As Economy Sinks Guns Sales Climb: Why? The Darker Side Of Human Nature

Every since the election of Barack Obama as the first black President of the United States, gun sales have been steadily climbing: so much so until there is now a nation-wide shortage of ammunition.

Know who's buying? White folk.

My question is why and what does it mean, if anything, for the average African-American citizen.

Many of the articles and forums cite possible Obama gun control measures as the reason: Obama administration might rise taxes on guns or restrict gun ownership. According to Southcoast.today.com, " It amounts to "panic buying" — people are buying now because of the strong possibility that their sale could be outlawed within Obama's term, especially if the so-called "assault weapons ban" in reinstated. The uptick began in October, with many gun-owners fearing Obama would be elected." As a gun owner myself, I can understand people's concern over restrictions of their gun rights. But in these tough times, when many of us are forced to cut back to the bare necessities, literally choose between food and medicine, is there a darker side to this issue?

Yes, there is. I have also found that gun purchases have also been climbing because of the worsening economy, racist fear mongering (both from conservative talk radio and white racist groups), and National Rifle Association propaganda which has served to fuel fears of crime and civil disorder. Many white people in the U.S. are preparing for catastrophe right now and fear the possibility of civil disorder quite high right now. If you don't believe me, just check out this fact: more than three dozen interviews with gun dealers and buyers in Virginia and Maryland and with experts nationwide indicated that the increase in gun sales appears to be driven predominantly by concerns about the presidential election and the economy. You also see it in a resurgence of the "Survivalist Movement." The current trend is toward Economic Survivalist, but many white Americans are moving far beyond this and seem to be preparing for all out war.

Why should black folk be concerned with all of this? Well, racism still exist in America and black man, you are still being painted as the villain. While I know we have our own problems to contend with, so do white Americans. With the advent of a struggling economy, a schizophrenic stock market, record job losses, and white supremacist and NRA propaganda, many white people are being driven to sheer panic. Now, while not all are going out and buying guns, many are.

What can you do? I don't know, buying a bunch of guns is not the answer. Perhaps awareness is. I just want you to know that there are a lot more sacred folk out there running around with guns, isolating themselves, and thinking you are the cause of all their ills.

While there are a lot of issues out there, I found this one quite alarming for the simple reason that it appears there are a few groups out there who, "want to the are to pop off," or at least have white folk think it will, for personal gain.

For this, I have no words. How will you deal with this? My international brothers and sisters, what do you make of this? As you look in, can you tell me why we are so afraid of each other here?

Related Posts: "Economic Survivalist: A Few Of Their Strategies Can Help You In These Uncertain Times."

Economic Survivalist: A Few of Their Strategies Can Help You In These Uncertain Times

Are you worried about the future? Are you concerned about the economy? If so, you’re not alone. According to a recent Gallop Poll, “55 percent of consumers rate current economic conditions poor.” It’s a small wonder that record mortgage foreclosures, an anemic stock market, a collapsing banking system, record unemployment, high prices for basic items, and high uncertainty has created a new offshoot of an old breed: “Economic Survivalists.” Economic Survivalist are people who are cutting expenses by becoming more self-sufficient and self reliant. Note, this is different than your “old school” gun toting apocalypse now variety survivalist who feared world collapse. While some Economic Survivalists do include preparation for a total collapse of civil society in their planning, for many, this is not their main focus.

So, are any of these strategies right for you? I don't know. I do know this, many of these things make sense, not matter what the economic climate. Also, you may find that reviving "almost lost" skills and preparing for tough days make you feel and put you more in control.

Here are some of things Economic Survivalist are doing:

Take Control of Your Food Source

1. If you can, install a wood furnace somewhere in your home.
   
2. If you have the space in your yard, grow a garden. Better yet, get together with family, friends, and love ones, buy a plot of land, and plant together!
   
3. Raise farm animals such as chickens, pigs and cows for food.
   
4. If you are in an area where you can, hunt and fish to help put meat on the table.
   
5. Can your food—remember Grandma’s preserves? Pickle items such as fresh eggs.
   Fix things around the house yourself. Lowes and Home Depot offer excellent classes on many home repairs.

Make Your Household Independent

1. Produce more of the things you need: paper, candles, soap, bake your own bread, sew your own clothes (many stores carry patterns for making pants and dresses), and make home decor (i.e. curtains, comforters, pillows, chairs, etc.).


2. Give up anything unnecessary: vacation cruises, restaurant meals, high-tech toys and electronics (big screen televisions, stereos, DVDs, new clothes), etc.
   If you must buy, buy only necessary items and buy them in bulk which is usually cheaper.
   Use herbal remedies to treat minor illnesses.


3. Do your own home maintenance and repairs.


4. Do your own automobile maintenance.

Work With Others in Your Community

1. Get to know your neighbors.


2. Group related jobs (from several homes) together in order to get a better deal.


3. Barter; trade services instead of money.

Make Your Money WORK FOR YOU

1. Begin to pay down your debt but save money for a rainy day.


2. Save some paper and coin money in a safe place in your house (you might want to invest in a small or medium size safe to store your money and other valuables).


3. If it isn’t necessary to support life; you don’t need it. And if you can’t buy it with cash; don’t buy it at all.

Remember, economic survival=self sustained living. By now I'm sure you see that this is a “lifestyle.” It can be as involved as you want—the degree is up to you.

Finally, this isn’t just “a black thang.” People all over the world are struggling in these troubled times. Many were struggling when we in the U.S. were experiencing our highest standard of living. Yet, people all over the world are learning to survive in these troubling times—knowing how; that’s confidence. Knowing you can weather the storm; that’s power.

Want to know more? Comment on this post and I’ll get you the answers you seek. Are you an Economic Survivalist? Have you found a great way to save money?

Share! Let me know what you are doing to get by.