I was getting worried early-on in the book that the author would not mention martial law and "vast detention camps", but he does when explaining the extent of lawlessness, troublemakers, and immigrants "who will increasingly be seen as an unacceptable threat to national security." (127) Additionally, "Americans will be confronted by an unfamiliar and frightening array of legal, financial, and security restrictions, including lockdowns, curfews, internments, capital and exchange controls, and even [oh yes especially] martial law." (185) It will be a world where the dark and seamy side of life are apt to be predominant with addictions, vices, and suicide prevailing everywhere. There will be much thievery, scamming, and violent crime and as Panzner says, "People who underestimate the severity of the dangers ahead and fail to take the necessary steps at the outset risk being left penniless." (142)
When all is said and done, Financial Armageddon offers some sound advice and strategies, which some readers may be aware of, for navigating the crumbling empire . The author insists that having access to information, especially alternative news, will be crucial. Not knowing or predicting how long the internet will exist or remain uncontrolled, he strongly recommends that people familiarize themselves now with alternative news sites and continue to do so as long as they can. In addition, he emphasizes hyperinflation and the risks it will entail in terms of using cash. Precious metals will be a strong hedge, and barter will become a basic, commonplace form of exchange. Practical knowledge of fundamental skills, healing with herbs and other alternative remedies, and personal disaster planning will be essential-as will be the ability to navigate a rotting infrastructure which, and I'm sure Panzner would concur, that in August, 2007, we are just beginning to witness the tragic consequences of.
Panzer also adds the spiritual factor in the equation:
Coping when many people are trapped beneath the rubble of an irresponsible or impetuous past will call for considerable courage, stamina, and resolve, which must come from within. Constant turmoil and heightened uncertainty about the future will require ‘what if?' thinking and the ability to anticipate situations that used to be rare or non-existent. (143-144)
In addition, Panzner states unequivocally that:
For most Americans, the period ahead will be a time to scrimp and scrape and shy away from a natural sense of optimism that says tomorrow will be better than today. Instead of looking for handouts and loans, people will increasingly have to draw upon their own creative inner spirit to satisfy whatever needs they might have and uncover alternatives to spending money, without necessarily expending a great deal of valuable time and energy in the process. (179)
Gee, do I hear Panzner saying what I have been saying for years-- that we must "kill hope an enliven options"? Yes, indeed I do, and I also hear in his chapter on Relationships, that brains, wit, physical fitness, and the best laid plans of mice and men without human connection and skills that enable people to sustain it, will come to nought.
I look forward to Panzner's next book and trust that it will hit harder than Financial Armageddon. Nevertheless, I enthusiastically recommend this book as well as the Financial Armageddon website.
In summary, the joyride is over, and if you are reading these words, you are probably one of the few people in America or in the world who really understands what that means.
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