The Prepper Economy

I grew up in a rural community in Nova Scotia population 200. Even by the economic gauges of that time it would be considered a community of poor farmers. One of the amazing things about the community was that every homestead had a large barn even though no one could afford a barn. But barns were necessities.Anyone who has done even minimal reading in the history of early Canadian settlements knows how this feat was achieved. When a barn had to be built the farmer could look out through the mist at the crack of dawn, and there would be the whole community in horses and wagons heading toward his place. Everyone came, the young and old, the preacher and school teacher. Food, all of it grown on the farms arrived by the mountain-load. Pies, homemade bread, salads, hams, pickles, you name it, it was spread out on tables in the yard. I am told that some of the largest barns were framed and had a roof on them in a day and a half. The next farmer who was building a barn could be assured that in the dawn crowd riding out of the mist would be the farmer he had recently helped. There was no other way to survive in a harsh environment in which there was no cash; people borrowed, bartered labor for needed skills; you get the idea. They had a network. These people lived in close proximity. We preppers recognize the need to share the burden, co-operate etc. but we are scattered all over the continent, and some of our "neighbors" are those we have met through the internet, and live eight, ten, twelve hours drive away.

I believe our prepper mentality properly stresses our need for self defence, security from those who would harm us etc. and we must be careful in sharing personal info over the internet. But prepping succeeds when based on trust, not distrust, and yes we are likely to mistrust the wrong person some time. It is the risk of doing business.

It is not earthquakes, floods, famine, riots, economic meltdown or plagues I fear. I am preparing to meet those face to face when any one of them arrives. I don't fear a herd of goons at my gate bent on stealing my stuff. I am preparing for that. I fear me, and who I might become. I may become mean-spirited (as opposed to cautious), a hoarder and a miser (as opposed to being thrifty). In present society until further notice we are still our brother's keeper.

We all have resources to share regardless of our income or financial situation. Some of us who are older do not necessarily have the same levels of expenses as those who are younger and starting families. Those who are young and struggling to make ends meet usually have far more energy and muscle power than I do. One person on these posts knows how to tan hides using several methods. I know only one. This person has so much to teach. It is time we begin the process through the internet to establish trade and exchange.

Some of those who are posting here who live close enough to each other have already begun this process and are holding meetings. Bravo. We who are above the Canyon can reach out through private messaging to those in the Lower mainland and let each other know what we are prepared to offer. Let me give just two examples. The main drawbacks to long distance meetings is the cost of gas, hotel and food costs, and time away from jobs. Thinking outside the box of having to pay for everything in cash, it could possibly help one of our fellow preppers to know that if he is traveling in a pickup from the coast that a truckload of seaweed will pay for his gas both ways. Seaweed can't be gotten in the Cariboo, and every serious gardener needs it. Food, we have it in abundance, accomodations? that too. We will share. The end result? Zero cash cost to either party.

I remember the days when traveling with three small children was akin to an evacuation from our home. Diapers, changes of clothes, toys, car seats, left little room for adults. It was a hassle to stop in restaurants, it was a hassle to stop at campgrounds and put up a tent. and campgrounds are not cheap. How can one have a decent vacation, and not blow the prepper and family budget? Perhaps two preppers know they would like to meet each other. Perhaps the traveling prepper has found through his networking that one prepper is offering a free spot to pitch a tent, horses to ride, lakes for fishing swimming and boating, a free tour of the area. There are as many ways to adapt strategies as there are preppers.

My time on these posts has shown me that there are far more people willing to send private messages than are willing to post their thoughts publically. That's fine. There is some personal info I would never put on a public post but would share in a private message. There are far more readers of these posts than there are people posting, perhaps through fear of rejection. But one can't help but be impressed by the politeness of the people on here. We have nothing to fear but fear itself.

Isn't it time we begin the long slow process of building our alternate economy? God how we need each other!!!