How do we make it through?

[RichardDTucci]

What can we do to survive this terrible thing? Now that we're in the middle of it, what are our options? And what can we do to get out as quickly as possible?

[Doug Zoot]

i have this friend jerry, he says we're all screwed and we're gonna be stuck like this for the next ten years. he says we should invest in guns, and food

and bindles, which i guess are those handkerchief bags on a stick hobos used to have

[RichardDTucci]

HA! I don't believe in pessimism. Here are a few tips I would give.

1. Do your research on products, and only buy American made. That goes for toys, cars, clothing, and food. Only support American industries, because they need the liquidity now more than ever.
2. Conserve on gas. Organize community groups with your neighbors that will have local events and mixers, reducing the needs for gas and travel.
3. Read a non-fiction book. As simple as it sounds, this will give you an opportunity to educate yourself, and grow your opinion of the world and your skill set. Which leads me to my next point.
4. Take a class in something useful. Build your resume for new opportunities.
5. If you are in a 4 year university, don’t drop out for a trade school, but think carefully about your major. If you’re studying philosophy or art, then rethink that, and consider a job as a professional in medicine, teaching, chemistry, or engineering. Just don’t go into law, we have enough lawyers around.
a. And don’t go into film, I’ve been saying for a long time, we need more doctors and teachers, and less waiters and production assistants.
6. Put a buying freeze on luxuries. Know the difference between luxury and necessity. Don’t buy the Xbox, or the giant piece of exercise equipment that you know you’re not going to use.

[Fern Abramowitz]

You are absolutely right, Rich. How did you get so smart? I've cut out every luxury I can. Maybe people will get together more and talk, or play scrabble (I can dream can't I). I heard one "expert" say if you didn't have something 5 years ago, you don't need it now. That may not apply to everything but to most things.

[Athena]

I would sell off things like my Ipod and xbox, but who would buy them right now?

The only thing I know of is donating them to charity, but even if I donated them today, I wouldn't get a refund until March of 2010.

Does anyone know of any ideas?

[RichardDTucci]

I found this one website. http://www.freecycle.org/