Ej...................MIA ?

[flintlock]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

Lets keep things in perspective people. We're not in Poland in 1939. Most of us risk only our finances and mental health in this situation. I fear more for those in the potential war zones, those already in poverty who will suffer more because of this, and perhaps a little for my son who will be of draft age soon. Lets hope it doesnt come to that.

[Pascal]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

Look, EJ's expertise is economic and financial. And he's one of the best, maybe the best, I've found in many years of trying to keep my head above water. But as I am sure he will tell us, he's not a prophet. EJ likely sees very bad times coming as the collapse process of the current monetary system perhaps makes a spike move forward. Probably there will also be oil shortages and much higher prices if the madmen of the middle east start lobbing bombs. But that's all financial -- assuming the war stays localized and you're not so unlucky as to live there -- and most of us can deal with it.

The types of things that really are scary are nuclear war, attacks on domestic nuclear facilities, biological attacks, pandemics, etc. But those apocalypse type risks have been around a long time and will continue to be around for a long time. They may be more likely in a time of economic upheaval, but they're far from certain and I doubt EJ would make any such low odds prediction. Nobody has sources that good outside of maybe the Mossad, and they're probably not talking.

[flintlock]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

I work for an Israeli company -- I inquired about contingency plans and the response coming back was that it's all talk, don't worry about it.

I tend to agree, but then its a volitile situation and nothing would surprise me at this point. When you really consider israel's situation and the possible outcome of doing nothing, even if highly unlikely, things get serious really quickly.

[flintlock]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

I think the problem is not that he is worried about crushing the fragile flowers here. More that he doesn't want to encourage Mad Max hysteria and a "Gold Bug" atmosphere.

Also, What exactly is EJ predicting? A war in the middle east? Hasn't there been a war in the middle east for like 20 years? 30? Bad economy? unemployment? We already have that.

Try $10 gallon gas. Expanded war, unrestrained terrorism. ( what we've have had in the past was very focused and limited in scope), with the resulting reduction in personal liberties. Not to mention the resulting economic chaos.

[jiimbergin]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

This isn't about buying food or hoarding water. The required preparation is emotional and spiritual.

It can be summed up in a word: courage.

I am also convinced that Faith is even more important than courage.

[think365]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

One can only hope he is being dramatic. And I couldn't agree more with you about the rest. The events of the last four years have completely shattered my faith in humanity. The pure darkness at the heart of humanity has been revealed to me in that time. And it really makes you question whether you want to go on living.

At the end of the day, we are all vulnerable, sensitive human beings. Thank you for reminding us.

My wife is a very good, gentle, psychotherapist in San Francisco. I have sent her your post and she asked that I take the liberty of sending you a PM with her private phone number. Do not hesitate to call if things get too dark and you need someone to talk to. Mention that you are from iTulip. There will be no charge.

Know that you are not alone. You are surrounded by a decent, caring community here. One way or the other, we will get through this.

[aaron]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

One can only hope he is being dramatic. And I couldn't agree more with you about the rest. The events of the last four years have completely shattered my faith in humanity. The pure darkness at the heart of humanity has been revealed to me in that time. And it really makes you question whether you want to go on living.

I know where you are coming from. I have been there.

But, really, there is only pure darkness in a minority of people.

[doom&gloom]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

Beest days this summer have been towing the teens and their friends around on a tube behind the boat. Nothing like beating them senseless, and dragging them home wet and tired to make everyone sleep well. Funny how they will always come back for more!

This coming week I will be doing some college tours with #1 som around the Western US. Lots of road miles, and I really look forward to it.

[aaron]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

we must be neighbors

[astonas]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

And it really makes you question whether you want to go on living.

I sincerely hope this was for dramatic effect. Always remember that while the subjects we talk about here may indeed be dark at times, they relate to what for almost all will be merely an adjustment of expectations, not a cataclysmic annihilation of joy. There is much to take joy in that does not cost a penny. And these things are arguably most valuable of all. Nothing we are talking about can take away the feeling of a cool breeze on a sunny day, or the sound of birds chirping.

If you are indeed serious, I would strongly encourage you talk to someone about these feelings. It doesn't have to be an expensive therapist, either. If money, or health care insurance, is hard to come by, religious leaders are generally also trained how to help. And of course, seeking out friends, either in person or online, can be helpful as well.

Please PM me if you feel you might benefit from information about resources that are available.

[BadJuju]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

This isn't about buying food or hoarding water. The required preparation is emotional and spiritual.

It can be summed up in a word: courage.

EJ: You would have been a good prophet.

[EJ]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

I *think* I am prepared, but any insight into how you think we ought to be preparing would be helpful! For me, the priority is suggestions for preparedness. If your elaboration on details of the root cause(s) has to wait, so be it.

This isn't about buying food or hoarding water. The required preparation is emotional and spiritual.

It can be summed up in a word: courage.

[lomaxzoltor]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

Yep, I agree. My comment was tongue in cheek given the darker than usual comments from EJ.

[BadJuju]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

I suspect EJ was being a little theatrical with his comment. I think our innocence has already been lost. The daily news make me want to throw up. E.g. Britain threating to storm Equador's embassy to get Assange out. I am not a fan of the guy but the threat was crazy. More examples... swiss banks encouraging employees to bring in US clients and then turned over employee lists to US gov't. Talk about morale booster.

One can only hope he is being dramatic. And I couldn't agree more with you about the rest. The events of the last four years have completely shattered my faith in humanity. The pure darkness at the heart of humanity has been revealed to me in that time. And it really makes you question whether you want to go on living.

[BadJuju]

Re: Ej...................MIA ?

I agree. Personally, I'm gearing for a potentially worse variant of the 70s.

And a piece of advice, EJ -- just lay it out. It's not like you're speaking to a bunch of wide-eyed optimists here. And who knows, maybe we'll be the ones to convince *you* it won't be that bad.

What has me concerned is that I have noticed a rather stark shift in EJ's posts lately. I think this is the third or fourth time in the last few months he has alluded to something dire happening and dramatic changes in living standards. As best as I can guess, which could be entirely wrong, is that he has come upon some very bad news. He probably hates being the bearer of bad news, especially since he is always been pretty optimistic despite his pragmatism.