Despite all of the craziness that is going on out there, many pundits are trying to convince us that life will soon “return to normal” and that great days are just around the corner.  They are telling us this despite the fact that the state of Texas has been in a state of collapse this week, the real economy continues to implode, the unemployment numbers are going up, civil unrest continues to rage in our streets on a nightly basis, and our entire planet continues to become even more unstable.  Those that believe that happy days are here again have a fundamental misunderstanding of the times in which we live.  This isn’t a period of time when America is going to “build back better”.  Rather, this is a time when America is going to go even deeper into “the perfect storm”.

One of the reasons why so many on the left are feeling optimistic right now is because the COVID pandemic appears to be subsiding…

According to a CNN analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University, the US is seeing a 29% decline in new Covid-19 cases compared to this time last week, the steepest one-week decline the US has seen during the pandemic.

Improvements have been made; in a White House briefing Friday, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the US continues to see a five-week decline, with the seven-day average of cases declining 69% since peaking on January 11.

We are being told that if the numbers continue to plummet like this, soon there won’t be a need for masks, social distancing and other restrictive measures any longer.

In fact, James Hamblin says that there is a possibility that “pre-pandemic life will return even before summer is upon us”…

If all of this holds true, it would mean that many aspects of pre-pandemic life will return even before summer is upon us. Because case numbers guide local policies, much of the country could soon have reason to lift many or even most restrictions on distancing, gathering, and masking. Pre-pandemic norms could return to schools, churches, and restaurants. Sports, theater, and cultural events could resume. People could travel and dance indoors and hug grandparents, their own or others’. In most of the U.S., the summer could feel … “normal.”

But is this pandemic really over, or is it just transitioning into a new chapter?

According to the Daily Mail, the number of confirmed cases of “Super COVID” in the United States is now doubling every 10 days…

There are now more than 1,600 cases of the UK’s B117 ‘super covid’ variant in the US, according to a DailyMail.com analysis. Cases are doubling approximately every 10 days, according to a recent Scripps Research Institute study.

‘Super covid’ cases have exploded in two states that took opposite approaches to the pandemic: California, which has been under some of the nation’s strictest lockdowns, and Florida which has never had a mask mandate.

Cases of the 70 percent more infectious variant have exploded to 433 in Florida, in less than one month since the first case was discovered there.

Of course many experts are far more concerned about the new COVID variants that have emerged in Brazil and South Africa.  Both of those variants have now made it to the U.S., and we already know that the current vaccines don’t work very well against the South African variant.

Meanwhile, the U.S. economy continues to crumble right in front of our eyes.

On Thursday, we learned that another 861,000 Americans filed new claims for unemployment benefits last week…

Last week’s initial jobless claims soared to 861,000, despite more states and cities lifting restrictive business measures amid a decline in the number of coronavirus cases. Economists had predicted around 773,000 first-time claims for the week ended Feb. 13. Data for the previous week was revised up to 848,000 from 793,000.

Unemployment claims have been at catastrophic levels for nearly a year, and now they are starting to surge higher once again.

We also just learned that a whopping 92 percent of all restaurants in New York City “could not afford to pay their rent in December”…

A new report from the NYC Hospitality Alliance shows the extreme financial problems restaurants in New York City are facing, as 92% of the city’s restaurants could not afford to pay their rent in December.

The number has steadily worsened throughout the pandemic, from 80% of restaurants in June 2020 not being able to pay rent.

92 percent!

That isn’t what a “recession” looks like.

The truth is that we are in an economic depression, and there is no end in sight.

At the same time, communities all over the U.S. continue to be plagued by civil unrest and crime.

In cities such as Seattle, violent protests and riots have essentially become a nightly occurrence at this point.  But most of the violence that we are witnessing is old-fashioned crime.  One study found that murder rates in major U.S. cities were up by an average of 30 percent last year, and the chaos has continued into 2021.  If you want to see an example of the lawlessness that is prevailing in our urban areas right now, just watch this video.

On top of everything else, our entire planet continues to behave in very unusual ways.

For instance, on Friday morning there was a magnitude 4.2 earthquake in Oklahoma…

A 4.2-magnitude earthquake shook Oklahoma and Kansas Friday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey reports.

The 4.3-mile deep quake hit near Manchester, Oklahoma, at 7:56 a.m. CST, according to the USGS. Manchester is in northern Oklahoma near the state’s border with Kansas.

It is not normal to see earthquakes of that size in the middle of the country, but of course we are moving into times when all of the old rules will no longer apply.

Earlier this month, I wrote an article about how volcanoes all along the Ring of Fire have been “starting to pop off like firecrackers”.  I believe that we have entered a time when we will see natural disasters become increasingly frequent and increasingly powerful, and despite all of our advanced technology we are exceedingly vulnerable.

Just look at what just took place in Texas.  A single wave of cold weather plunged the state into a nightmare scenario.

If cold weather can cause this much chaos in Texas, what would a much more severe long-term emergency mean for our entire nation?

The events of the past week should be a wake up call for all of us, because the road ahead is certainly not going to get any easier.

***Michael’s new book entitled “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***

About the Author: My name is Michael Snyder and my brand new book entitled “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book, I have written four others that are available on Amazon.com including The Beginning Of The End, Get Prepared Now, and Living A Life That Really Matters. (#CommissionsEarned)  By purchasing the books you help to support the work that my wife and I are doing, and by giving it to others you help to multiply the impact that we are having on people all over the globe.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Parler, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help.  During these very challenging times, people will need hope more than ever before, and it is our goal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as we possibly can.

The post If You Believe Life Will “Return To Normal”, You Have A Fundamental Misunderstanding Of The Times In Which We Live first appeared on End Of The American Dream.

As fun as winter is, many things could go wrong hence the need for a detailed first aid guide for some of the most common cold-weather-related emergencies. You can never be too prepared, preppers.

In this article:

• • First Aid Guide for Frostbite
  • First Aid Guide for Hypothermia
  • First Aid Guide for Heart Failure
  • First Aid Guide for Sunburn
  • First Aid Guide for Sprains

RELATED: Survival Tips: How to Prevent Hypothermia For Safe Trip

The Ultimate Winter Survival First Aid Guide

1. First Aid Guide for Frostbite

Frostbite is a cold-related emergency that mostly affects extremities such as fingers, toes, ears, and face. It mostly occurs due to unpreparedness to deal with cold weather, such as damp and thin clothing, lack of gloves, or layer to protect your face.

Frostbite Symptoms

Superficial Frostbite

• Hardened skin
• The skin on the affected area turns paler than the rest
• Stinging sensation or numbness

Deep Frostbite

• The affected skin and tissue become hard.
• The skin on the affected area turns mottled, blue, or black
• Complete loss of feeling on the affected area

First Aid

• Loosen any clothing or jewelry that may block blood flow to the frostbitten area.
• Once blood flow is restored, thaw the affected area using your own body heat or warm water.
• The next goal is to protect the thawed part with a dry piece of bandage by loosely wrapping it around to prevent further freezing. For toes or fingers, apply sterile gauze between them.
• Next, elevate the dressed areas above the heart’s level. Rehydrating with water or other fluids at this point will be helpful.
• After this first aid, help the affected person seek further medical attention by taking them to the hospital or calling for help.

Tips

• Never rub the affected area; handle it gently
• Don’t break any blisters

2. First Aid Guide for Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body temperature drops below 35°C as a result of being exposed to dangerously low temperatures. Older people and outdoor enthusiasts are more prone to getting hypothermia, but anyone exposed to low temperatures is susceptible.

Hypothermia Symptoms

• Slurred speech
• Shivering
• Slowed pulse rate
• Shortness of breath
• Bright red skin
• Lack of coordination or confusion

First Aid

• Cold Stress: Since the victim is responsive in this hypothermia stage, offer them warm and dry clothing to inhibit heat loss. Also, give them a high-calorie drink or food and encourage them to move about to increase heat production.
• Mild Hypothermia: Though the victim is alert and responsive in this stage, they often have impaired movement and shivers. To treat this, keep the victim still for at least 30 minutes before applying heat to their upper body in gentle movements. Next, have the individual lie down and insulate them as you call for help.
• Moderate Hypothermia: In this stage, the victim will most likely be responsive but not alert, coupled with impaired movement and lack of shivering. To help, apply heat to the upper body as the victim is lying down and is insulated. Be gentle with movements in this stage.
• Severe Hypothermia: Here, the individual is not responsive and is extremely cold. Call for help immediately and administer the same first aid you would perform to a victim in the moderate stage. You can perform CPR if you know how to.

Tips

• Always access the level of responsiveness, movement, shivering, and alertness to know which stage of hypothermia your victim is in
• Do not let a victim with moderate to severe hypothermia stand or walk
• Also, avoid giving them any food or drink

RELATED: Winter Survival Kit: The Prepper’s Guide To Winter Survival

4. First Aid Guide for Heart Failure

Like other parts of our bodies, our hearts also suffer the effects of exposure to extreme cold. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures constricts the arteries, which leads to increased blood pressure.

While trying to keep up with the blood pressure and the cold, our hearts are likely to fail, leading to a heart attack and, even worse, a cardiac arrest. Dangerously low temperatures increase the risk of blood clots blocking arteries hence a heart attack that can easily progress to a cardiac arrest.

Heart Attack Symptoms

• Sweating
• Chest discomfort
• Lightheadedness or disorientation
• Pain in other parts such as neck, jaw, arms, and back
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath

Cardiac Arrest Symptoms: Before the Loss of Consciousness

• Weakness and fatigue
• Unconsciousness
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Vomiting

First Aid

In case of these, call for help immediately before asking someone to retrieve an AED for you to begin performing CPR on the victim.

5. First Aid Guide for Sunburn

You may not realize it, but you are at risk of sunburn in winter as in summer, sometimes even more so. This is because snowy ground reflects more than 75% of the sun’s most harmful rays.

Sunburn Symptoms

• Swelling
• Blisters
• Tenderness in affected areas
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Fever

First Aid

• Put sunscreen on any body part that will be exposed to the sun.
• Wear protective clothing

6. First Aid Guide for Sprains

With ice covering a rocky and rough outdoor trail, fall accidents are likely to occur. While some will leave you with a few bruises here and there, others will stretch your tendons, joints, muscles, and ligaments and possibly break them.

Sprains Symptoms

• Pain
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Limited to no movement in the affected joint

First Aid

• Rest the injured leg. This means using support to keep weight off the limb for it to heal.
• Ice the injury to reduces swelling. Do this for 20 minutes every hour and use a piece of cloth to protect the injury from direct contact with ice.
• Compress the injury by wrapping a bandage around the limb. You can also use a specialized sleeve to reduce swelling and support the limb.
• Elevate the injured limb above the heart to prevent blood flow to the injured area, reducing the swelling.

Watch this video by ProCPR discussing the first aid guide for cold-related emergencies:



Winter is the perfect season for outdoor activities and expeditions. It is, however, important to be aware of potential dangers. Refresh your first aid skills now and then for potential cold-weather-related injuries, and you’ll be prepared for the worst that could happen.

Do you have a handy tip to add to this first aid guide? Let us know in the comments section below!

Up Next: 

• How To Live In Your Car In The Winter
• Winter Storm Survival: How To Stay Warm And Survive The Cold
• How To Tie A Square Knot | Step-By-Step Instructions

Calling all preppers, craftsmen, bushmasters, outdoorsmen, and all-around skilled people, Survival Life needs YOU! Click here if you want to write for us.

Don’t forget to stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

Costco is a great place to buy prepper supplies. Whether you’re stocking your bug-out bag, survival bunker, or just buying food for that weekend camping trip breakfast, Costco has you covered!

RELATED: Disaster Preparedness: Prepping with Kids

Get Your Prepper Supplies in Bulk and on a Budget

1. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is, in my opinion, one of the most important things to always have in your prepper gear list — for your home, your workplace, your bug-out bag, and your car.

Costco has completed first aid kits, or you can buy the individual supplies yourself to build your own custom first aid kit.

2. Water

At Costco, most grocery items come in bulk, including water. The price on the Nestlé Pure Life Purified Bottled Water 16.9oz 78/24ct cases is up there, but for the 1,872 bottles, it is calculated at $3.82 each bottle.

I understand that many people may be saying, “Why the heck would I want that many bottles of water?”

If you are stocking up a survival bunker, for example, this amount of water is perfect for you and your family, as one person should consume one gallon of water a day. Water goes quicker than most people realize.

3. Non-Perishable Food Supplies

Non-perishable food items are great to have in bulk, especially for long-term survival and SHTF list of supplies. Here is a starter list of non-perishable items that you and your family can buy in bulk at Costco.

• Canned goods
• Pasta
• Cereal / Grains
• Peanut Butter
• Rice
• Coffee

You can also make batches of tasty handmade survival bars. They have a great shelf life and they make a perfect survival snack.

4. Toiletries

You can buy all the things you need for an awesome toiletry kit at Costco.

• Body wash
• Sanitary wipes
• Shaving kit products
• Haircare products
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Toilet paper
• Feminine hygiene products

RELATED: 26 Five Minute Prepping Projects

5. Flashlights

Flashlights are another must-have item for any prepper! Like most items at Costco, flashlights can also be bought in bulk. Check out their great selection of flashlights.

6. Knives

If you want to keep all the “prepping” shopping in one trip, Costco has a few selections to choose from. We’re not talking high-quality knives but, as I always say, “A mediocre knife is better than no knife at all.”

7. Handheld Weather Radio

A handheld weather radio is a must-have for every prepper. Keeping a constant watch on the weather is very important.

Severe weather can sometimes arrive in just minutes and staying informed of any weather warnings is important!

The features of this weather station include: Specific Area Message Encoding (S.A.M.E.) Backlit LCD with 24/7 Sound Alerts, Battery Operated or AC Adapter Powered.

Another must-have item for any prepper is batteries. You can never have too many!

8. Backpacks

Everyone should own a backpack. They serve the purpose of a bug-out bag, a travel bag, and so much more!

9. Organic Seed Kit

Gardening is a huge part of any prepper’s lifestyle. If you are new to gardening, the Organic Storage Seed Kit from Costco is the perfect start to your new spring garden.

Costco is pretty much a prepper’s dream. They have a wide variety of survival items to choose from.

Watch this video by TheUrbanPrepper on what prepper items to buy at Costco upon every visit: 



Going through the prepper supplies you want to purchase can be a difficult task especially if there’s a lot on your list. You don’t want the hassle of traveling from one store to another to get what you need.

That said, it’s comforting to know you can save some effort by getting pretty much everything you need at Cosco.

What other prepper supplies can you add to this list? Let us know in the comments section below!

Up Next: 

• How To Start Prepping On A Budget
• Prepping Supplies 101: Getting Ready For a Pandemic
• How To Tie A Square Knot | Step-By-Step Instructions

Calling all preppers, craftsmen, bushmasters, outdoorsmen, and all-around skilled people, Survival Life needs YOU! Click here if you want to write for us.

Don’t forget to stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on September 4, 2019, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

I didn’t think that this would happen.  A few years ago when the U.S. national debt crossed the 20 trillion dollar mark, I didn’t think that it would ever get to 30 trillion.  But at this moment the U.S. national debt is around 28 trillion dollars, and our politicians in Washington are about to pass a 1.9 trillion dollar “relief bill”.  We are going to have to borrow every single dollar that we spend in that bill, and that will be on top of all of the “normal” borrowing that we are already doing.  So by the end of 2021, the U.S. national debt will cross the 30 trillion dollar mark.  I am sitting here searching for words that will do justice to how foolish this is, but I can’t seem to find any.  We are literally in the process of committing national financial suicide, but fewer Americans seem to care about budget issues than ever before.

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. GDP declined to 20.93 trillion dollars in 2020.

So once our national debt crosses the 30 trillion dollar mark, our debt to GDP ratio will be surging toward 150 percent.

That is madness.

But most Americans are greatly in favor of the 1.9 trillion dollar COVID “relief bill” that is currently going through Congress, because it includes more direct “stimulus payments” to the American people.

Of course most of the money in the bill is not going directly to the American people.  In fact, one analysis found that direct payments only account for about 35 percent of all money allocated…

About 22% of the total bill comes from the $422 billion set aside for $1,400-per-person stimulus checks. Another 13% ($246 billion) is for extending additional unemployment funding of $400 a week.

And that was before Joe Biden and moderate Democrats in the Senate agreed to dramatically reduce the number of Americans that will qualify for payments…

President Joe Biden has agreed to a compromise with moderate Democrats to narrow the income eligibility for the next round of $1,400 stimulus checks that are included in a bill the Senate is expected to take up this week, a Democratic source told CNN Wednesday.

That means 7 million fewer families will receive a partial payment than would have under the House version of the bill, according to an estimate from the Penn Wharton Budget Model. The new proposal will completely cut off those who earn more than $160,000 a year and individuals who earn more than $80,000 a year.

Much of the money in the “relief bill” is actually going to go to “pork projects” that are favored by prominent Democrats.  Here are just a few examples…

PolitiFact rated “Mostly True” a claim from conservative Stand for America that the bill contains unrelated projects. Examples cited in that fact check included a $1.5 million bridge connecting New York and Canada; a $100 million underground rail project in Silicon Valley; $480 million for Native American language preservation and maintenance; and $50 million in environmental justice grants.

It looks like some of those “pork projects” won’t make it into the final version of the bill that gets signed by Biden, but there will still be billions upon billions of dollars of wasteful spending.

But what does a billion dollars matter anyway, right?

After all, a stack of a billion one dollar bills would only be about a half mile high…

If you were to stack $100 bills on top of each other, one million dollars would be around the three feet mark – about the height of a chair or a toddler.

And if you keep stacking the $100 bills, eventually past the peak of the world’s tallest building, going a little over half-a-mile into the air, this would be one billion dollars.

A trillion dollars is another matter.

In order to get to a trillion dollars, you would need a stack of one dollar bills that would go beyond the orbit of the International Space Station…

This would have you stacking $100 bills into the stratosphere and past the International Space Station. You would have to stack these bills 631 miles above Earth’s crust. That would equal one trillion dollars. Now imagine 28 stacks of 631 mile-high $100 bills.

That’s America’s debt.

We are trapped in an endless debt spiral that has accelerated greatly over the past couple of years.

The only way to keep the game going is to keep creating, borrowing and spending more money, and in the process we are literally wiping out the bright future that our children and our grandchildren were supposed to have.

Thomas Jefferson tried to warn us about the dangers of a large national debt…

I place economy among the first and most important virtues, and public debt as the greatest of dangers to be feared…. To preserve our independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt…. We must make our choice between economy and liberty or profusion and servitude…. If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and our comforts, in our labors and in our amusements…. If we can prevent the Government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.

But even though we were the wealthiest and most prosperous nation on the entire planet, we just couldn’t help ourselves.

We just had to keep spending money that belonged to our children and our grandchildren, and now we have accumulated the greatest mountain of debt in the history of humanity.

Jefferson understood that government debt was a way for one generation to steal money from other generations…

“The principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale.”

Since Barack Obama first entered the White House, we have been stealing more than 100 million dollars from future generations of Americans every single hour of every single day.

Just think about that.

What we are doing to future generations of Americans is beyond criminal.

Of course if we stay on the path that we are currently on, there won’t be an America at all.

Can someone out there explain to me how this story can possibly end well?

I have been asking versions of that question for years, and nobody has ever risen to the challenge.

That is because it is obvious to everyone that our story is going to end tragically.

In our insatiable greed, we are systematically destroying the United States of America, and we should be utterly ashamed of ourselves.

***Michael’s new book entitled “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***

About the Author: My name is Michael Snyder and my brand new book entitled “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book, I have written four others that are available on Amazon.com including The Beginning Of The End, Get Prepared Now, and Living A Life That Really Matters. (#CommissionsEarned)  By purchasing the books you help to support the work that my wife and I are doing, and by giving it to others you help to multiply the impact that we are having on people all over the globe.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Parler, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help.  During these very challenging times, people will need hope more than ever before, and it is our goal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as we possibly can.

The post Does Anyone Even Care That The U.S. National Debt Will Soon Cross The 30 Trillion Dollar Mark? first appeared on The Economic Collapse.

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This article %PL-MINI 2 Valkyrie Compact Pistol Weapon Light% appeared first on %SHTF Blog – Modern Survival%.

Is the quality of life in America getting better, or is it getting worse?  Americans certainly have a lot more “money” than they did when I was a kid, but that doesn’t mean much because the U.S. dollar has only a fraction of the value that it did back then.  And without a doubt our electronic devices have become much more advanced, but that doesn’t mean that we are happier.  In fact, everywhere I look people seem to be deeply unhappy.  It is rare to see someone actually smiling in public, but of course there is a good reason for that.  If you smile too much, someone might accuse you of being creepy.  As Americans, we are being trained to not express emotions and to keep to ourselves.  Being friendly is considered to be “suspicious”, if you tell a joke there is a very good chance that you will deeply offend someone, and if you express strong opinions you might just get “canceled”.

Even though we are far more “wealthy” than they were, I imagine that our culture is not too different from what East Germans experienced before the Berlin Wall came down.

There is so much hate and division in our society, and everyone seems ready to rat out those around them at the drop of a hat.  So most people are careful to keep to themselves, but at the same time most people are desperately lonely.

These days, most Americans walk around like a bunch of zombies.  In fact, as a result of mental health problems and stress, a majority of Americans are exhibiting at least one of the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome…

A survey of more than 31,000 people shows that insufficient sleep, mental health problems, and stress were the causes of a whole host of symptoms doctors are used to seeing in head injury patients. Symptoms of what doctors call post-concussion syndrome (PCS) range from persistent headaches, dizziness and anxiety, to insomnia and loss of concentration and memory.

While 27 percent of people report having several of these symptoms, between one-half and three-quarters say they experience at least one. The most common symptoms are fatigue, low energy and drowsiness. Yet despite their findings, researchers believe the number in the general population could be much higher.

Of course one of the primary reasons why so many people are acting like zombies is because we have been drugged out of our minds.  Americans take more legal drugs than anyone ever has in the entire history of the world, and each year the pharmaceutical companies come up with even more drugs for us to try.

In particular, because we are so deeply unhappy Americans take boatloads of anti-depressants.  More than 50 million Americans are on anti-depressants right now, and it gets worse with each passing year.

But even though we are taking so many “happy pills”, Americans continue to kill themselves at a staggering pace, and this is particularly true for our young people.

In North Carolina, one school superintendent recently shared the fact that “the suicide rate among teens is higher than the COVID rate of death in their county”…

The debate to reopen schools for in-person learning has highlighted an alarming idea – that students are not just falling behind academically, but at a heightened risk of death by suicide.

“One of our local superintendents recently shared with me that the suicide rate among teens is higher than the COVID rate of death in their county,” Sen. Deanna Ballard, a Republican from the 45th district, recently told CBS 17, though she declined to name the superintendent or county. Ballard did not respond to NC Health News’ requests for comment.

Isn’t that insane?

You can’t just blame the pandemic for the rise in suicide either.  In fact, the national suicide rate for teens was skyrocketing before the pandemic ever began…

The national rate of suicide in young people increased 57 percent between 2007 and 2018, according to the CDC.

“Even before the pandemic, we’ve been seeing an increase in youth suicides,” said Virginia Hamlet Rodillas, hotline manager for National Alliance on Mental Illness NC, which operates a statewide helpline.

If our society is so wonderful, then why are so many kids killing themselves?

The truth is that our society has become so sick and so twisted that life seems completely empty to so many of these youths.  Life is such a wonderful gift, and every day should be enjoyed to the fullest, but our society has become so evil that many teens are killing themselves rather than live in it one more day.

I once wrote an entire book about why people can have hope in these deeply troubled times, and I really wish that I could get it into the hands of everyone in America.

There is hope even for those that are facing the darkest circumstances, but most people don’t realize that because our society certainly doesn’t offer any.

Overall life expectancy has been dropping in the U.S. as well.  In fact, during the first half of 2020 life expectancy in the United States declined by a full year…

It’s already known that 2020 was the deadliest year in US history, with deaths topping 3MM for the first time. But the latest batch of morbid data is in, and they suggest things are about to get worse on average as life expectancy in the US dropped a full year during the first half of the year.

Life expectancy is a statistical measure of the average time a baby born today is expected to live. From January through June of last year, that was 77.8 years for the entire U.S. population, down from 78.8 years in 2019. It’s the lowest level since 2006, the report said.

Our healthcare system has become a complete and utter nightmare, and it is not going to get any better any time soon.

Speaking of nightmares, our system of public education has become a sick joke.  Just look at what has been going on in Baltimore…

A shocking discovery out of a Baltimore City high school, where Project Baltimore has found hundreds of students are failing. It’s a school where a student who passed three classes in four years, ranks near the top half of his class with a 0.13 grade point average.

Tiffany France thought her son would receive his diploma this coming June. But after four years of high school, France just learned, her 17-year-old must start over. He’s been moved back to ninth grade.

Millions upon millions of young people graduate from high school each year, but many of them can barely read, write or speak in public.

I could go on and on.  Just about every system that you could possibly name is in the process of failing, and that is probably why our satisfaction with the way our country is functioning is at the lowest level ever measured.  The following comes from Gallup…

Americans’ satisfaction with seven broad aspects of the way the country functions is collectively at its lowest in two decades of Gallup measurement. This includes satisfaction with the overall quality of life in the U.S., assessments of government, corporate and religious influence, and perceptions of the economic and moral climates.

The average percentage satisfied with these seven dimensions has plunged to 39% at the start of 2021. That compares with 53% a year ago, the highest average in more than a decade amid strong economic confidence and before the coronavirus pandemic took hold in the U.S.

So once again I wish to pose a question to you.

Is the quality of life in America getting better, or is it getting worse?

The answer is quite obvious, and the rest of the world is laughing at us as our once great nation steadily deteriorates.

***Michael’s new book entitled “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***

About the Author: My name is Michael Snyder and my brand new book entitled “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book, I have written four others that are available on Amazon.com including The Beginning Of The End, Get Prepared Now, and Living A Life That Really Matters. (#CommissionsEarned)  By purchasing the books you help to support the work that my wife and I are doing, and by giving it to others you help to multiply the impact that we are having on people all over the globe.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Parler, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help.  During these very challenging times, people will need hope more than ever before, and it is our goal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as we possibly can.

The post The Quality Of Life In The United States Is Going Down The Toilet first appeared on The Economic Collapse.

The Inauguration on January 20th went off without a hitch and we have a new President of the United States, Joe Biden. This is a fact that many still have a very hard time dealing with. There are some who remain anxious – waiting for a declaration of Martial Law or some violent action to […]

Have you always thought it would be wise to be better prepared for emergencies but don’t where to start? This prepping basics emergency preparedness checklist walks you through all of the basic disciplines you need to consider and links to more in-depth information for each area. Use these prepping basics as your go-to guide for […]

It was after reading Rawles’ Patriots series that I set out to start my own ham radio crash course. That…

This article %Quick Ham Radio Crash Course 101% appeared first on %SHTF Blog – Modern Survival%.

If you looking for the best battle belt or battle belt setups, you’ve come to the right place!

Why? Because for most people, their belt choice simply comes down to how well it matches their clothes. These folks are part of what we like to call “the fragile masses.”

Instead, YOUR belt should be more useful than just color coordination.

A belt should not only keep your pants up, but it should also carry a ton of self-defense and survival gear on it as well.

That’s way more important than just preventing an embarrassing “wardrobe malfunction.”

And for combat professionals, soldiers, and police officers, their very lives depend on their belt choice and setup.

A belt that will carry gear the proper gear to defend and protect – to make holes and plug holes!

That’s why I think you should invest in a quality battle belt. 

And that why today I’m going to share everything I know about battle belts, specifically:

• Battle Belts Vs. Tactical Belts
• The Proper “Philosophy” Behind Battle Belts
• Why You Should Own A Battle Belt
• Key Features To Look For In A Quality Battle Belt
• 5 Best Battle Belts On The Market Today

**Note: If you just want our top recommendations, feel free to SKIP AHEAD HERE.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

BATTLE BELTS VS TACTICAL BELTS

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Many use the terms “tactical belt” and “battle belt” interchangeably. But there are distinct differences between the two:

Tactical Belt

A tactical belt (and survival belts) typically serves as a discrete EDC (everyday carry) item. That’s why they’re often made to fit in the loops of your pants. But this design feature limits them to 2″ widths max – and sometimes even narrower.

So larger gear items will not fit through standard-sized belt loops.

That’s why most tactical belts won’t allow for permanent attachments – pouches, sheaths, or holsters.

Yes, you can put them on as you thread the belt into your pants. But that takes precious time and leaves you adding and removing equipment daily.

This act quickly becomes cumbersome and can be an organizational nightmare. Plus, it leaves you at risk of not properly securing each item as well as it should.

Battle Belt

Instead, you can wear a battle belt independent of (or in tandem with) a tactical belt.

A battle belt has NO width limits because they’re not designed to fit through belt loops. So, battle belts are free to provide a wider surface for more attachment points. And thus, more support for heavy items.

And they also tend to feature more rugged materials and stiffer construction vs tactical belts.

This upgrade helps to reduce the amount of sagging under heavy loads. And it makes them far more comfortable than a similarly loaded tactical belt.

Some battle belts feature padding as well. This feature further increases comfort by preventing your gear from digging into your hips over time.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

THE PROPER “PHILOSOPHY” BEHIND BATTLE BELTS

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Now, before we get into specific features and battle belt setups, you must understand the “justification” behind wearing a battle belt.

First off, YOU get to choose WHAT to carry on a battle belt.

And this choice will be a very personal one. But there are two general guidelines to keep in mind to help you accomplish your battle belt goals.

1. Battle belts are primarily for making holes and plugging holes
2. The lighter, the better – so minimal fighting essentials only

Making Holes / Plugging Holes

First, a battle belt is ideal for combat based survival situations. Times when your very life depends on the outcome of a fight.

In such as situation, a battle belt can be the determining factor on who gets to walk away. It can support a more aggressive attack. And success may come down to always having those extra magazines of ammo or a fighting knife at hand (“making holes”).

OR, if you or a teammate gets severely injured, you’ll be glad you attached a compact Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) to your battle belt. An IFAK with the right supplies to control significant bleeding (“plugging holes”).

The Lighter; The Better

Secondly, a battle belt allows you to carry only a limited number of supplies – primarily those needed in a fight. So, it’s essential to resist the urge to attach EVERYTHING!

Now, many battle belts feature suspender attachment points. These setups are compatible with drop leg pouches and holsters.

But if you’re putting so much gear on your battle belt that you require suspenders and large accessory pouches… well, double-check how much gear you’re carrying. It’s probably way too much!

Remember, a battle belt isn’t your only way to carry things. Instead, you could easily dump some extra gear into a tactical pack or as part of a chest rig or plate carrier.

And tactical pants pockets are often a better location for smaller items, like a folding knife, notepad, or a cellphone.

Of course, none of these rules exist in a vacuum. So take the time to honestly assess the overall weight and bulk of your battle belt.

The bottom line is this:

It’s often both faster and safer to keep your battle belt gear to a minimum. Adding too much equipment for every remote survival possibility will only slow you down.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

WHY YOU SHOULD OWN A BATTLE BELT

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A battle belt isn’t the kind of thing most of us wear into an office setting.

That’s because a battle belt is a visible piece of combat gear. It will draw attention wearing one in most situations. So, if you’re trying to remain inconspicuous, a battle belt will do the opposite.

Battle belts are NOT compatible with a gray man strategy.

But it’s one of the best ways to secure and organized all your combat essentials. A battle belt is a great way to keep them all in one place, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.

You can throw one on as you run out the door, knowing that all the items you might need in a fight are in place.

Also, unlike a chest rig or survival backpack, a battle belt won’t hinder your ability to cool off under heavy exertion. And it helps keep your center of gravity lower for better balance.

So, if combat is inevitable and you’re not worried about staying unassuming, nothing beats adding a battle belt to your combat gear setup.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

KEY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A QUALITY BATTLE BELT

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As with any piece of tactical gear, there are plenty of choices on the market.

Choosing the right one for your needs will have a massive impact on your comfort. And your ability to carry your load and your efficiency in a fight.

Independent vs. Inner/Outer Belt Systems

When it comes to battle belts, there are two different types you should consider.

Independent Battle Belt

The first is a stand-alone belt. These are battle belt setups you wear over whatever clothing you have on at the time.

They don’t rely on belt loops and are entirely independent of your tactical pants.

These systems allow you to wear them on the outside of extra cold or wet weather layers. And do so without any adjustments other than the overall length.

The second option is an Inner/Outer belt system.

Inner/Outer Belt System

This battle belt setup pairs a wider battle belt with a standard tactical belt. This configuration allows you to thread the battle belt through your standard belt loops.

These attach with a long strip of heavy-duty Velcro along the entire matching surface.

This design keeps your battle belt secure and in place without fear of any rotation around your body.

But the outer belt is often not as stiff as a stand-alone belt and relies on the inner belt for some rigidity. So, if used alone or over outer clothing layers, it may not be as capable.

Comfort

When carrying a load of ammo and medical gear, comfort is of utmost importance.

Because if you’re distracted by a holster digging into your hip or a sagging belt, your focus isn’t completely on the emergency situation.

And if this happens at a critical moment, you might find yourself on the losing end of the fight before it even begins.

A comfortable belt will keep your mind in the game and your critical gear at your fingertips.

Materials

As with all survival gear, you typically get what you pay for – so be sure to find a belt with rugged materials and construction.

Meaning, look for quality stitching and reinforcements in high wear areas.

If you settle for a cheap nylon belt, it will perform cheaply.

Closures

Similarly, any belt is only as good as the buckle.

I am a HUGE fan of the COBRA metal buckles because they are one of the only fast-release buckles with a full load rating.

These buckles have been making appearances on all kinds of tactical and rescue gear, including airborne med/evac litters designed for chopper rescues.

If you get a battle belt WITHOUT a COBRA buckle, make sure it’s strong and rugged. Look for a steel buckle or an aluminum one with “double-back” webbing.

Attachment Systems

The standard PALS, MOLLE, and other laser cut mounting designs are all common in tactical gear. And most battle belt systems will accommodate one or more of them.

Be sure to check that you have enough space for all the attachments you plan to add.

Also, make sure the belt’s width supports even the widest one without having it rub too much on your skin.

Price

I hate to admit it, but in the end, price does play a role in the decision.

Factor in the cost of extra attachments (holsters, sheaths, magazine pouches) as well. When you are pricing out your battle belt – these attachments add up quickly.

If you find yourself over budget, DON’T skimp on the belt itself.

Why? Because you’ll likely change and reorganize your attachments over time. And you can always upgrade them later.

But changing the belt itself is usually the most expensive part, so try to get that right the first time.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

5 BEST BATTLE BELTS ON THE MARKET TODAY

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Looking online, you’ll find a wide array of battle belt designs. And each design has both its proponents and critics.

So, look for those with lots of positive reviews and with features that interest you most. Here are a few that we’ve like as a starting point for your own search:

HSGI Sure-Grip Padded Belt

For the past decade, HSGI battle belts have been a mainstay in the battle belt space.

The Sure-Grip padded battle belt is an excellent solution for those looking for an extensive belt. And it comes with a ton of attachment space.

The sleeve design accommodates up to a 2″ tactical or riggers belt. But the internal HDPE stiffener sheet makes the actual belt surface even wider.

It easily mounts large magazine pouches or medium radio packs without much difficulty.

The neoprene lining is grippy and does NOT slide around on your clothing, always keeping it in its proper place.

PROS

• Well-padded and comfortable
• HDPE stiffener sheet provides protection
• MOLLE/PALS compatible

CONS

• Sold as “sleeve only” and requires an additional belt

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Ronin Shuto Belt

The Ronin Shuto battle belt is an incredibly well-built Inner/Outer style belt system.

It comes with a 2″ inner tactical belt attaching to a 1.75″ exterior battle belt. It also has MOLLE compatible webbing.

The materials throughout are of high quality and it includes a metal COBRA buckle with ANSI certification.

It’s not as wide as some other belts on the market. So, it’s a good choice for anyone looking to build a very lightweight and fast system without a lot of large pouches.

Note, it’s on the pricier end of the spectrum, but the lifetime warranty and build quality are second to none.

PROS

• Lifetime warranty
• COBRA buckle
• Made in the USA

CONS

• Expensive
• Not wide enough for large accessory pouches

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Blue Alpha MOLLE 1.75″ Double Belt

The Blue Alpha MOLLE 1.75″ Double Belt is an extremely high-quality inner/outer belt system. It has a comfortable Velcro-lined inner belt to hold up your pants. And a MOLLE compatible outer belt for mounting gear.

Like the Ronin Shuto, the Blue Alpha is best for lightweight battle belt builds. At 1.5″ for the inner belt, it’s much more suitable for non-military issue pants with smaller belt loops.

The COBRA buckle, with an optional D-ring attachment point, has a full bodyweight rating. But please note, Blue Alpha doesn’t rate it for rappelling for liability reasons.

This Blue Alpha belt is top-notch, and the company stands behind it for all warranty questions.

PROS

• Incredible build quality
• Very sturdy COBRA buckle with D-ring
• Extremely stable mounting points

CONS

• Expensive
• Too narrow for larger accessory pouches

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Condor Gen II Battle Belt

There are plenty of high-end belts with prices well above $100. But there’s are also decent battle belt solutions in a more budget-friendly range.

The Condor Gen II is a sleeve-style battle belt. But it requires you to provide your own tactical or riggers belt for closure.

The 100% nylon build is durable enough for occasional use. But you may find that prolonged use in rugged terrain and with a lot of gear will wear quickly.

The wide belt channel and lack of internal stiffeners allow it to roll over under heavier loads.

It’s MOLLE and PALS compatible but unfortunately doesn’t allow you to attach directly to the inside belt. So, gear such as holsters won’t connect as rock-solid as other belts on this list.

PROS

• Affordable
• Sleeve design allows you to choose the tactical belt that suits you best

CONS

• Not as durable as other options
• Mounting points not as secure
• Belt rolls under heavy load

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Petac Gear Tactical Riggers Battle Belt

The Petac Gear Tactical Rigger’s belt hits all the keywords in its name. But it’s best as a very light-duty battle belt.

It comes with an inner and outer belt system and a load-rated COBRA buckle with D-ring. It also has MOLLE compatible webbing.

It’s very rigid and doesn’t roll over or sag under a load of ammo.

Unfortunately, the MOLLE webbing appears to be of a fixed length. So larger sizes will not have extra MOLLE capacity on the additional length of the belt.

Overall, it’s a solid belt, but a redesign could improve on some minor issues.

PROS

• Moderate price
• Good MOLLE attachments
• COBRA buckle and D-ring

CONS

• MOLLE attachments don’t run full length on larger sizes
• Innerbelt too large for non-military pant loops

HOW TO BUILD A BATTLE BELT SYSTEM

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When it comes to building your battle belt, it comes down to personal preference. For example, the exact weaponry you plan to carry and how much overall weight.

Watch this video for an excellent tutorial on battle belt setups:

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I’ve also found the following two references helpful in my approach to building a battle belt.

1. The Practical Application of Tactical Gear, Load & Weight Considerations
2. The Battle Belt: 3 Essential Tips for Carrying Gear Like a Boss

These articles help to provide a good compromise between agility and carrying for every eventuality.

These authors are both tactical instructors and former military. So, they’ve put systems through the wringer and determined what works best for them. But they both understand their approach might not work for everyone.

In the end, a good list for a battle belt setup starting point will contain:

• Handgun holster
• Handgun magazines x2-4
• Rifle magazines x2
• IFAK pouch
• Small dump pouch
• Tactical knife

From there, you’ll have to work with your belt and with the weapons you use in training.

You’ll soon find the right amount of weight and the tools that you can’t live without.

It will help if you read lots of these long-running online threads. These are resources where people discuss their own battle belt setups in extreme detail.

You’ll also discover that most people have an evolving battle belt. One with different weapons, pouches, and accessories showing up and disappearing over time.

And you may decide someday to branch out from what you can carry easily on your battle belt. That when you’ll want to research your options to build a chest rig, plate carrier, or tactical backpack.

FINAL THOUGHTS

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A battle belt an ideal way to carry the supplies you need in a fight in a compact, lightweight system.

If you want to be agile and always ready, this is the kind of tool that keeps you from laboring under a heavy pack. Yet, it can be set up and ready at a moment’s notice.

It’s like a utility belt for the modern firefight. That’s why a battle belt is an indispensable part of wartime preparedness.

Jason K.

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The post 5 Best Battle Belts (and Setups) To Protect And Defend appeared first on Skilled Survival.