I Choose Self Sufficiency

suijuris · #1 10-16-2003, 05:54 PM

I recently wrote a short post on the state of the U.S. economy, and my conclusion is that we need to become debt-free as well as self-sufficient. Much discussion exists on the elimination of debt, so I would like to address how to become self sufficient.

There are a few basics we humans need survive in the physical sense, they are food, water, heating (in a frigid climate), and proper medical attention for sickness.

FOOD
Food can be the most time-consuming of the items needed for survival to produce, but great sacrifice can be made as to the volume and variety of food needed to survive, should that become an issue. If I had my choice in the matter, I would have several hundred acres of land at my disposal to raise various crops and animals. I was raised in the country, and as soon as I became of age I left for more less farm-like settings. But with each move I have made since, I find myself closer to surroundings more and more like those of my childhood. I shall not be surprised to find myself living in the country someday soon, and becoming less dependant on the grocery store, as I return to the traditions of my childhood for survival. Most people would find such living conditions menial, but my satisfaction comes from their sheepish looks when I ask them how they enjoy their job. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that you already own the resources you need to survive for the rest of your life, rather than letting an employer and the taxman reap the gross profits of your labor, leaving you just enough to come back day after day for more torture.

WATER
I have been unable to determine why one would not want their own well water source, even if just as a backup. Not only is the water more pure and chemical free (assuming it is not exposed to a chemical dump) than city water, but it is free! All you have to do is drill a hole and draw the water out of the ground. There are many ways draw the water from your well; electricity is not your only option. A spring is also a great source of fresh water, but that can always dry up. 

HEATING
I would personally position myself in a climate where the winters are not harsh. This would conserve a lot of energy, as heating a dwelling can consume much time and energy. One of the most primitive forms of heating is a fire, fueled by wood. Wood is a very plentiful and inexpensive resource here in North America. The sun is powerful source of energy as well, and as time goes by the solar technology is becoming less and less cost prohibitive. I look forward to the day when an affordable solution exists that will allow me to capture and store the sun’s energy, to convert it at my discretion to heat or cool a dwelling, draw water from my spring or well, and heat or cool it as well. Not to mention powering the luxuries to which I have grown accustomed, such as computers, and technology that I love to entertain myself with. It is of some interest that U.S. citizens will contribute so many billions of tax dollars to send rockets and robots out into space. Why not spend the same money creating a personal solution for each home that would capture the suns rays and convert them into a power source for all their needs at home? Most people spend at least $1200 a year for electricity and heating… I for one would gladly pony up 3 or 4 times that to be able to enjoy the convenience of electricity, without the prohibitive monthly costs of being connected to the energy matrix. But to much taxable revenue would be lost, so we can scratch that idea, unless some free-thinking genius makes it happen.

MEDICAL
I am young, and have been fortunate enough to never experience any sort of illness that demanded professional medical attention. But I know that the number one medicine is PREVENTION. Short of that, I cannot give medical advice; other than to eat your vitamins and green stuff. And for heavens sakes, exercise regularly, even if it kills you!

I hope to see some discussion on this topic in the, mainly on food and alternative energy sources. 

Sui Juris

Jerseee · #2 10-16-2003, 08:21 PM

Sui Juris,

You forgot about shelter.& the big three are food, water, and shelter.

suijuris · #3 10-16-2003, 08:36 PM

Yeah, sorry. I made a presumtion

Jerseee · #4 10-17-2003, 02:15 PM

All,

My plan of attack on being self-sufficient is very easy.& Become a landlord.& I personally am looking to acquire a few multi-family properties and start from there.

However, before getting to the point of owning 5 or 6 multi-family units, this citizenship issue needs to be addressed.& I feel prior to purchasing anything, that this issue must be handled.& this would eliminate the income tax issue, property tax issue and any other government interference with my basic human rights of life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness.

The key to freedom is land!& Improved, unregulated, income producing property.& from this platform--you can start moving forward on other issues.

suijuris · #5 10-17-2003, 02:24 PM

Jersee, I agree, that is a very good plan... and you could always have the option to barter with the tenants should that be more beneficial.

Jerseee · #6 10-17-2003, 02:36 PM

Sui Juris,

Yep.& I truly believe that this is key.& real property is where true wealth lies.

suijuris · #7 10-17-2003, 02:41 PM

Yes, and futhermore, if they cannot take it, they cannot set foot on it, and we cannot be forced to leave it, that is true sovereignty!

Ice · #8 10-17-2003, 02:45 PM

Just think of it!& To be an "American National" owning land with all rights asserted in the Land Patent!!

That, gentlemen, is REAL FREEDOM!!

husky2kawi · #9 10-18-2003, 02:13 AM

Sounds like the 'Waltons"...would be a wonderful life.

Would also have plenty of time for reading and learning, I'm game.
Husky

AndyJackson · #10 10-18-2003, 09:15 PM

Here's another thing to consider.& Many of us, whether we realize it or not, live in areas that pose many hazards to us.& They could be weather geography, or just too many people in a single area.

Lets assume a local catastrophe occurs.& That could be a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, strike... whatever and your food and energy supply is cutoff.& How long would you survive?

I really got serious about this earlier this year.& I thought at a very minimum, a 3 month supply of food, water and fuel was an immediate concern of mine and made it a priority to have on hand.& Living here in the Seattle area, we are very prone to earthquakes not to mention pacific storms this time of year that can leave you without power for up to a few days.& Earlier in the year, the ports were closed due to a long shoreman strike.& This didn't affect the food supply as much as it did products being imported and exported not being able to be moved around.

I felt much better knowing that I could lock my front door and not have to open it again for a whole 90 days later and still have plenty of food to eat, water to drink and fuel to keep me warm.& Granted it wouldn't be like living in the current conditions I'm use to but I would survive.

I remember when hurricane Andrew struck Florida, there was this couple on tv with a newborn complaining and just outright *censored*ing (no offense) about the "government" not being there to take care of them.& I for one don't want government there to take care of me.& I choose to be self-sufficient even in these minor crises.

Anyway, back to the point, I stocked up on can food goods.& Boy did I get some funny looks at the local Costco when I walked up the check out counter with all those cans.& The guy asked me if I knew something he didn't;-)& Now even though this is canned food, it wont last forever.& Usually has a shelf live of about 2 years.& So you'll need to rotate it out.& Donate the food before it goes bad to a local food bank.& They will be much appreciative and will make you feel good on top of it.

For water, I had to figure out how to get enough for 1 gallon per person for 90 days for 2 people.& Thats atleast 180 gallons.& I chose to buy 7 of the 32 gallon plastic garbage cans and place those in the basement.& This water is for drinking and food preparation only and really needs to be a greater quantity to take care of personal hygiene.& Being here in the northwest I figured I could replentish my supply from rainwater for atleast 8 months out of the year.

For fuel, I chose a kerosene heater.& I've played around with this heat source and found it to be adequate to heat a relatively large space comfortably with not& much costs.& I stocked up on 5 gallon containers and filled up about 18 of them.& The heater burns about a gallon per day so that should last.

Even if you don't head this advice... you should atleast prepare to be on your own for up to 3 days if not for a week or 2.&

Will you be answering when FEMA comes knocking on your door?

I wont!

Also, you might want to stock on ammo as your security as you well know will be your own responsibility as well.& It is as import as the other things mentioned here since if you can't keep it, it didn't a lot of good to have it in the first place.