Be afraid. Be very afraid.

[leftofthedial]

Seriously.

We are collectively in a world of shit.

If you aren't staining your linens-right now!, you aren't paying attention.

It's all ending. The world we have known is over. The news is just the beeping maching monitoring the twitching corpse of our world in its death throes.

Be afraid.

But at least if you don't starve or drown, you'll be warm. :thumbsup:

[seabeyond]

1. warren buffet told us everything will be fine...

my hubby told me so, wink

[leftofthedial]

84. your husband loves you very much.

wink







;-)

[seabeyond]

98. lol

thats cute. yes he does.

[Deja Q]

2. Thanks for the pessimism.

Please keep it to yourself.

[Donnachaidh]

4. keep adjusting those blinkers

Then when it hits you personally you have no one to blame but yourself. Reality check too difficult to deal with? :sarcasm:

[cali]

11. so shitting your pants and panic is the answer?

Brilliant, my dear, just brilliant.

[CoffeeCat]

20. I appreciate these threads...

Some people expression their viewpoint about things being extremely dire--in different ways.

I've been pretty clear headed about it all, during the last two years. We've been
preparing. Clearing all debt, stockpiling essentials, hoarding cash and getting it
out of the banking system.

It's essential that people are able to talk about this.

So what if we're not all Rhodes Scholar white-paper writers. Some people just like to unload
sometimes.

We're all in this together. We may have different viewpoints, but being afraid and expressing
negative feelings shouldn't be positioned as some kind of weakness.

[leftofthedial]

36. Hey everyone! Deja Q doesn't want to hear it,

so shut the fuck up!

[roguevalley]

53. ok, you said what you said. how about something about what

people can do besides run in circles really really fast.

[leftofthedial]

70. well, for starters, they should make sure their hair is on fire before running in circles

really really fast. But all seriousness aside...

Soon, I will announce the availability of leftofthedial's Coming Apocalypse Survival Kits--everything you can do to survive and prosper in the coming troubles. For only three easy payments of $149.95 each (Visa, Mastercard or Discover please--your cash and your AmEx shit are worthless to me), you'll receive clear, easy-to-follow instructions for three scenarios guaranteed to guide you through *everything* you can do to survive the coming meltdown of civilization and destruction of the human ecosystem.

Stay tuned here for more information.

[roguevalley]

96. bwahahahahaha! Do you take turnips and chickens? If so, SALE!

[babylonsister]

3. Jeebus. Give it a rest, wouldya? Or go hide your head in the sand,

but this is just stupid, even for you.

[Taverner]

6. Hear hear!

We are only doomed if we allow ourselves to be such

Fuck doom and fuck the doomsayers

[leftofthedial]

25. Sorry. I was watching TV.

stupid, even for me? ouch.

[LiberalEsto]

5. I thought fearmongering was the GOP strategy

It worked for dumbya for a while, but last November, Americans voted for hope over fear.

[Taverner]

9. Exactly - but some folks didn't get the memo

Either that or they revel in joy over anything and everything apocalyptic

[pampango]

7. I thought that was Bush talking there for a while.

:)

[cali]

8. Seriously, you're in a long tradition of end-timers, dear.

Sooner or later it's bound to be true, but at this point predictions are no wiser or better informed than they've ever been. And sorry, but staining one's linens over it is stupid as... shit. What's the point in panic? How does that help you personally.

Now please return to shitting in your pants and trying to incite panic.

[leftofthedial]

26. I'm too busy at the moment,

but I could free up an hour or so for inciting some panic next Tuesday afternoon. Would that work for you?

[Warpy]

10. Suits me

I haven't particularly liked the world we've been in since Reagan declared war on us. If it's going to be overturned, that's fine with me.

In fact, given our hard wired inclination to war, if it's the end of us, it might be a good thing, overall. After all, the planet will go on. A few billion years from now when the planet and the Sun die, the universe will go on. Nothing is ever destroyed, just transformed and recreated as something else.

I've come to terms with the fact that we might be Mother Earth's rough draft for intelligent life. If that's the case, my money's on the cephalopods for the next try.

[leftofthedial]

37. :-)

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

12. "May you live in interesting times." Chinese curse.

[Terry in Austin]

52. Turns out not to be Chinese, apparently

Some discussion of the origins of "may you live in interesting times."

"An Ersatz Chinese Proverb":

I have never come across it in Chinese proverb dictionaries... found this site and this site that pretty clearly demonstrate its American and British lineage.

IMWTK.

:hi:

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

61. Well, wherever it comes from, it certainly fits our times.

[Terry in Austin]

91. And does it ever!

Who'd've thought that dull could start looking good!

[leftofthedial]

67. may you find origins of colloquial expressions

in interesting places.

[Terry in Austin]

88. A fine blessing

...and distinctly DU!

:toast:

[leftofthedial]

89. :-)

:toast:

[MineralMan]

13. The Sky is Falling! The Sky is Falling!

Wolf! Wolf!

[leftofthedial]

28. Financial crisis! Financial Crisis!

[MineralMan]

46. Run for Your Lives!

[leftofthedial]

65. Throw money! Throw money!

[Ellipsis]

14. "listen to yourself churn"

That's great, it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, an aeroplane -
Lenny Bruce is not afraid. Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn -
world serves its own needs, regardless of your own needs. Feed it up a knock,
speed, grunt no, strength no. Ladder structure clatter with fear of height,
down height. Wire in a fire, represent the seven games in a government for
hire and a combat site. Left her, wasn't coming in a hurry with the furies
breathing down your neck. Team by team reporters baffled, trump, tethered
crop. Look at that low plane! Fine then. Uh oh, overflow, population,
common group, but it'll do. Save yourself, serve yourself. World serves its
own needs, listen to your heart bleed. Tell me with the rapture and the
reverent in the right - right. You vitriolic, patriotic, slam, fight, bright
light, feeling pretty psyched.

It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine.

[leftofthedial]

27. :-)

[sufrommich]

15. Please, this is no where near "the end" we've survived way worse

than this and came out just fine. How is this kind of drama for the sake of drama any different than the freeper nonsense? Should we load up on ammo,too?:eyes:

[leftofthedial]

29. ammo and beer.

[Autumn]

100. I did buy an extra bottle of vodka this

week. I'm good to go.

[blues90]

62. Here's the thing " We've survived worse"

This may be true in certain respects but who did survive and who did not and who's to say today who will survive as a individual.

Yes the human race survived as a whole but then look at what we did and allowed to happne after the great depression , we continued with our wars of aggression and let our jobs be outsourced and merged even further into a global economy and killed the unions and made in america labels and now we battle with slave labor wages and have lost more jobs that one can keep up with.

Some say we have progressed and these are the corporations making all and taking all the money and controlling the government.

So explain to me how we've been through worse when at least after the great depression we still had factories and machines in place and even built tanks and jeeps during the war. We have none of that now and we are far more populated and spread out than during the depression , see if you can find a place to squat now and live of the land to ride it out and brother can you spare a dime is history.

Not everyone will survive this and anyone here could be one that does not.

2009 is nothing at all like the 20's or 30's. Now we are to create new jobs to replace the ones we watched packed up and shipped away and just what are these new jobs to be and what will they pay and what will the cost of fuel and food be , are these green jobs as if everyone can re-train to become a road and bridge builder or produce renewable fuels, we have a long time before we get even close to that.

[leftofthedial]

68. Maybe all we need is a big war, like in 1942.

We need to face it. It's over. If you don't already have your survival compound in Paraguay, you are shit out of luck. If you don't die in the coming "troubles," you'll drown if you live near the coasts or you'll die of hunger or thirst if you live in the "heartland."

You shoulda bought Microsoft back in the 80's. If you didn't, you're now hosed. End of story.

[blues90]

92. Well at 60 I doubt if I will be around for the flooding

However as we see how bad things have become I very may well be swept away by the tidal waves of starvation or shot for looking at someone the wrong way.

I don't have the comfort of a bunker or a stock pile of canned food and water and at this point even if I did I can't say I would want to come out to view vast waste lands left behind either due to waves of people fighting and starving or the push of a button in the hands of some madman.

All I know in my own mind is we are not going back to what we were and the future is still in some holding pattern with a pair of loose wings and a leaking fuel tank written in shear speculation and ink of hope.

[leftofthedial]

95. "written in the ink of hope"

:thumbsup:

[readmoreoften]

99. How do you know we've survived worse? It hasn't even really happened yet.

We're went over the cliff and folks keep saying "This is nothing! All this speeding air is kind of refreshing!" But the point is we haven't hit bottom. The fact that's its taking so long isn't a particularly good sign.

[blues90]

101. No we have not hit the bottom and no one knows where the bottom is

Or what it may look like or in fact feel like. People use the great depression as some sort of comparision but how can we compare 2009 to the 20's or 30's? It is an entirely different world now in every respect.

We cannot react as a people as the people did in that time so long ago.

This is the part of we've been worse off yet got through it that I'll never get . How much worse off can we possibly get , people alreay don't have jobs and are living in tent cities and on the street and are broke and there are few who can spare a dime let alone a dollar to help them out even if they wanted to.

[readmoreoften]

105. Oh this is nothing. We're actually just feeling the first pinch of a mild downturn.

1) Deflation of the dollar will raise the value of our debt to China and with tax revenues down to a trickle, we could have to turn to the IMF for debt restructuring and loans.
2) If some region of the world recovers as we continue to lag, the world could dump the dollar, flooding the market with our currency, reducing its value in a hyperinflationary vicious cycle type scenario.
3) Civil unrest and subsequent crackdowns.
4) Infrastructure damage due to prolonged lack of attention. (Hopefully, the stimulus will keep this in check. I think it's the least that can be done, frankly.)
5) Breakdowns in manufacturing chain leading to shortages of certain types of foods and materials.

[On the Road]

16. Is This Satire?

:shrug:

[leftofthedial]

31. who really knows?

:shrug:

[get the red out]

17. I agree

My team won't make the NCAA tournament barring a miracle in the conference tournament. The world is ending, or at least it might as well. NIT is a mass extinction event here in this town.

DOOM isn't pleasant.

[progressoid]

18. Shouldn't you be washing the shit stains out of your linens?

Instead of wasting your time diddling on the internet?

[leftofthedial]

30. I have a load in right now!

of laundry.

[Frank Cannon]

19. Yet somehow, I woke up this morning and my heart was still beating...

and I was still breathing.

Maybe it doesn't seem like much, but it's enough. And it's much preferred to the alternative.

[leftofthedial]

71. beat on, Silver Frank Cannon!

Beat on!

[Oregone]

21. Who cares. The system is fucked for the workers

The system is fucked for the environment. Its fucked for the citizens of the third world nations we perpetually exploit. Fuck it.

[leftofthedial]

72. If you don't already have yours,

you are out of luck.

[Echo In Light]

22. Never underestimate the power of denial

Drawing attention to the obvious is hardly the same thing as standard GOP "fear mongering."

[leftofthedial]

38. nothing to see here. move along.

:-|

[spinbaby]

23. AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Everyone panic and run around in circles!

[leftofthedial]

73. Figure eights. This is DU. Not freeperville!

[leftstreet]

24. On a positive note: the Mayan Calendar says the world is ending 2012

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2007-03-27-maya-2012_n.htm

Get out there and go shopping!

:bounce:

[leftofthedial]

35. there's still time to hit the big sale at Kohl's

whew

[damntexdem]

49. Yeah, but too late for Circuit City.

Now, we're short Circuit Citied.

[leftofthedial]

74. :-)

[uppityperson]

32. When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout

aieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! arrrrggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
omgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgogmogmgomgomogmomggmgmogmoggmgomomgoasiaaiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeearrrrgggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


ah, that's better.

[leftofthedial]

39. and don't forget to flush.

[dave29]

33. one day soon, you will all call me overlord, and fetch me water and grapes

my plans are all coming to fruition

[leftofthedial]

40. grapes!

I'd better put those on my list.

[Joe Fields]

57. Rush! I knew it was you!!!

I apologize for whatever....

[bdamomma]

34. this too shall pass.

[leftofthedial]

41. drinking lots of fluids and adding fiber to your diet helps.

[bdamomma]

44. no optimism for you huh? no getting up when someone knocks you down.

how did our parents do it during the Depression?

[Joe Fields]

60. wait just a second.. this isn't 1929.

There are far more sinister goings on now, than there were in 1932. There is optimism, there is resilience to bounce back, but only so much. There comes a point in each person's life when they have had enough and have seen the handwriting on the wall. Leftofthedial never said they were giving up, just digging in to prepare for what he thinks is coming, and who can really argue that he might not be right at this point?

[leftofthedial]

64. nobody has ever knocked me down.

If they did, cali would call them pathetic and kick their ass.

[Veritas_et_Aequitas]

42. I hate the meme that this is Economic Armageddon.

It just doesn't fit. Personally, I prefer Ragnarok. Why? Because as I see it, the major powers of our economy are like the aesir and the giants involved in an all-out, battle that almost seems fated. When its over both parties will be dead, and whatever people are left will have to rebuild the world anew.

I know that's not a much better scenario, but at least there's that rebuilding part at the end. Well, for those of us who will be able to rebuild. That's how I like my hope - dour and somewhat unpromising.

[leftstreet]

45. The whole thing seems contrived

The only thing missing is the brightly colored Economic Threat Level "ORANGE!!" graphic on the teevee.

Just sayin I think there's more to this than any of us knows.

[Veritas_et_Aequitas]

54. You're probably right.

I'm still not terribly worried, although my concern grows daily.

[Echo In Light]

58. There's greater reason to fear intentional or accidental nuclear annihilation....

...than economic collapse.

[Fire1]

85. I'm sure of it.

[leftofthedial]

87. gee, ya think?

but, hey, there are now only a few trillion dollars missing.

[leftofthedial]

66. :-)

[Bonhomme Richard]

43. Wow. I'm sure glad I went through that Survivalist phase......

many, many moons ago.
Maybe I should buy that 32' sailboat I was thinking about.

[Joe Fields]

56. you and I need to talk. pm me, please.

[leftofthedial]

75. All you need is the eye patch

and maybe a peg leg.

[Mojorabbit]

97. I went through one in 05

so I am feeling a bit better than I otherwise would have. We are looking to become as self sufficient as possible. It feels good to be part way there though it may or may not come in handy.

[damntexdem]

47. It's all I need to fear.

But what's this about linens, ... huh? What did you say?

[leftofthedial]

76. I spied a young cowboy all wrapped in white linen.

All wrapped in white linen and cold as the clay.


Well, white, but with some staining.

[HughBeaumont]

48. There. Is. No. HOPE!

There will be blood. And itching. And "Honey" on loudspeaker loop. YOU JUST WAIT!!!!!

:rofl:

[leftofthedial]

77. :-)

[tblue37]

50. I hate to say it, but I believe our current civilization is like a rabbit

shot on the run. It's already dead, but it keeps running for a short while in the same direction before it finally falls over.

I actually beleived this a long time ago, and it made it ahrd for me to bring children into the world (My older child is 29, my younger one is 27), but I decided that I had to make an investment in the future rather than give up on it entirely. Having kids was my way of making sure I stayed invested enough to keep trying to make things betetr--in my own little way. Sometimes, though, I do feel guilty about havign brought them into what I fear may turn into a true hell on earth during their lifetime--or during their kids' lifetime if they have kids themselves (which I must admit I selfishly hope for).

I also must admit that I had kids for another, more selfish reason--I really, really wanted them. Probably I was just rationalizing my decision.

[sinkingfeeling]

51. I wish people would just stop it. I'm trying to live my life as normally as possible. I still pay my

debts to Wells Fargo and Citi Group each month. I have confidence and continue to buy the things I've been buying for years. Nothing large, but still continuing my normal spending habits. Get a grip.

Hell, I was diagnosed with cancer in January and ain't hiding under the bed.

[leftofthedial]

78. best wishes to you.

Don't watch CNN.

[Joe Fields]

55. I'll be very honest with you.

I have never owned a handgun, rifle, howitzer, etc..., but I'm telling you, I have been seriously considering buying a couple of weapons and several thousand rounds of ammo, because I believe the fundies are batshit crazy and a civil war may break out.

This is what it has come to, and is the saddest commentary of my life as an Amnerican.

[leftofthedial]

79. all fundies are batshit crazy.

Period.

And there is nothing they won't do to prove it.

[Bobbie Jo]

59. Pfffft....I've been treading in this pit for 2 years.

Where have ya'll been? :shrug:

[leftofthedial]

80. I got into the current mess in 2001.

and have been watching the rest of the country hell-bent on joining me ever since.

[NNN0LHI]

63. More end timers nonsense

[leftofthedial]

81. I'm just rapturous over your denial.

Aren't things maybe just a little bit bad?

Just a little widdy bit?

Maybe?

For a couple of people?

And maybe a few glaciers?

Just a widdy widdy bit bad?

[theophilus]

69. This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius....n/t

[leftofthedial]

82. Harmony and understanding

Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revelation
And the mind's true liberation
Aquarius!
Aquarius!


Are you done with that joint?

[chrisa]

83. OMG IT's ALL OVER!!!one!!!

The Komunists are gona overfrow us! Thars gonna be a Sivil War. Weere all gonna diiieeeeee!!!

[leftofthedial]

86. someone give chrisa a bullhorn

[Sugar Smack]

90. Link? Linkie-linkie, please? Thanx! ;)

In advance, I mean, assuming it all does end in the next 3 or so min.

[Hubert Flottz]

93. You could bury your head up your ass like a republican and

depend on that to make the monsters go away. And if that don't work, leave your head up your ass and give the monsters another tax cut!

[camera obscura]

94. Funny, this same shpeil was being flogged for the beginning decades of the 20th century.

History repeats itself pretty quickly, doesn't it?

[Sheets of Easter]

102. I don't know whether to laugh or cockpunch you.

:shrug:

[Peacetrain]

103. I refuse to be afraid..

[Generator]

104. But the DOW is up sweetie!

There there. Just watch "MAD Money" and everything will be fine.

[crikkett]

106. well, I'm not paying attention.

/whistling happy tune