This is only one step of the solution to possible food shortages. In my area, farmers have plenty of animals on hand ready for harvest, but are unable to get dates for processing at USDA-approved sites. Some cattle ranchers in Nebraska, Iowa, Idaho, and Wisconsin are taking matters into their own hands to raise funds and build their own slaughterhouses . Just knowing farmers doesn’t guarantee food security, so getting a large chest freezer can provide space for stocking up.
Pro tip: Orange-pill the farmers to get them to accept Bitcoin payments!
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Live A Healthy Lifestyle And Decentralize Health Care
This is another nontechnologal step, but one that can hopefully keep us out of the medical industrial complex. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Being conscious of physical health by regularly doing a well-rounded exercise routine is extremely beneficial to the immune system, mood, and mental health. In addition to physical exercise such as weight lifting, cardio, yoga, and stretching, doing a mental destimulation practice through meditation can clear the mind and bring awareness to subtle physical sensations in the body. Don’t forget the self care after workouts! Massage, acupuncture, and sauna plus cold plunge are my favorite ways to treat myself when my body needs some extra attention.
There are some wonderful prophylactics to support healthy immune systems. I’m no herbalist, but I like to take shots of fire cider , drink elderberry syrup, and supplement with vitamin C. Contrary to the current narrative, it’s completely normal to get sick. When I get sick, I often look to these herbal remedies first. Decentralizing health care means seeking alternative means of prevention and recuperation. If herbal remedies don’t work, I contact my acupuncturist for an eastern medical perspective.
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Move Out Of Cities
Moving into the country where there’s lower population density to get away from cities can set people up for growing their own food and creating a homestead. Being in an area with lower cost of living and people who know how to take care of things themselves is a big advantage. Following stories of societal unrest, it is clear to see the major demonstrations are happening in and around city centers.
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Homeschool Or Find A Co-Op
The school system is in dire straits. The climate for public schools with the restrictions for kids and mandatory masks, teaching of controversial curriculum, and standardized testing of skills not needed for success in the “real world” is an article unto itself (coming soon …). Private schools are more adaptable, but also costly and not necessarily free of these issues. Homeschooling or creating a small co-op is one of the only ways that parents can be in charge of what their kids are learning.
Each family has individual preferences for what their children need and homeschooling is not an easy task for families with two working parents. Until school choice becomes ubiquitous by vouchers, tax breaks, or other means, parents are limited by what they can afford. My family has chosen a small homeschool co-op as our preferred method of education for the time being. Our child is extremely social and needs to be around other kids as much as possible. There are many families who moved to our area to enroll in another specific homeschool co-op that took a stand by refusing to mask children and teachers. In my previous career as a teacher at a private school, it was apparent that many families want their children to have a unique, individualized experience that they would not get in a public school setting. Homeschooling or a co-op experience is one form of education that provides that individualized support where parents have a significant say in the curriculum.
Additional Resources : (DM me on Twitter for more educational resources)
Be Ready To Protect Yourself And Your Family
There are many ways one can protect themself and their family. If you are a United States citizen (and not a convicted felon) firearms are an option. Being raised as a gun-fearing, liberal Democrat, I had no idea where to start. The folks at the local gun range were incredibly kind and helpful to a newbie like me. They were excited to support someone who was curious about something they are passionate about. Now, I am capable and responsible with firearms, thanks to those kind folks.
Having a plan for different scenarios can also be an effective way of mitigating risk. As a child, I remember having a family meeting to make a plan in case there was a fire in our house. Considering the world seems to be on fire, my family is working out plans for what to do if we need to hunker in place or if we need to leave quickly. It’s a work in progress, but it’s a start. There are also ways that citizens can get a second passport (usually through investment in the region you wish to move to). Katie The Russian of Plan B Passport can support you with this option to be ready to relocate if things get dicey.
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We can’t do this alone. These past 22 months of “two weeks to flatten the curve” have demonstrated that we cannot survive on our own. Many people in younger generations are not a part of a religious community. Whatever your religious beliefs, community is a major need that was being fulfilled by churches, synagogues, or mosques. Because many people are not participating in these organizations anymore, we need to find other ways to build community, both physically and digitally. As I mentioned earlier, there are great Telegram groups with helpful and friendly Bitcoiners, homesteaders, and more, but these people aren’t there if the power goes out. Connecting with neighbors and people in the community can be tremendously helpful in difficult situations. The freedom-minded friends we’ve made in the last two years have even started discussing contingency plans for communal well-being, just in case.
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Conclusion
The intention for writing this article was to organize both technological and natural ways to move towards sovereignty in various aspects of life. There are countless strategies and numerous levels of independence from the state. Each person/family will have their own idea of what’s best for themself/themselves. The goal was for some of these tools to be helpful for those of us who want to further our journeys to be less dependent on Big Tech and more self-reliant in order to preserve privacy, censorship-resistance, and free speech. For additional ideas, check out LaserHODL’s most recent appearance on Tales From The Crypt with Marty Bent. Laser shared his own list (starting at 1:25:55) which has different, though overlapping concepts. Matt Odell clarifies the purpose of this article with his tweet below.. I hope this piece was empowering rather than prescriptive.
Pleb together strong, independently. And remember: you’re not alone.
This is a guest post by Craig Deutsch. Opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.
