US money supply plunges at 1930s pace

[FaithManor]

There is also a book out with plot diagrams and growing suggestions for raising enough to feed a family of four on 1/4 an acre. Something about homesteading on a quarter acre is in the title.

 

I have the book and I will try to look it up later and post its actually title and isbn. It was a wonderful book and one suggestion was to grow the larger meat rabbits if you are prevented from having livestock. Normally rabbits are allowed because they are considered pets. If you can privacy fence just a small section, you can probably keep the troublemakers from knowing you have meat rabbits. Plus, if someone does find out, just have the kids take them out into the yard and play with them. If they start controlling someone's pet rabbit, then they better be prepared for you to squawk about their cat or dog and the fact that you are pretty certain you saw a dog dropping in their yard!

 

The hard thing with HOA's is that yes, they are likely to self-destruct in the event of economic collapse, but unfortunately, one wants to have their plan in place before that happens.

 

I'll ask at the 4-H office next week about how to search state records for agricultural laws.

 

Also, if you have an agricultural community within reasonable commuting distance, consider befriending a farmer and offering to learn the ropes of Farm chores in exchange for some produce, eggs, beef, or grains. Most farmers haven't had a decent break from their enterprise in YEARS because farm sitters do not exist in most communities. I spend 4 hours per week on a friend's farm. In exchange I get half price on horse boarding, farm fresh eggs, and some lamb...yum,yum. Also, when we raise a pig there, it is boarded for free because I am also doing chores for their pig and providing kitchen scraps for both. You might find someone willing to share their bounty in exchange for the ability to have a weekend away. I would be paid for vacations but I don't take any money because I get a lot of benefit out of the relationship and the farmers are our very good friends. But, you could probably get a good barter system going if you are willing to learn to give basic horse care, feed and water chickens, weed gardens, etc.

 

Faith

[Rosie_0801]

While the Chinese are growing in wealth, they DON'T fund these programs, and, in fact, are currently exploiting via slave labor locals in oil rich African nations.

 

 

They do fund projects in the developing world, actually. They are not freebies, the Chinese get something out of it; but aid money from the West and Middle East isn't free either. From what my sister has told me, they tend to finance transport- road and rail.

 

Rosie

[stripe]

IWhile the Chinese are growing in wealth, they DON'T fund these programs, and, in fact, are currently exploiting via slave labor locals in oil rich African nations.

There are quite a few Chinese people working in African countries, actually.

 

There are also some people who find their approach of encouraging trade and economic development a positive departure from an aid-only approach favored by Europe and the US.

 

Many Africans have a quite positive view of China.

 

Something to consider.

 

http://www.chinatalkingpoints.com/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8314534.stm

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/world/africa/25niger.html

http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/africa/a-13-Chinese-Aid-Flows-into-Africa.html

[Stacy in NJ]

And here's a couple article describing China's labor practices in Africa.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1063198/PETER-HITCHENS-How-China-created-new-slave-empire-Africa.html

 

http://www.whataboutourdaughters.com/2008/09/chinas-new-slave-trade-in-africa/

[JenC3]

Unfortunately, where I live most people only have .20 of an acre. How in the world could I possibly grow what I need a family of 6? I imagine if it got to that, what I grew would be taken by starving people anyways. If getting food becomes a huge problem in our country then I fear violence will insue. I usually try not to consider the possibility.

 

You can do it!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/24/turning-a-suburban-yard-i_n_580038.html

[momof4boys]

I know for us that our income is fixed, and I used to be able to make ends meet, now with the price of groceries and gas, and with property taxes going up, it is becoming harder and harder to get through the month. I am selling curriculum, and we are counting change. Our lifestyle has not changed, but the economy definately has!