Posted on 02/11/2006 8:11:59 PM PST by EastCobbRules
I always come to Free Republic when I really need facts and ideas (and a laugh!). So, I come to ask you about your predictions for the near term. I am worried, folks, 'cause things aren't looking good to me. So, I value any of your comments on the following issues. (Pick an issue, ANY issue...)
Thinking outloud...
Iran - How likely is a war with Iran? (0%, 50%). If a war takes place, can we keep the conflict mostly isolated - like Iraq - or will it engulf the region or world? In the end, who will side with us? How will Russia and China respond? How will a war affect the price of gasoline? How will it affect the economy? What happens to the stock market? What will be the long term consequences? If the Iran people support this man, what happens after we bomb? Would an invasion/occupation be required? What country is next?
Avian Flu - Does this become yet another overblown risk? Or does this thing really mutate and cause the next pandemic?
Terrorism - Do we have years before the next attack? Sooner? Thoughts?
Chavez - I think this guy is the least of my worries for now. Am I wrong?
How does a family prepare for the new world? Stockpile cash and food - or live life and take each event one at a time? Does one gradually move from stocks to cash? Or just "let it ride" because none of this matters long term?
Does the US ever say enough is enough, and decide to "keep" a country it invades - or always invade and then turn back over to the most favorable group it can find? Democracy in the Mid-East doesn't appear to be working - at least, it doesn't appear to be resulting in the type of leaders that are compatible with the west.
Finally, what does a father tell his kids about the new world? How does one prepare them?
I know... I know... Many questions - And I sure as heck have no answers... Do any of you?
Thanks for you advice - and your ear...
About everything you mentioned...hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Worry about the things you can do something about.
Don't worry about things you can't.
That means don't worry about terrorism, iran, chavez, bird flu, etc.
It means be prepared for a two week stay in your house with food, water, batteries.
It means have enough liquid cash in the bank to live for 2-3 months.
It means being the best person you can be, don't do drugs, learn as much as possible, try to make friends, keep your cars in good shape, do your best at school and work.
And the rest is in someone else's hands.
Be optimistic, stay in good physical condition, vote republican.
Dang, what did you do? Drink a pot of coffee?
I think you should save what you can (diversify the savings) and have a little more than what you need on hand, but I'm not big into stockpiling. There's a cost to stockpiling in storage space, maintenance and spoilage. I have friends who still haven't gone through their Y2K stash!
I believe you live life day by day. You do the best you can with the opportunities you have given the knowledge you have. You do all you can to improve the quality of life for all within your sphere of influence, however big or small it may be. You look for and enjoy the blessings that are around you.
I tell my kids they need to be smart, strong and have faith. I believe they will face some really tough times. I think they need to know history, which will give them perspective. I think they need to know about real-life heroes, so they have examples of folks who overcame adversity. I think they need a sense of humor.
I don't mean to be simplistic or trite. I just believe sometimes there are no easy answers... at least not ones we can know before we come to the point of decision. The fact that you are asking the questions tells me that you will do okay. Just love those kids, Dad. Be there for them, set a good example. The future depends on them, too, and when you give them a strong foundation, you strengthen us all.
Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened. Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. -- Lord of the Rings
How could I have forgotten! :-)
Any words of wisdom for our friend?
An accountant friend of mine suggests having enough cash in the house to last for a few months. Yeah, there's a risk; you'd have to hide it well, but if the economy goes, the money in the bank may not be available.
I'm going to give that one a 70%.
Perhaps you need to read this http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/518988/posts . It will give you an idea of where we are heading unless we clean House and take command again.
Negotiations and diplomacy are going absolutely horribly. I think ultimately, as difficult as it may be, Iran getting a nuke is the option that cannot happen.
It is fascinating to see how little faith some Americans have in the founding principles of our country when they see democracy in the Middle East and don't like it. I have long known that there are many Americans who do not know or understand self-government. I think we could work on our own population first. Frankly, I do not see anything other than excess of beginners and that is understandable. Of course Hamas are international criminals, but they will be dealt with as such.
Good stuff.
War with Iran is about a 90% certainty. There is, however, always the unexpected. The Islamics should kiss our butts for taking out Iran, by the way. If we don't the idiots will try to set off a nuke in Israel. and Israel, as a parting gesture, will take out the entire middle east.
Gas prices are going up. Buy a hybrid.
So much that is happening now was unimaginable only 30 years ago. The world is a volatile place.
And remember where it is hidden. This is an inside joke.
Hi! My name is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. I'm from Iran.
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