I am normally a happy person that likes to think of myself as peaceful and loving with a kind heart and gentle soul. Alas, current events have me questioning myself, suspecting everyone, and trusting almost no one. I hate that I am accused of being systemically racist and living a life of white privilege even though nothing could be further from the truth.
There are many elephants in my room.
Sadness, boredom, and even a bit of depression lurk in the recesses of my daily life. I say this with the knowledge that I was mostly prepared for the multiple SHTF events that have occurred this year. That said, I was not and am not immune to the long-lasting effect of being locked down in social isolation.
This is not the way I want to live this chapter of my life and I suspect many of you do not as well.
A popular podcaster that I follow likes to remind us that if things are not right in your world, do something. Don’t sit on your bum fretting, but act. Talk. Open yourself to discussion and, like I said, do something.
And that, my friends, is the topic for today.
Be a Do-er
Becoming a Do-er can take different forms. In my case, doing translates into self-sufficiency when it comes to food security, first aid and medical needs, household maintenance, and personal care.
Am I 100% self-sufficient? Of course not, and actually, it is my belief that 100% self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by those who need to justify their way of life. On the other hand, 50 – 80 % self-sufficiency is not only attainable but a reasonable goal.
Years ago I wrote about this myth as it was being perpetuated by homesteaders that self-righteously claimed they were “grown-up preppers”. I leave it up to you to come up with the appropriate expletive to issue as a response.
A do-er can also be an activist for change. The obvious way to do this is at the ballot box but in today’s era of all sides claiming fraud, the validity of the fair and just elections is anyone’s best guess. Running for office, even at the most grassroots level, is another way to affect change.
There is no magic wand for becoming a do-er because doing is a mindset. It is a quest that dictates you turn your back on complacency and refute control of your daily life and destiny by power-hungry politicians who think they are better than you. Doing something takes guts, gumption, and fight.
Are you up for it?
Create a Social Bubble
Something I have learned these past six months is that having social contact is important. A loner by nature, during the first weeks of the pandemic lockdown nothing much changed in the way I went about my daily life. And then something clicked, and I don’t mean that it a good way.
Freedom of choice was taken away and the things I love to do were no longer an option. Retirement, as I had envisioned it, was becoming a sham.
Realizing that social interaction was far more important than I had ever imagined, I worked to create what is called a social bubble. There are many definitions of the “social bubble” but the way it works for me is this:
Identify individuals that are trustworthy, in good health, and like-minded and agree to socialize with each other while maintaining adequate social distancing, especially indoors.
In order to limit undue exposure to sickness, pick up to six people and only socialize with this small group either singly or together. If anyone in the bubble has a sniffle, runny nose, or other potentially contagious ailment, stay outside the bubble until the issue is resolved.
Use an abundance of caution to do not judge last minute cancellations or an unwillingness to get together.
So how has this worked?
Whenever I felt as though I simply could not stand it any longer, I would make plans to get together with friends in my social bubble. This involved happy hours, dinners, and sometimes just walking together at the park. For my husband, Shelly, this also included nine holes of golf, always with the same group of pals.
Having a social bubble has prevented feelings of isolation and added a bit of fun to a life that has been mostly boring. That is not to say that boredom does not happen. After all, there is just so much reading”, binge TV watching, soapmaking, and adult coloring that I can do without saying enough is enough.
Will We Become the Next Venezuela?
So now we get to the nitty-gritty.
Any discussion of how to act and what to do needs to begin with understanding the consequences of big government and socialism. For ten years, since 2010, I have had a concern that the country I love will become the United Communist States of America and if I thought we were headed in that direction in 2010, I now feel the same only ten-fold.
The idea of unilateral government control of daily life scares the heck out of me. Will my home be taken away? What about my bank accounts? Will I be forced to trade-in the rewards from 50+ years of hard work to support criminals, illegals, thugs, and the likes of anarchists?
Interestingly enough, it was also in 2010 that Hugo Chávez, the president of Venezuela, declared an economic war on Venezuela’s upper classes as industry was further nationalized and control of food, energy, and healthcare become the purview of government. Does any of this sound familiar to you? I don’t know about you but current political rhetoric is telling me that we should be wary of this same type of 21st-century socialism coming to the United States.
Think about this.
Sixty years ago, Venezuela was a very rich country and the envy of other nations. They were a leading exporter of oil, and there was a robust middle class. Today, Venezuela is ranked 179 on the World Economic Freedom Index, second from the bottom above North Korea who is last at number 180.
[source: https://www.heritage.org/index/ranking]
Now don’t get me wrong. Although I identify as a conservative, I very much believe in social programs to help needy Americans. I also believe that equality regardless of race, religion, sex, or gender identity is our right as a member of the human race. I do not believe that those in our country that are here illegally deserve a single dime of taxpayer money.
Harsh? Maybe, but that is what I believe. Here illegally? Either go home or find a way to pay your way just like the rest of us.
More Insights
I can not take credit for the following bullet points and in fact, they were created by an anonymous source. Read them. You may not agree or even believe all of them but my guess is that at least half will resonate. [Hat tip to Frontpage Mag]
Women are upset at Trump’s naughty words. They also bought 80 million copies of 50 Shades of Gray.
Not one feminist has defended Sarah Sanders. It seems women’s rights only matter if those women are liberal.
No border wall. No voter ID laws. Did you figure it out yet? But wait… there’s more.
Chelsea Clinton got out of college and got a job at NBC that paid $900,000 per year. Her mom flies around the country speaking out about white privilege.
And just like that, they went from being against foreign interference in our elections to allowing non-citizens to vote in our elections.
President Trump’s wall costs less than the Obamacare website. Let that sink in, America.
We are one election away from open borders, socialism, gun confiscation, and full-term abortion nationally. We are fighting evil.
They sent more troops and armament to arrest Roger Stone than they sent to defend Benghazi.
Sixty years ago, Venezuela was 4th on the world economic freedom index. Today, they are 179th and their citizens are dying of starvation. In only 10 years, Venezuela was destroyed by “democratic socialism”.
Russia donated $0.00 to the Trump campaign. Russia donated $145,600,000 to the Clinton Foundation. But Trump was the one investigated.
Nancy Pelosi invited illegal aliens to the State of the Union. President Trump invited victims of illegal aliens to the State of the Union. Let that sink in.
A socialist is basically a communist who doesn’t have the power to take everything from their citizens at gunpoint … yet.
How do you walk 3000 miles across Mexico without food or support and show up at our border 100 pounds overweight and with a cellphone?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wants to ban cars, ban planes, give out universal income and she thinks socialism works. She calls Donald Trump crazy.
Bill Clinton paid $850,000 to Paula Jones to get her to go away. I don’t remember the FBI raiding his lawyer’s office.
I wake up every day and I am grateful that Hillary Clinton is not the president of the United States of America.
The same media that told me Hillary Clinton had a 95% chance of winning now tells me Trump’s approval ratings are low.
“The problem with socialism is that sooner or later you run out of other people’s money”— Margaret Thatcher
Maxine Waters opposes voter ID laws; she thinks that they are racist. You need to have a photo ID to attend her town hall meetings.
President Trump said, “They’re not after me. They’re after you. I’m just in their way.”
Now, go back and read this again like your future depends upon it. Because it does.
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Home of the Brave, Land of the Free
I believe in the American flag and everything it stands for. I also consider the United States National Anthem sacred and will not kneel and will not support organizations that condone it.
Along those lines, a few weeks ago when I was totally bummed out, I asked my husband, Shelly, to sing the National Anthem for me. I share it with you today.
And just so you know, in spite of our current national woes, I still believe that the United States of America is the greatest country ever formed in the history of humanity.
Summing It All Up
I have never considered my online presence to be journalism. Instead, I have always maintained that what I write is an opinion that is based on personal experience, thought processes, and realtime analysis. In addition, much of what I write is done to give voice to those that may not have an audience.
More than anything, writing helps me clarify who I am and what I stand for. You can agree or not. Remember, everyone is welcome here.
Yours for a Joyful Life,
Gaye
Strategic Haul
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There is not one thing in your article that I disagree with. Maybe it is our generation. But this country is in big trouble and I don’t see the liberals as having the answer to anything. I think things are going to get even uglier. This is not how I planned my “golden” years.
I, also, wholeheartedly agree with every point you made. Thank you for speaking up for the United States of America! I love this country. I pray everyday for our great President Trump. No one else could have stood the slander and abuse that he receives every day from the media and the Dems! I admire his strength and courage to fight for us, the American people!
Please vote straight Republican and give him the tools he needs in a Republican House and Senate for 2020. I truly believe that Satan and his forces drive these rioters and anti-Americans to try to destroy all that we hold near. Pray to God, vote in person, and act like your very life depends upon this election…because in fact, it does!
Dear God, thank you for letting me read this & see that there are others out there that feel the same way I do.
Thank You Gaye!
I am so glad you have written this. I have forwarded it to others and hope it spreads. I agree with you and it may be a generational thing. I know I have also been concerned and frightened about what is going on. My voice alone isn’t loud enough but yours is louder. I am also glad to know I am not the only one who feels this way. We need to change but as the quote says “If you do the same thing today that you did yesterday nothing will change” .
Beautiful and intelligently written, I agree with everything you mentioned. I’m mid-50s, so not retirement age yet. My son is 17, and is pretty conservative too. So much can depend on how you were raised and if you were taught to think or follow. It seems so many just follow the emotion instead of following the thought line out for themselves.
Ah Gaye I am disappointed in your reposting of “Front page” talking points that lack honesty. Confusing a womans choice in reading a sensual novel (which to be honest I haven’t read) and a man who’s “dirty words” are act of sexual aggression toward women.”Grab em by the pussy” is pretty demeaning and aggressive . This man also has almost 30 women claiming acts of sexual crimes against them. 30!
I have resisted the urge to push Melanias overt sexuality and the photos that show that, because to defend a womans right to choose her sexual pleasure, – and then demean a woman who has done it is not fair. I would not judge her if she red Grays book.
Just like a lot of these points-they are shallow and unsupported by any documentation that is reliable.
I like you fear for our country and this isn’t how I wanted my retirement to be-but it is.
I am one of those “TERRIBLE” Liberal-Feminist Americans who love this country as much as “Conservatives” do. Where I differ is in thinking that we have the richest country in the world, we have enough for all, we can always do better, we can be the shining light – this isn’t pie, there is enough for all. We just have to step away from rigid ideology and propaganda and see it for what it is. We all have to do better.
And yes I lived in a Military Dictatorship for two years-Brazil in the 1970’s. I am aware of the dangers of a single government. And I am aware of what life is like when the top has all the money and the 99% doesn’t. It’s not what I’d want for my grandchildren
I do respect you, just keep it honest.
And the rest of you – keep a open mind and good luck to all of us.
PS
And yes those “Illegals” to be fair, do pay Social Security taxes, federal taxes, state taxes and unemployment taxes-which goes into the communal pot and from which they cannot withdraw.
I am not going to argue that being here illegally is a crime- thats a whole different can of worms. But put yourself (or all of us) in a boat in which you are fleeing from a corrupt government, from local terrorists, where your family is in real danger of being maimed raped or killed for no reason. In which you have left every thing you own and everyone you love. That is a refugee. A couple of weeks ago we had lots of refugees in my state – Oregon. From terrible fires- people stepped up to help everyone. Think of this when you think of “illegals”. Just imagine this for a few minutes-this could be you.
Now if you read this to the end – thank-you. Sometimes it’s hard to hear from another point of view. Just remember this isn’t Pie- we have enough for everyone here. Kindness, humility, honesty, faith, generosity we have it – we just have to stop judging so damn much.
I did read your comment through to the end and applaud you for feeling comfortable sharing your point of view. I really meant it when I said that everyone is welcome here. Love the pie analogy and wish that more people in our country learned to respect opposing views. Take care and stay safe!
I loved the song!….it actually brought me to tears. I remember as a child watching my dad stand, in respect, in our livingroom whenever it came on TV at the start of a game or something. At the time, I didn’t understand but I certainly do now. We are in a pivotal point in time…and our choice is good over evil. I pray for the best.
Thank you, Gaye, for all you do.
Thank you for posting all of this. Thank you. I’m not verbose in comments anymore because I’m too exhausted by fear that we will turn into Venezuela unless Trump is re-elected.
Gaye, i am another of those terrible feminist liberals who disagrees with almost all of your “bullet points.” of course, my first impulse is to write a lengthy rebuttal, explaining what’s false about each point in turn–but i’ve tried that with other conservatives, so i know i’d be wasting my time. besides, i have too much respect for you as a person to engage in a battle neither of us would win. i’ve been reacting to our current situation by having nightmares of a societal breakdown (think doris lessing’s “memiors of a survivor”). one thing i would like to expound on that most people don’t seem to understand: socialism, or communism if you prefer. this idea has been expressed as “from each according to his means; to each according to his needs.” i think karl marx put it that way. our “new deal” system is based on this–each person pays different amounts of tax according to his/her income and assets, and those who need help can get help according to their needs. we don’t limit what help someone can get to whatever they’ve paid in taxes; that’s the socialism part. this concept of sharing was the basis of the early christian communities and “hippie” communes too, and the general idea (treat others the way you want to be treated) is the basis of every major religion on the planet. but human beings (specifically male human beings–sorry, but it’s true) are inherently incapable of operating in this kind of system for very long, so we have no examples of an enduring socialist society. what we think of when we hear those words is the tyranny of stalin, castro and others who have pretended to set up a socialist system, but in reality have used that fiction to establish tyrannical empires in which they and their cronies stole all the goods and power that should have been distributed to the people. putin’s russia still runs that way. socialism is not inherently evil, any more than a hammer is evil–both are only harmful when used by evil people for evil purposes. for example, i assume you would agree that the social democracies of western europe are not evil empires, even though they are socialistic. right now, i am only hearing from one person that he plans to get rid of elections and establish himself as president for life. and that’s what’s giving me nightmares.
i hope your social bubble continues to give you comfort, and that our democracy survives for all of our sakes.
I very strongly disagree with every point that you make. God save us with this kind of thinking! Suggestion: Use proper punctuation and paragraph breaks!
The 11:14 comment was directed to Nancy Tinney. Sorry if there was confusion.
It appears to me you have bought into a lot of the Dem’s propaganda. I would hope that you do a bunch of research on both sides of the issues at hand. I have no desire to denigrate you or your ideas except to say if your party gets in power, I have great anxiety for the future of our great nation, my (and your) children and grandchildren. I firmly believe the downfall of America will be the downfall of the world as we know it.
I sincerely wish you no ills, for the advent of the Democratic party will surely bring you (and the rest of us) all the misery we can stand (and then some).
Very well expressed, Gaye. You put into words the anxiety I have regarding the future of our country. In times like this, I remind myself that God is in control of all circumstances and is using them to achieve His purposes. That provides me comfort, though not necessarily reassurance that things will improve.
I found your “social bubble” example very helpful and plan to share it with several friends. We’ve been basically doing the same thing, but I think your analysis of how to safely interact will help those in my bubble who have felt uneasy with meeting, to be more comfortable in doing so.
Please keep sharing your thoughts. They are an inspiration and an encouragement.
Gaye, I am a true middle of the road gal who believes sincerely in this country and recognizes that our mix Of free enterprise and a little socialism (like the Social Security check that feeds me) have served us all well. To me, radical changes to what works have always seemed crazy. That said, of course there are things that need to change, such as the 42 years I worked for less than my male counterparts made, the lack of support from my family when I put myself through college (they chose to invest in my 3 brothers’ college educations but felt no woman need go), etc. I would never have an abortion, but think other women and girls should have the right to make their own choices, particularly in cases of rape and without fear or intimidation. I read Fifty Shades of Gray and the two sequels and now wonder why I wasted my time, but see no connection between the books and the deplorable and unstatesman-like language Trump used and continues to use about women. I think Americans are a good people of great generosity, high values and deserved esteem and we need our leaders to represent us diplomatically, while protecting everyone’s right to be who they are. Keep up the good work and thank you for the opportunity to be a prt of your community.
Gaye, I and many others that I know agree with everything you said wholeheartedly! I’m very worried about this election and pray everyday that God will see Trump through this and keep him safe. There was a time in my life that I believed none of the things happening today could ever happen in the United States of America, but they’re happening and I’m very scared and worried about what could happen to the country that I love. I also believe that if Trump is not re-elected, we’re in deep trouble & our country as we know it will be gone, More people need to wake up to the truth & we need to stand together & fight to take our country back, because if we don’t & we lose it, we’ll never get it back! Thank you for speaking the truth & making people aware & Shelly brought tears to my eyes singing our National Anthem. Tell him it was beautiful!!
I am 100% in agreement with what you have penned in this thoughtful writing. I am sad and scared. I am old enough that my dying won’t be much of an impact but I worry about my children and grandchildren.
It seems common sense has died among a great number of people who live in America.
A feeling of entitlement prevails..what I want, what I think, free education, free healthcare, free food, free housing….and they do not see that NOTHING is FREE. Someone ALWAYS pays.
Regardless of who wins this election, there will be big trouble in the USA. I just pray Trump wins because I believe, after watching him weather the last 4 years, he is our best bet to set things right.
Thank you for writing this. It is comforting to know I am not alone.
Stay safe.
I shared your post with both my sister and my daughter-in-law. My sister doesn’t agree with my daughter-in-law’s and my point of view…maybe this will help her understand ours.
We also enjoyed your husband singing for us…powerful and touching.
I’ve been reading an following you for years now. You are a shining light in a dark world and I really appreciate it.
I too am concerned with the way our country and the world is going and I vote in every election as that is something all citizens of voting age should do.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts…and I agree 100% with each of them.
I fear if President Trump is not re-elected, our country will fail miserably. His accomplishments go unnoticed by the media and most people won’t take a moment to do their own research to see exactly what he’s done. Rather, they’re stuck on a comment made during a private conversation years ago…as if they’ve never heard such language before.
On the contrary, we have watched Biden with his touchy-feely hands on multiple occasions and the women who accused him years ago of rape or assault have been ignored. Even Kamala believed his accusers, until she became the Party’s pick for VP. How convenient. Unfortunately, Biden doesn’t seem fit enough to function through a news presser, much less run a country, and his Party’s VP pick is even scarier to me.
The Democratic Party seems to be doing everything in their power to mess with the election…they plan to protest the election results, they’re pushing mass mail-in ballots (today, ballots from military members with votes for Trump were found along side a road in PA), Hillary has told Biden not to conceded no matter what and they’re projecting Trump wouldn’t leave if he lost the election and they’re already planning to remove him forcefully. This is not the Democratic Party it used to be. How can they be trusted?
In the meantime, I continue to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
God Bless our President and God Bless America.
I also thank you Gaye, for all that you do; appreciate and agree with your comments above.
I have followed you for years, and always appreciated your insights and valuable information you so willingly shared.
However,
I am a little dismayed that today’s volatile politics entered into your writings. True, we are all allowed our views and opinions and beliefs. But that was yesterday and today is very different, especially when EVERYTHING is politicized and the supporters of both sides can be quite rabid, angry and hostile, and yes, even dangerous. People need to realize that BOTH parties are guilty of what each party accuses the other one of engaging in or doing. Performing in-depth independent research would prove that. I will not comment on the politics portion of what you wrote but I do want to mention a few words in the health category.
I am in the ‘high risk group’ designation for the virus, and my husband would be considered very ‘high risk’ with several pre-existing health conditions. I was also raised in a family where my mother worked in cancer research for 35 years, (who, btw, at age 94+ is still alive and doing very well but hasn’t been out of her immediate home surroundings since March due to her medical knowledge of how viruses spread. I stop by every 2 weeks (fully masked and keeping social distances), to take care of her needs).
You mention maintaining social contact with certain people within your bubble. But, how do you know for sure who all they have been in contact with prior to seeing/being with you? How do you know if they took every safety precaution – what about that one time they didn’t wash their hands? Of thought it was safe to not have the mask on when talking to their neighbor 4 feet away? Once again, just because someone doesn’t SHOW any physical symptoms does not mean they are covid free.
As such, we are taking EVERY possible precaution there is during these Covid times, including wearing masks at all times when out and about in any and all situations, and avoiding any type of social gatherings. It isn’t that WE are sick, but because asymptomatic individuals can spread the virus, one does not KNOW for sure who has the virus and who doesn’t. Those lacking visible symptoms can and have spread the virus. Ever wonder WHY those working in the medical profession and environments ALL wear PPEs when interacting with ANY patients – to protect themselves AND the patients.
And honestly, if those in the medical fields can wear PPEs 8-14 hours a day, certainly we, the general public, can endure wearing a mask for an hour or two.
And as far as socializing,
Yes, people have ‘rights’ – and my ‘right’ is to NOT contract the virus by someone who is asymptomatic but who feels their right to not wear appropriate PPE supersedes my rights to staying healthy. How does it get balanced so that EVERYONE can feel safe and have their ‘rights’ not encroached upon.
I have appreciated reading you during these many many years, but will probably wait until the dust has settled before venturing back to your site. Because of today’s hostile world, I no longer read the news, watch the news or listen to the news and most definitively, talk about the news with others. Life is already far too stressful and the ONLY thing I can control is myself and what I do/how I react. I know for a fact, given the rigid stances of people today, that my written or spoken words will not change or alter anyone’s views or beliefs right now. Which certainly makes it challenging to create harmony in the world.
I, at least, appreciate your opinion. It gives me the opportunity to view a different perspective, and perhaps even change my mind. Thanx for your contribution.