going galt, a journey
Posted by xau 3 years, 4 months ago to Going Galt
Just landed.
In the outside world, I have promoted fiscal discipline and sound monetary policy in a belief that if government finances can be made sustainable, everything else can be managed. Monetary policy may ultimately have a greater impact due to how it erodes purchasing power, increases the wealth gap and fuels populism, but monetary policy is ultimately a reflection of fiscal policy.
My otherwise natural optimism was shattered when I read John Cogan's 'The High Cost of Good Intentions: a History of U.S. Federal Entitlement Programs". Of course I have known US finances are and have been on an unsustainable course; what was demoralizing, though, to more fully appreciate the dynamics. Until then, I knew in the abstract where things may be heading, with humility on timing given the talented can kickers in government. Illuminating was Cogan's discussion of how Madison's reading of the Constitution has been trampled, shaking my belief that if we only foster strong institutions, we can get through this.
What to do? I appreciate this virtual Gulch, and I look forward to potentially connecting with some inspirational people, but not for the sake of escaping mentally, but to build a real Gulch. At least for me, this is a journey - rather than vanishing, it is a place to spend an increasing amount of time. I have done just that. My Gulch is a 100 acre property where I can hone many skills with manual labor, fixing machinery, automation and increasing efficiency of the irrigation, etc.
To get to my mini Gulch, I often fly in my Cessna to a nearby airport. So I gather that qualifies as a Gulch. Except that I couldn't stop there and have been working on a helicopter rating. You get the idea.
However, to me, this mostly a proof of concept. That's in part because this mini Gulch is still in the US. I've actively been chewing on setting up a more nomadic lifestyle, spending a few months a year in different places. And that's part of why I'm reaching out to this group, for inspiration of places to consider. It doesn't necessarily need to be a ranch - different locations might call for different type of engagement.
I have a few years to plan this out, actively working to increase my options as I see dark clouds on the geo-political space. Call it diversification. I'm not the person to buy spam to collect in the basement. No, I plan to enjoy the journey, have some serious fun along the way. I intend to continue working for quite a few years, so my nomadic lifestyle will factor in not just idealism, but also practicalities - in part because of years of planning, I am in the incredible fortunate situation that I have more options than many. I have several ideas, but would welcome your input as I execute a vision that is quite consistent with the Gulch.
As indicated, I just landed in this Gulch; I trust others have discussed locations to consider; indeed, I am aware of several. What I am looking for is input/inspiration to execute a grand vision, not merely an escape hatch.
In the outside world, I have promoted fiscal discipline and sound monetary policy in a belief that if government finances can be made sustainable, everything else can be managed. Monetary policy may ultimately have a greater impact due to how it erodes purchasing power, increases the wealth gap and fuels populism, but monetary policy is ultimately a reflection of fiscal policy.
My otherwise natural optimism was shattered when I read John Cogan's 'The High Cost of Good Intentions: a History of U.S. Federal Entitlement Programs". Of course I have known US finances are and have been on an unsustainable course; what was demoralizing, though, to more fully appreciate the dynamics. Until then, I knew in the abstract where things may be heading, with humility on timing given the talented can kickers in government. Illuminating was Cogan's discussion of how Madison's reading of the Constitution has been trampled, shaking my belief that if we only foster strong institutions, we can get through this.
What to do? I appreciate this virtual Gulch, and I look forward to potentially connecting with some inspirational people, but not for the sake of escaping mentally, but to build a real Gulch. At least for me, this is a journey - rather than vanishing, it is a place to spend an increasing amount of time. I have done just that. My Gulch is a 100 acre property where I can hone many skills with manual labor, fixing machinery, automation and increasing efficiency of the irrigation, etc.
To get to my mini Gulch, I often fly in my Cessna to a nearby airport. So I gather that qualifies as a Gulch. Except that I couldn't stop there and have been working on a helicopter rating. You get the idea.
However, to me, this mostly a proof of concept. That's in part because this mini Gulch is still in the US. I've actively been chewing on setting up a more nomadic lifestyle, spending a few months a year in different places. And that's part of why I'm reaching out to this group, for inspiration of places to consider. It doesn't necessarily need to be a ranch - different locations might call for different type of engagement.
I have a few years to plan this out, actively working to increase my options as I see dark clouds on the geo-political space. Call it diversification. I'm not the person to buy spam to collect in the basement. No, I plan to enjoy the journey, have some serious fun along the way. I intend to continue working for quite a few years, so my nomadic lifestyle will factor in not just idealism, but also practicalities - in part because of years of planning, I am in the incredible fortunate situation that I have more options than many. I have several ideas, but would welcome your input as I execute a vision that is quite consistent with the Gulch.
As indicated, I just landed in this Gulch; I trust others have discussed locations to consider; indeed, I am aware of several. What I am looking for is input/inspiration to execute a grand vision, not merely an escape hatch.
The Corona Virus pandemic has revealed that the deep state exercises control in every country at every level as indicated by mask wearing conformists in every village in every country of the world. Finding a place where there is no state control might be impossible. The best alternative is to live so as not to be noticed. Read 'How to Live Free in an Unfree World' for ideas. Skill in electronic surveillance and avoidance may be crucial as well as basic survival skills.
I did this for a long time and it worked very well. Then computers came along, then the internet. Gathering information on individuals became involuntary and most importantly for the government economical. It does not need vast armies of thugs to hunt down individuals and search their information using analog methods. A simple computer analysis program and it alerts the enforcers and identifies your location, job status and income. Declaring everyplace public and ruling that you have no expectations of privacy in public gave the enforcement the excuse needed to collect your information. Every banking institution or any information collecting organization capitulates immediately to requests from the government. Your need to function means you must connect in order to purchase needed goods, to work to collect what is due you and to pay what you owe. The increased use of these tools makes individuals vulnerable. The government goons feel they are 'protecting' America and indeed they are. They are protecting the state that demands to know everything and control everything. The contract (constitution) that declared the limits of the government is now being used to declare the limits of the individuals, the government declares you are free only as long as you obey its demands and conform to its controls.
Any serious discussion of exactly how to do this should only be done in person. This site, phone communication, letters are all monitored due to Patriot Act, FISA courts (secret courts) and investigations. I have some ideas, nothing successful yet.
To retreat into a Galts Gulch would either mean giving up most of these things, or somehow recreating them without being detected by the powers that be. The leftists would want to immediately expropriate anything of value in the gulch that they became aware of.
I think that eliminates a USA based gulch. I used to have a plant in Tecate Mexico, and there is a lot of remote land that one could use to set up a compound. Locals and local police are easily and cheaply "bribed" in that culture (look at what the cartels get away with), unlike in the USA.
Other south american countries are probably similar (like colombia). For older people, medical care is pretty important. For all people, defense is very important.
% already- heading for 20%. Its very disturbing to pay taxes that then are turned around to decrease my freedom. Enough is enough.
I'm starting to transition to a somewhat similar mode after July. The only thing that will keep me attached to the general public at all is my kids and golf - haha...