wisdom in the Comments. Let’s keep busy and be ready!

Jim Reports:

I made a trip to a gun show on Friday. It was bitter cold, but a very productive trip. I found several nice “fresh off the ranch” Pre-1899 guns, and one simply stunning minty Finnish M39 Mosin Nagant built on an 1896-dated receiver.

I was thrilled to find a dealer who was nearing retirement that had decided to “get out” of his blackpowder guns. I got a deal on ten (10) modern percussion revolvers. Four of them are Ruger Old Army models.   (Like the one pictured at the top of this column.) Many in this batch are new — or like new — in their factory boxes!  There are cartridge conversion cylinders available for many of those models. Those revolvers should all be listed in the Elk Creek Company store page in the first two weeks of March. Just like Pre-1899 guns, blackpowder revolvers are Federally exempt (not “firearms”) and hence available without any FFL paperwork.  I will also be selling some conversion cylinders. The only stipulation is that I cannot ship both a modern percussion revolver together in the same order with a conversion cylinder.  (It must be a separate order.) But again: No stinking FFL paperwork!

Now on to Lily’s Report.

Continue reading“Editors’ Prepping Progress”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

1

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.

To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.

 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.” – Proverbs 21 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Friday — February 12, 2021

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February 12th is the birthday of theologian and journalist Cotton Mather (1663–1728).

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 93 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper. These have hammer forged, chrome-lined barrels and a hard case, to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR-type rifle to have a quick change barrel. This can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools. It also provides a compact carry capability in a hard case or in 3-day pack (a $1,100 value),
  5. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  6. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  7. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.

Second Prize:

  1. A Front Sight Lifetime Diamond Membership, providing lifetime free training at any Front Sight Nevada course, with no limit on repeating classes. This prize is courtesy of a SurvivalBlog reader who prefers to be anonymous.
  2. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, that have a combined retail value of $589,
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  4. Naturally Cozy is donating a “Prepper Pack” Menstrual Kit.  This kit contains 18 pads and it comes vacuum-sealed for long term storage or slips easily into a bugout bag.  The value of this kit is $220.
  5. An assortment of products along with a one-hour consultation on health and wellness from Pruitt’s Tree Resin (a $265 value).

Third Prize:

  1. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  4. A transferable $150 purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Round 93 ends on March 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

The Fleecing of History – Part 2, by Lazer

(Continued from Part 1.)

The Colonization Era: 300 – 1750 AD

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, nation-states began to rise in their own power. I will not dive into all of them, as there is a lot of “rinse and repeat” styles of conquest, subjugation, and corruption. In this era, the name of the game was a continuation of the Roman Empire’s philosophy “see the world, fleece it dry”. However, the main leash that was used to control the masses became religion. It was during the 6th and 7th centuries that civilizations of people were now exposed to Islam and Christianity, in addition to their other pagan religions.

During the last throes of the Roman Empire, rulers noted how Christianity could spread like wildfire, and how powerful people’s desire was to adhere to it. From that point on, the subjugators sought a way to infiltrate and influence religion to control the populace. Both the Papacy (Vatican), and the Islamic Caliphate used religion to turn free thought and adherence to a higher power to destroy, murder, and corrupt half the known world. By using people’s desire to not be subjected to eternal damnation, some leaders were quick to “suggest” actions (that were not true parts of either religions teaching) to accomplish horrible deeds…and amass extraordinary wealth. The wealth collected by the Papacy alone was staggering.

Gradually, religious leaders re-wrote the rules to better suit them. You could now attain salvation through the church, even specific leaders, and not need God directly if you had the coin. It was this corruption and hubris in religious leadership that inspired Martin Luther to challenge the “selling of indulgences” that were being penned for people that committed sins. It was the largest and most pinnacle point where faith began to regain its individual connection (such that every Christian is a disciple).

Physically, the Spanish, Portuguese, and British Empires dominated far reaches of the globe. Time and time again, using their moral superiority complexes to “liberate” the rest of the world while simultaneously fleecing it of its wealth. The great gold and silver reserves of the Americas, the amazing animal wonders and diamonds of Africa, the exquisite talents and spices of India…all pilfered in the name of “Progress”…yeah, this is one of my dirty words I loathe.Continue reading“The Fleecing of History – Part 2, by Lazer”

Economics & Investing For Preppers

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Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at some expatriation and offshore banking options, legalities, and statistics.

Precious Metals:

Arkadiusz Sieroń: New POTUS, New Gold Bull Market?

o o o o o o

Why was silver targeted? Analysts point to a price move in silver

Economy & Finance:

Showing his socialist true colors: Mitt Romney has a plan to give parents up to $15,000 a year. (Thanks to blog reader C.B. for the link.)

o  o  o

At Wolf Street: Three Months of No Jobs Growth, Labor Force Drops to July Level

o  o  o

At Zero Hedge: Who’s Hiring And Who’s Firing: Government Accounted For 88% Of All January Job Gains. JWR’s Comment:  Just wait until the Congresscritters come to the full realization that their National Gaurd security blanket over the U.S. Capitol will disappear in March. My prediction: Congress will vote special appropriations to vastly expand the ranks of the Capitol Police Force, and militarize it. They will also erect huge permanent barriers around the Capitol building complex and the outlying capitol offices — namely the Russell, Dirksen, Rayburn, Longworth, Cannon, O’Neill, and Hart office buildings.) And they will close off public streets to create significantly larger “security” setbacks–even buying up privately owned homes and buildings via Eminent Domain. Count on it!

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

7

“Everyone knows that the fire from a little spark will increase and blaze ever higher as long as it finds wood to burn; yet without being quenched by water, but merely by finding no more fuel to feed on, it consumes itself, dies down, and is no longer a flame. Similarly, the more tyrants pillage, the more they crave, the more they ruin and destroy; the more one yields to them, and obeys them, by that much do they become mightier and more formidable, the readier to annihilate and destroy. But if not one thing is yielded to them, if, without any violence they are simply not obeyed, they become naked and undone and as nothing, just as, when the root receives no nourishment, the branch withers and dies.

To achieve the good that they desire, the bold do not fear danger; the intelligent do not refuse to undergo suffering. It is the stupid and cowardly who are neither able to endure hardship nor to vindicate their rights; they stop at merely longing for them, and lose through timidity the valor roused by the effort to claim their rights, although the desire to enjoy them still remains as part of their nature. A longing common to both the wise and the foolish, to brave men and to cowards, is this longing for all those things which, when acquired, would make them happy and contented. Yet one element appears to be lacking. I do not know how it happens that nature fails to place within the hearts of men a burning desire for liberty, a blessing so great and so desirable that when it is lost all evils follow thereafter, and even the blessings that remain lose taste and savor because of their corruption by servitude. Liberty is the only joy upon which men do not seem to insist; for surely if they really wanted it they would receive it. Apparently they refuse this wonderful privilege because it is so easily acquired.” – Étienne de La Boétie. (From Harry Kurz’s 1942 translation of ”Discours de la servitude volontaire ou le Contr’un,” or, in English, “The Discourse on Voluntary Servitude, or the Anti‐Dictator.)