The legislation would have imposed prison sentences of up to 15 years for repeat offenders.Iran’s government has paused plans to implement a controversial new law that would have seen women in the country…

Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan confirmed they are discussing a potential merger to remain competitive against electric vehicle makers. A final decision currently hasn’t been made. The merger discussions…

Home»Commentary»Why Is The Media Being So Quiet About The Radioactive Material That Has Gone Missing In New Jersey? Michael Snyder 2024-12-18 Something extremely strange has been happening in New Jersey,…

A 28-year-old news anchor in Arizona passed away unexpectedly after suffering a brain aneurysm. The KOLD News 13 team in Tucson, Arizona, announced the sudden passing of beloved anchor Ana Orsini. Tyler…

CALGARY–For Helen Jusic, picking a favourite Christmas memory is no easy task. Her childhood holidays were filled with carols, twinkling lights, and the sound of bells calling people to midnight Mass.…

Caleb Williams’ diva act is ‘irritating’ ex-NFLer as Bears concerns grow Breaking News

State Attorney General Ashley Moody alleges federal obstruction in case as state builds case against suspect. By yourNEWS Media Newsroom Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced that Ryan Wesley…

Global trade has been the engine of the world economy for decades, connecting countries and cultures through exchanging goods and services. However, this highly interconnected system is also vulnerable to disruptions that can have significant global consequences. A disruption of international trade, whether caused by geopolitical conflicts, pandemics, natural disasters, or changes in trade policies, can (and will) trigger a cascade of effects that impact multiple dimensions of economic and social life. Sadly, I must say, this is the most immediate threat I can see on our horizon. Both in Venezuela (for obvious reasons) and the rest of the world. I believe the complexity of the whole scenario is way too long for such limited space. However, I believe that something will happen in the near future after analyzing the movements in the Asian and Middle Eastern chessboards and the events in our own yards. Hence, let’s focus on the preparation and mitigation process. The most immediate consequences that come to mind are: Economic Consequences Increased inflation: Shortages of goods and services caused by trade disruptions can create inflationary pressure as consumers compete for limited products. This is the most harmful effect. We experience hyperinflation, and although it’s not like the USD is going to collapse (not too soon, at least), the consequences were enough to make me fly away. The manageable aspect of all this disaster is that the only thing losing value is usually the national currency. The fiat money. The paper and the electronic “backup”. This being said the best value storage happens to be the goods, and (for those in the business) some precious metals (and PLEASE don’t mention lead and copper – that is ancient history. If there is a national-wide/worldwide conflict, and martial law is issued, the minute someone finds out you have 40 or 50K of rounds somewhere, you’re history too). Any military in any part of the world would be panicked, knowing that civilians can stand their ground and shoot back with everything they have. You know already how I know this first hand, right?. Then, you need spare parts for your household, vehicles, consumables to keep your business running, etc. That’s where the real value is. We are experiencing a rise in the prices in USD, which is unbelievable in the first place. There is no reason for prices to go up other than that the mafia wants to start draining the currency out of the laundry machine. This means they will unchain chaos, launch a power blackout, and run to their planes in “secret” airstrips outside Venezuelan islands in Coche or Cubagua to head somewhere with the transponders off. Decreased economic growth: International trade is a key driver of global economic growth. A sudden disruption in trade will unleash a widespread economic slowdown as businesses lose access to inputs and markets, reducing production and employment. The consequences of this in the medium to long term are the ones I’m living: no jobs for qualified people because most of the industry is kaput. All the formerly vibrant industrial job markets where even a newbie could get a decent, underpaid-but-enough-to-live-job are now gone for good. Financial market volatility: Uncertainties related to global trade can lead to increased volatility in financial markets, affecting investments and the value of currencies. Those with their money invested should have a couple of backup plans. This, among other effects, affects banking services and neutralizes the capabilities of getting loans, for instance. Deindustrialization in some countries: Countries highly dependent on exports may experience accelerated deindustrialization as they lose their traditional markets. As a matter of fact, this is already happening in more areas than we are aware of. Increased inequality: Trade disruptions can exacerbate existing inequalities, as poorer and less diversified countries are more vulnerable to external shocks. This can (as it already happened) bring along politicians trying to use nationalism and set on fire the relationships with other countries to avoid turmoil and unrest within their borders…With all the logical consequences for the most vulnerable civilian population. Social Consequences Product shortages: Consumers may face shortages of basic goods, especially those imported from countries affected by trade disruptions. We saw it happening and suffered this in Venezuela as well. The black market generated was designed structurally to provide an illegal flow of money to the hands of those controlling it: the NG. This is still happening with the gasoline. They need to keep well-stocked up the jungle labs in Colombia and the illegal mining operations in El Callao, where they are extracting the gold to send it to their cronies: Iran, Turkey, China, and Russia. Meanwhile, they control the Dust Routes to keep pumping the dust into the nostrils of the addicts worldwide and especially the US society…but that is a different facet of the problem. Do you remember when they used to say that the white dust (cocaine) was “the poor man’s atomic bomb”? Well, we’re all living through the fallout now. Increased unemployment: Decreased production and business closures can lead to a significant increase in unemployment, which can lead to social unrest. This means unhappy, underpaid people without expectations of getting “out of the rat race”. Let’s face it: that is what the leadership in many countries craves. No matter whether this leads to vice or crime, That is manageable with repressive measures and doesn’t affect them. Decreased standard of living: Shortages of goods and services, rising prices, and job losses lead to a general decline in the standard of living. This is related to the previous point: being underemployed means that your standard of living is not the same as you once had. Geopolitical tensions: Trade disruptions can exacerbate existing geopolitical tensions and lead to new conflicts. This is probably one of the most serious consequences. Some kind of attack would very probably cause any serious interruption; this would lead to a conflict that could escalate to levels that nobody could ever predict. Environmental Consequences Environmental degradation: The search for new sources of supply can lead to increased exploitation of natural resources and environmental degradation. This could affect our surroundings in unpredictable ways. Imagine that if, for some reason, 18-wheel truck tires stop arriving and beef (among other items) goes in short supply. Every Joe Sixpack in the cities with a hunting rifle and a license will jump on their trucks and head for the hills with their well-stocked coolers and beverages in the back. Very likely, with a wife and kids back home, they will try to stretch the boundaries. We know already enough to avoid dismissing what people with an empty plate on the table can do when under serious stress. On the other hand, the oil grab that these thugs have been doing generated extremely serious damage because of oil spills on our shores. Historical and Current Examples Throughout history, trade disruptions have had a profound impact on the global economy. The Great Depression of the 1930s, partially caused by trade protectionism, is a classic example. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the fragility of global supply chains and underscored the importance of international trade to the world economy. We are not ready for yet another serious disruption. Especially not for one with an unknown duration. Mitigating the Risks To mitigate the risks associated with trade disruptions, governments and businesses can adopt several measures, such as: Diversification of supply chains: Reducing dependence on a single supplier or geographic region. Investing in increasing inventories is surely a good idea if the physical plant and the money management allow it. Increasing the resilience of infrastructure: Investing in critical infrastructure to ensure the continuity of operations. Yes, we can (and should) improve our place with chickens and hens! Something so simple is out of the question. Raising some corn as our grandparents did if there is enough land. Adopting small-farm habits even if we live in a city? Sure. Canning, for instance. Or smoking and curing meats. Strengthening cooperation: Promoting cooperation between teams to manage risks collectively. Collective efforts will always be worthy. Developing industrial policies: Fostering domestic production of essential goods. This includes hardening your customer portfolio. A disruption of global trade will bring serious consequences for the global economy and society. The societies of the countries that can work together and rebuild a resilient, sustainable trade system will be much less stressed out. Additional Considerations and Expanded Points The role of technology: Digitalization of trade can increase resilience and create new vulnerabilities. For example, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure could disrupt trade flows. The impact on developing countries: Developing countries are particularly vulnerable to trade disruptions as they often rely on exports of a few commodities and have limited capacity to diversify their economies. The role of international institutions: International organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) play a crucial role in promoting free trade and resolving trade disputes. The rise of regional trade agreements: Regional trade agreements can help to mitigate the risks of global trade disruptions, but they can also lead to trade fragmentation. The need for sustainable trade: As the world grapples with climate change and other environmental chhaveallenges, there is a growing need for trade policies that promote sustainability. By exploring these additional dimensions, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges and opportunities presented by global trade. Homework tasks: Do you have a list or inventory of ALL your tools? Is the list physical or digital? Do you have a checklist for inspecting ALL your common devices? Freezers, furnaces, generators, cars, ATVs, bikes, bicycles, horse carts, PCs, peacemakers, Teslas (well, maybe these don’t apply), whatever you have that is not produced locally. Let’s see what surprise you bring along in those comments. Thanks for your reading, and your much-needed donations and sponsoring. Stay safe, and keep tuned. J. What do you think? Are you concerned that global trade disruption is on the horizon? What do you think is the best way to prepare for that?  What do you think will be the cause of it? Let’s discuss it in the comments section. About Jose Jose is an upper middle class professional. He is a former worker of the oil state company with a Bachelor’s degree from one of the best national Universities. He has an old but in good shape SUV, a good 150 square meters house in a nice neighborhood, in a small but (formerly) prosperous city with two middle size malls. Jose is a prepper and shares his eyewitness accounts and survival stories from the collapse of his beloved Venezuela. Jose and his younger kid are currently back in Venezuela, after the intention of setting up a new life in another country didn’t  go well. The SARSCOV2 re-shaped the labor market and South American economy so he decided to give it a try to homestead in the mountains, and make a living as best as possible. But this time in his own land, and surrounded by family, friends and acquaintances, with all the gear and equipment collected, as the initial plan was.  Follow Jose on YouTube and gain access to his exclusive content on Patreon. Donations: paypal.me/JoseM151 The post The Immediate Consequences of a Global Trade Disruption appeared first on The Organic Prepper.

  Throughout human history, epidemics like the Black Plague and cholera have inflicted devastating losses on societies, shaping not just the physical but also the psychological responses to disease. Fear, often a survival mechanism, can paradoxically exacerbate vulnerability to diseases by impairing the immune system and altering behavioral responses. This interplay of biology, psychology, and sociology offers a fascinating lens through which to examine how emotions, particularly fear, may have influenced disease outcomes historically and even today.   Fear and the Immune System There is some science to this. Research has begun to uncover the ways in which fear and high-stress levels impact human health, mainly through the immune system. Here’s the thing: chronic fear activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in prolonged release of cortisol and other stress hormones. While these hormones are essential in acute fight-or-flight responses, their long-term elevation suppresses immune function, reducing the body’s ability to fend off infections (Sapolsky, 2004). Studies have demonstrated that high levels of stress lead to decreased production of lymphocytes and impair the activity of natural killer cells, both of which are critical in combating pathogens (Glaser & Kiecolt-Glaser, 2005). During historical pandemics, widespread fear likely compounded susceptibility to disease by creating a population-wide physiological environment primed for infection. In medieval Europe, for instance, the terror of the Black Plague… an epidemic that claimed an estimated 25 million lives… may have weakened the collective immune defenses of already malnourished and highly stressed populations. Similarly, during cholera outbreaks in the 19th century, fear and panic spread faster than the disease itself, potentially exacerbating mortality rates in many communities.   Historical Accounts of Fear and Disease Outcomes Historical records provide anecdotal evidence of the relationship between fear and susceptibility to disease. Again, during outbreaks of the Black Plague, some accounts describe individuals succumbing to illness shortly after witnessing the death of a loved one or experiencing intense fear of infection. We still see this phenomenon today, very much alive and well. The French physician Nostradamus, who lived during the plague, advised against fear and emphasized emotional resilience, recognizing (perhaps intuitively) the potential harm of panic on health outcomes. As stated above, cholera outbreaks provide a particularly striking historical example of how psychological states influenced societal reactions to disease. Some Native American tribes, faced with devastating cholera outbreaks, exhibited unique behaviors that may reflect a cultural understanding of fear’s role in health. According to many anecdotal reports, certain Indian tribes lost middle-aged adults to cholera… who were more prone to worry. However, the disease seemed to spare the children and the elderly, who were perceived as less psychologically burdened by fear. Although these reports remain speculative and rooted in oral histories, they highlight the belief that mental states, including fear, could directly influence survival.   The interplay between fear and disease is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that spans biology, psychology, and history. Staying happy can mean staying healthy! Cultural Responses to Disease: Fear as a Double-Edged Sword Cultural responses to pandemics often reflect the pervasive impact of fear. In some cases, fear mobilized communities to adopt public health measures such as quarantine and improved sanitation. However, fear has also led to scapegoating and social ostracization, weakening cultural cohesion and individual resilience. During the Black Plague, for example, widespread terror resulted in the suspicion and even persecution of some groups, creating a social environment of distrust and heightened anxiety, making matters even worse. Interestingly, the idea that emotional states influence health has been central to many traditional medical systems. Ancient Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, for instance, both emphasize the importance of mental equilibrium for physical health, suggesting that the interplay between fear and disease has long been observed, even if not fully understood in scientific terms.   Pathogens and Psychological Manipulation Some pathogens may actively exploit fear and stress to enhance their transmission. For instance, rabies, which causes severe neurological symptoms, induces agitation and aggression in its host, increasing the likelihood of the virus spreading through bites. While this is an extreme example of pathogen-driven behavior modification, it raises intriguing questions about how host or pathogen-induced psychological states can affect disease dynamics. Fear itself can also indirectly amplify disease spread by altering human behavior. During cholera outbreaks, panic led to mass migrations and overcrowding in uninfected areas, inadvertently facilitating the disease’s transmission. Similarly, fear-based behavior during the COVID-19 “plandemic” seemed to reduce natural immune response and act as a pathogenic driver.   Modern Implications: Lessons from History and Science Understanding the role of fear in disease susceptibility offers valuable insights for managing contemporary pandemics. Public health campaigns that emphasize a “get vaccinated or die” mentality often have an inverse effect and destroy credibility in the public health apparatus on many societal levels. The bottom line is that fear-based messaging often backfires, heightening stress and reducing compliance with health directives. Emerging fields like psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) explore the connections between psychological states and immune function, shedding light on the mechanisms through which fear affects health. Research in PNI supports the idea that interventions aimed at reducing stress—such as mindfulness, social support, and community resilience—can enhance immune responses and improve disease outcomes.   Plague Panics and Modern Anxieties The interplay between fear and disease is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that spans biology, psychology, and history. While fear is an adaptive response to threats… chronic or excessive fear can suppress the immune system and… increase susceptibility to disease. These historical accounts, such as the Native American response to cholera and the societal panic during the Black Plague, underscore the profound influence of fear on disease dynamics. Modern science corroborates these observations, demonstrating that psychological states significantly impact immune function. By understanding and addressing the role of fear in health, we can insulate ourselves from fear, whether it’s from enemies within or from enemies from any outside source. Here are some Bible passages to dwell on… passages that can help in times of trouble: Below are ten Bible passages that address fear, offering comfort, reassurance, and guidance on how to trust God amid anxiety and uncertainty. Each passage can be read and meditated upon to find strength, courage, and peace: 1. Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This promise reminds believers that they never face their fears alone—God’s presence and support are unwavering. 2. Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” The image of a shepherd guiding His sheep through perilous places illustrates God’s protective guidance. 3. Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God’s command to Joshua applies to all who follow Him, promising divine companionship and encouragement. 4. Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” With God as a fortress, there is no enemy too overwhelming. 5. Psalm 56:3–4 – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Turning to God’s faithfulness transforms fear into confidence. 6. 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” God’s Spirit empowers believers to respond to fear with courage, love, and a sound mind. 7. Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer transforms anxiety into a supernatural peace that defies human comprehension. 8. Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Focusing on the present, rather than the unknown future, helps dispel fear. 9. John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jesus offers a peace that’s different from any worldly assurance, soothing fear and worry. 10. 1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” God’s perfect love, when fully embraced, crowds out fear and replaces it with trust and security. The lessons of history and advances in science remind us that managing fear is as crucial as managing pathogens in the fight against epidemics. Bottom line: Trust in the Lord and don’t look to the right or left!   The post How Fear Fuels Disease: A Historical and Scientific Perspective appeared first on Off The Grid News.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC71uZiXBVao-a3T8LqPZNqg?sub_confirmation=1 TIP JOHN: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/johndavisbooks/ JOIN THE CLUB: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC71uZiXBVao-a3T8LqPZNqg/join PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/preppernation?fan_landing=true&view_as=public BOOKS: https://amzn.to/3YPIVxZ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/officialpreppernation/ X: https://twitter.com/1preppernation Welcome to Prepper Nation! Leave your fear and paranoia at the door - we focus on real world SHTF events and the prepping mindset. The motto of Prepper Nation is simple: We tell it, we don't sell it. There are no constant RED ALERT!! videos. Common sense preparedness should not include fear or decisions based on emotions. There is a war for America's soul in 2025. Thanks for joining us!