True, this isn't a rosy-cheeked topic, yet it certainly contains much wisdom. It doesn't do a lick of good to go into "denial" mode.

I have a remote cabin in Fairbanks, AK that we'll likely put on the market at some point. We always kept it stocked with lots of shelf-stable proteins/entrees and other food items. I will likely start implementing a similar good pantry-stocking exercise to fortify here at home too.

Some items I will stock up on are: powdered milk, instant tea, crystal lite drink mix, rice, pasta, ramen noodles, instant potato dishes, tuna, peanut-butter, soups/stews, spam, cheese whiz, canned chicken (breast meat chunks as well as whole chickens), pasta entrees, hot tamales, chicken & dumplings, corned beef hash, fruits/veggies, tomato paste.

Yes it is depressing - but this is something we need to face - as the people of this country we haven't got a leg to stand on - it's the powers that be that are running and ruining everything.

This is going to effect us all in one way or another.

But it is better to be prepared for as much as you can prepare yourself for.

It just ticked me off royally that Bush signed the bill for another $162 BILLION to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. For what????

And when our men and women come back maimed for life (if they come home) they are denied much of the medical they need. Don't get me started on that one!

We are paying $10 Billion for salaries to the Iraqi people to build their country. WHY?

This stimulus payment crap was just that - mine went into the gas tank.

There are so many people in this country that cannot make ends meet. I'm not talking about the welfare junkies with their hand out - you know the ones - 5th generation mooches - but I am talking about the seniors, disabled, etc. who have worked and can no longer make money to keep up. Why can't our government give them a large check to get themselves out of a mess, pay their medical, get things they need, fix their homes that are falling apart, etc. instead of wasting money everywhere else.

And they send all this wheat to Korea while we have uncontrollable wheat prices here! Yesterday they announced that hamburger rolls and hotdog rolls (sure it's summer time) are up another 20 cents per pack.

Don't these idiots (the powers that be) see this??

And I see no relief from it soon.

CAG -

Sure I love to can all my own stuff - but right now I am going to start stocking up on canned goods, dry goods/staples, etc. Thank heaven they now put expiration dates on everything.

If this were to all become perfect tomorrow - I just wouldn't have to buy these things for a long time - it's not a waste of money.

I just pray we never have to start stock-piling bottled water!

>I'm not talking about the welfare junkies with their hand out - you know the ones - 5th generation mooches -<

Coincidentally, in line with that, Shipscook had just sent me the following:

A guy walked into the local welfare office to pick up his check. He marched straight up to the counter and said, 'Hi. You know, I just HATE drawing welfare. I'd really rather have a job.'

The social worker behind the counter said, 'Your timing is excellent!' We just got a job opening from a very wealthy old man who wants a chauffeur and bodyguard for his beautiful daughter.

You'll have to drive around in his Mercedes, and he'll supply all of your clothes. Because of the long hours, meals will be provided.

You'll be expected to escort the daughter on her overseas holiday trips and you will have to satisfy her every need.

You'll be provided a two-bedroom apartment above the garage. The salary is $200,000 a year.'

The guy, wide-eyed, said, 'You're lying!!!'

The social worker said, 'Yeah, well . . . you started it.

KYH - I've seen that one before - and it is so true!

Also - it is so sad!

Welfare is there for those that really need it - second generation - doesn't need it. Sorry.

And I love the "family plan" people - they all move into homes on the border of Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania - and they use each others addresses and collect from all 3 states. Pathetic.