First off, before you read anything else in this letter, go and buy the following items:
- A couple hundred N95 masks.
- A box of 100 buckshot shells.
- A Costco sized jar of vitamin C.
- A Costco sized jar of vitamin D3 (50 micrograms).
Got that? Okay, good.
Second, don’t panic. You are (mostly) already prepared for what’s coming, and you’ve been expecting it for some time. And actually, things won’t be so bad for you, if you stay smart and take the proper precautions. Also, remember that the collapse isn’t evenly distributed, and everyone’s experience of it is different. You have positioned yourself and your family quite well to come out strong on the other side.
This is the year when the collapse—which has already begun, as you very well know—really begins to accelerate. Hemmingway said that bankruptcy happens in two ways: slowly, then quickly. Well, it’s about to get quick real soon. However, this is not the year when we finally hit the ground. Remember, it’s not the fall that kills you, it’s the sudden stop at the end.
Enjoy yourself at LTUE 2020 as much as you possibly can, because you won’t be going to any other conventions anytime soon. In fact, don’t even worry about making a 2020 conventions plan. And your goal to read every issue of Locus Magazine this year? Yeah, you won’t be going onto campus all that much, so don’t worry about it. Besides, the February issue where they do the 2019 roundup is really the only one worth reading.
You really need to cut back on the political podcasts. Remember how, in your Washington Seminar internship your senior year of college, you learned that you actually hate politics with a deep-seated passion? Yeah, you’re going to be reminded of that before the year is up. At most, you should spend about 1-2 hours per day listening to political stuff, and maybe (though probably not) another 1-2 hours on current events and culture. But really, you should spend most of your time reading books, especially science fiction and fantasy.
Your in-laws are much better at home renovations than you realize, and are willing to help out generously if you ask. Also, you will save an important friendship (and a lot of time and money) if you rely on them instead of hiring on your friend as a contractor. Then again, you’ll learn a lot from that experience as well, and it’s better to risk losing a friendship than to risk stirring up bad blood with your in-laws. Do with that as you will. I’ve probably said too much already.
You are not a libertarian: you are an anti-communist. The distinction is important. Keep listening to alternative media channels, especially Tom Luongo, Chris Martenson, Tim Pool, Eric Weinstein, and Viva & Barnes (who you haven’t discovered yet, but soon will). They may be wrong about a lot of things, and their track record for predictions isn’t spectacular, but their hearts are in the right place and listening to them with a critical mind will give you the proper perspective more than anything else.
Pay attention to the UFO story. I’m not sure what’s actually going on there, but it’s probably more important than anyone realizes.
You have over-estimated the control that the powers that be have over our lives, but you have under-estimated the degree of their stupidity. Seriously, it ranks right up there with all the fools who turned World War I into such a magnificent clusterfuck. Possibly worse. Don’t put your faith in Trump—he is, at best, a speedbump to these people. Read The Fourth Turning, it will teach you a lot.
With all of that said, though, don’t be afraid. There is no reason to fear, especially if you are prepared. And you are prepared—not perfectly, but better than you realize. Most importantly, don’t let the craziness of the outside world keep you from all of the good things going on with your family. You and Mrs. Vasicek are going to have an incredible year, in spite of all the insanity. You will both become parents for the first time, with all that that entails. You will experience a lot of challenges, but you will lay the foundations for that strong and happy family that you’ve both always wanted to have. Recognize your blessings and thank God for them every day, and you will all come out all right.
Good luck, and God bless!
Your 2020 self
