So, you can see why I say, even in a "best case" scenario-type calculation, I figure 5 years is being optimistic. Just getting myself set-up in a self-sustainable, clean and friendly "home" is something that I realistically can't accomplish alone. Just the basics of life like water, food and shelter, in a world without affordable or clean energy, perhaps the collapse of the monetary system, where purchasing power is left only to the elite and the rest are turned into slaves in one way or another.
We are so dependant on oil for our daily comforts, and those of us in the west that are pampered and spoiled are going to feel it the hardest. We're too fat and lazy and our thinking has been diminished by the endless mindless drivel that is used for propaganda to keep people asleep and obedient, that passes for entertainment.
I personally see two generations of kids that suffer from "failure to launch" syndrome. There is the physical ones - the ones that won't move out of or have moved back into, their parent's basement. And the emotionally stunted ones that might have a bit of Independence in them, but in reality it is merely an illusion. Mentally they are still children, in their pursuits, in their interests, in their hobbies, in their unwillingness to deal with any kind of reality or criticism. Always sheltered and coddled, these poor babes are growing up insecure and scared of their own shadow. So, there goes my retirement, these kids are underemployed, under motivated and over pampered.
There are however, enough people out there that are also aware of what is going on and are "doing" something to prepare for it. Some yes, are gun totting nuts, but they don't really need an excuse, they just like the lifestyle and the closed mindedness that goes with it.
The ones I speak of, are the sane and rational ones that are "building a lifeboat". Learning how to be less reliant on the grid. How to acquire the basics of life like water, food and shelter. When we were young we called it Scouts and Guides, and those organizations built confident and self aware individuals that grew up to excel in their life's pursuits. Now it's time to take those skills to the next level and as adults not only re-learn them for our own self-preservation, but teach them to the younger ones. Along with the teaching of the practical matters of life, we need to teach them how to grow up and take care of themselves. Like the mammals in the wild, the young may "play fight" while the adults sit lounging nearby, but in actuality, the cubs/pups, etc are growing and learning how to hunt, etc. But when it comes time to go out and really hunt down supper, the young ones better keep up or they'll starve. That might sound a bit drastic or over dramatic, but the lack of common sense and deductive reasoning and just down right stupidity that I see daily, makes me shake my head in wonder at the prospect of the survival of our species. People need to stop sleep walking, or perhaps wear a sign so those of us awake and aware of our surroundings don't trip over them.
But enough bitching, again, need to move forward and keep focused and not distracted. I have 5 years to hopefully get to the third level of the chart, and from there I could work on the top two levels.
It's going to take some growing pains, I can see that already. Really will have to learn to deal with a team, and I will have no or little say in who makes up this team. Luckily, most of the people already working with me towards this "lifeboat" are people I wouldn't object to being stuck in a lifeboat with. There are a couple that I could really do without, but it is my hope that when the time comes, they will have moved onto another boat or generally moved on. I have faith that all things work out for the best in the end.
