Interesting thread. I’m a long time reader and occasional commenter. I was thinking just this weekend how depressing it has become to read many of the comments here – voices who appear to be seasoned, serious adults stocking up on guns and ammo and discussing hyper-inflation.

One wonders what to actually do. I’ve bought a few TIPS, reduced some recurring expenses (cancelled the local newpaper – finally!), reduced the energy needs in my house (spending todays dolalrs in anticipation of long term inflation in energy costs), restocked and upgraded my 72-hour kit, upped my exercise program. I’ll probably buy a little silver this week.

None of this will matter much if we get real financial collapse or more than sporadic civil disorder. What it would take to really prepare for TEOTWAWKI… and to live in the aftermath … is really depressing.

I can imagine – but frankly not quite believe – the level of civil disorder that would make it necessary to carry a gun. But I’m starting to wonder, and window shop.

I think one of the best counter to depression is action taken toward a goal.

I’d be interested in suggestions from the crew here for things that one could do, assuming a scenario a little less disasterous than TEOTWAWKI. What are some things that you folks have done over the last year, or are doing today?