Beware

Were you aware that there had been an increase in the "import duties" of 17% on certain items coming into the US? When we made a purchase through our wholesaler we noticed a 17% increase in our cost. The wholesaler told us that there had been an increase in this tax. Although this was the only wholesaler who gave this reason for the increase, we noticed that other wholesalers had increased their prices as well at about the same percentage. I have not seen anything on the news or internet about this increase but I will look into it. Be aware that anyone who purchases items from outside the US will be increasing their prices - Walmart, Lowe's, Target, etc. This comes at a time when so many are out of work and can barely afford the essentials to get by. Since so many of our products are made elsewhere (where were these "duties" when so many companies were moving their production out of the US), many products should see an increase. This tax may have been passed as an add-on to another bill, or as a tax that was set to become effective months or even years after the bill passed. However it was done, it is here now.

Absent but not gone

Water, water everywhere. In my line of work that means 20 hour days, seven days a week. Surviving in this difficult time. I am back and all because a friend of mine told me a strange story.
Back in the sixties life took on a different meaning. This was before many of us had arrived upon this earth. The serenity that existed after the second World War was being replaced with many forms of protest. Racial unrest, political upheaval, war protests, etc. were part of the everyday news. Many people were killed, maimed, arrested, and imprisoned during this time. People who had survived the second World War and the Korean Conflict were arming themselves for a war right here on their own soil. My friend was growing up during this time and remembers clearly what was going on in the larger cities within this country. He lived in a large mid-America city at this time. Although his neighborhood was small, his dad felt that it was his family's responsibility to protect the neighborhood. His dad had a number of weapons that he had collected over the years and he felt that it was time to make sure that each family in his neighborhood was armed. As a boy, my friend remembers cleaning, loading, and providing additional ammunition to each of his neighbors. Although the riots that took place within the city did not come close to his neighborhood, the news within other parts of the city was not good. The uprisings were controlled and life moved on. As a boy, this man felt protected by his dad's actions.
What does this have to do with us? Other than a history lesson to learn from, this does not affect us today. Or does it? This same friend, now with grandchildren of his own, was told by his dad last week that the time is coming again to arm ourselves and protect what is ours. My friend is now cleaning guns for the future.
How about us? Are we ready? Do we have enough resources to protect our families?
What are you doing to get ready?