Own the means of production

[Bearman202]

Many years ago I read the scribblings of Karl Marx. It's amazing how little that we actually think of as socialism was actually said in his book. I've forgotten a lot of it, but the one thing that stuck with me, out of the whole thing, was the fact that whoever controls the means of production controls just about everything. Think about it. If you own the land the food grows on, you own the food. If you own the tools required to do what needs to be done, you control that. Owning and being able to provide fuel for the only tractor for miles around puts you in a pretty good position come planting time.

The Cyprus thing got me thinking about this. When the govt. can swoop in and take your money because they've screwed up their budget to the point that the only way out for them is to take what you've got, then having money sitting in the bank is a bit pointless. I think the problem is that they don't consider it YOUR money. Anyway, it's really pointless to talk much about that. What I am thinking that you would be a lot better off with a set of tools than a big bank account. That may become pretty important, although I'm not going to say how long it will be. It could be next month, it could be years down the road. I personally think they're going for the slow boil, where we swim around and around until we're completely cooked.

Even something as simple as a sewing machine and the knowledge of how to use it could put you in a position where you can barter for stuff you need. The means of production is the key here. Maybe we should get it?

[Grand58742]

Means of production, absolutely. But not only that, but the knowledge to use same as well.

Basic hand tools and the knowledge of repairs, reloading supplies and the "recipes" for the loads you use already, basic sewing needs as well as how to not poke yourself in the fingers all the time (still learning that one lol)

Overall, the means of production and the knowledge to put it into practice. Good post.

[rockriver]

excellent post/thread.
whether it is owning 5 chickens that produce eggs
or owning the gas station that has 20k gallons of fuel on hand
or the producing garden and fruit trees.

[Lowdown3]

Five stars, excellent!

People tend to think socialism and communism (a communist is just a socialist with a gun) really are "everyone shares" type of arrangements, they aren't.

A quick watch of the cartoon version of "Animal Farm" ($1.99 bin at Walmart) can teach even a 5 year old the perils of socialism.

Until the Lord comes, their will ALWAYS be those on top of things. Usually "they" will be the ones with the ownership of production like you mentioned, or the FORCE necessary to steal from the producers (gubmint, tough looters) and sometimes this "force" is simply nothing more than cajoling and coercement or the FEAR of imprisonment, impoverishment, social outcasting (remember "Community!!") etc.

[Lowdown3]

Followup- this is why we have always stressed production (food, power, etc.) BALANCED by strength of and skill at arms. Oh and the trained manpower to protect it all.

[Chief]

I agree with this philosophy. A lot of people these days are pouring all of their money into the stock market. For various reasons but the middle class mostly for retirement, I also put in some. I have reduced that though with the understanding now that my land is also part of my retirement. What I can produce off of it will make a great hedge against anything bad coming down the pike.

I believe in the coming future it will be the Farmers that will be the next millionaires. Just let’s hope they are not all owned and run by corps or worse Govt. As well as with the men and women that can produce products and services for others. Just think about the man who can produce electricity thru solar and wind and has abundance to possibly sell or barter. The man that makes good wine, or produces cheese. As well as the man who runs his tractor on bio diesel and can produce it thru what he grows. For these people in the future they would be very profitable. The one I believe to be one of the most important is the fabricator. Thru wood and metal he would be the cog in that community that makes it all run.

[JethroBodine]

I agree with all of the previous posts.
The place where we seem to be screwed is property taxes. Ultimately Government has control... What do you do if they take away your land and place to store all your tools etc.? How do we get around that? Some states don't have property taxes, but nothing to say if things get tuff they wont be enacted.