Regarding your McDonald’s hiring example, I once advertised for a single low skill summer camp worker and got 96 applications. Nothing unusual even 40 years ago.

There is nothing wrong with becoming more self-sufficient as the write said. But to advocate it pending total economic collapse is unconscionable–fear mongering that Republicans and other heartless citizens thrive on. No suggestions for preventing waste, rooting out and punishing fraud, and repudiating abuses. Where’s the Christian humanity you profess at every turn, the compassion? Not everyone has your energy, drive, work skills, efficiency, and honesty, traits in short supply among our national leaders–business and political.

If the economy collapses, it will be caused by the careless wealthy supporters of politicians who “just say no”, “hell no” and vote against every solution to our problems; they even usurp long-term, constitutional rights of people to insure their agenda is followed like retaining Guantanamo, voiding collective bargaining, blocking voter registration and instituting “governmental takeovers.” Just look at Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Florida.

The only things “being ripped out and shredded” are the basic building blocks of our economy and democracy–freedom of speech, voter rights, job security, unemployment insurance, minimum wage guarantees, child labor laws.

Self-respecting and progressive-leaning people everywhere, not just born with a “silver spoon”, economic wealth and social status (yes they’re inherited often) will make some changes. The recall petitions and public referenda are a start. At election time the pendulum of support will swing back to middle americans. If not, if rights are abridged, if oppression starts, you’d better have a gun to protect your property as second amendment provisions will prevail like one radical candidate said, and you’ll be on the wrong side of the issue.