While most Americans celebrated St. Patty's Day on March 17th, the United States government failed to reach a budget agreement, resulting in Congress dismissing sine die - the first time since the Civil War.
Many Americans will wake to this and not realize it; others were keenly aware.
In Denver, one man, who friends described as an anti-religious redneck, believed that no government meant no law enforcement and ran into town with his shotgun. He was correct that he would find no police, but incorrect in assuming no one would enforce what is known as "natural law" or "God's law," as some refer to it. As he ran into a grocery store to rob the cashiers, he was immediately subdued by 7 customers who were carrying concealed firearms. Not wanting to be identified, the "heroes," as one cashier called them, sat the man down and talked to him about natural law for almost an hour. The man left with his firearm, ammo, a loaf of bread, and a new outlook on life.
Meanwhile, businesses opened as usual on Friday. Most employees should report to work as usual, as most businesses will have no problems without government. Some employees, however, such as those at large banks or companies who received Federal bailout money, should contact their corporate offices to see if they are still in operation. Few understand that their company has been running off of loaned "Federal Reserve Notes" which are notes of debt, and when the government closed yesterday, the companies effectively went into bankruptcy/repossession by the Federal Reserve, a private bank. Again, a simple phone call will confirm whether or not your business will be able to pay you with real currency for your work.
On that note, people should be aware that many stores are no longer accepting "Federal Reserve Notes" but rather only things of hard value, such as gold, silver, and other precious metals. It is assumed that most people know what things of value they have, and will be able to barter with others (individuals or store owners) to get what they need. However, as one Portland woman found out the hard way, any possessions which have State titles (such as vehicles) or bank loans attached to them are NOT owned by the individual but rather the State or bank, respectively. This is the kind of event when all that credit card and loan debt comes back to bite America, it looks!
MSMBC affiliates were reporting that many State and Federal agencies have already closed. The FDA and USDA have already suspended activity, perhaps in protest. As such, people are advised to note the source of their food directly, working with local farms and farmers to ensure that food has been grown responsibly and safely.
As well, the DEA and ATF, without government support, have been unable to continue operations, and simply advise that people use due diligence in deciding what to put into their bodies and who, if anyone, they buy and sell firearms with. A suburban-Cleveland man known as "Jimmy Hendrix VII" learned the consequences of ignoring this advice when he wandered into an alley while too high on drugs to protect himself. He was robbed and beaten before nearby Samaritans noticed the attack and chased off the offenders. Since Medicare and Medicaid are suspended, the Samaritans paid a nearby Doctor themselves to help the man, and the man is expected to recover.
All weddings should continue as planned, but couples should note that marriage license formalities are unnecessary, as was the case in early America. If couples are concerned about their marriage being valid, they should sign the Family Bible and have 3 ceremony witnesses do the same, write up a formal contract amongst themselves, and read up on the common law for other pertinent details of their state.
Finally, parents should note that all public schools are expected to close, if they haven't already, and that homeschooling or community schooling is recommended. The Department of Education says that it does not expect to be able to administer the NCLB standardized testing this year as a result of the shutdown, and hence parents, schools, and communities should work together to decide what curricula and learning goals they wish to strive for. A Professor at the University of Washington advises that parents teach their kids practical and vocational skills, as it is unknown how long the government will be shut down and hence families may need all available hands to help them get their needs.
Of interest to readers may also be news of tens of thousands of people around the country known as "Sovereign Citizens" who have been volunteering their time and even patrolling streets. The public is advised that these people are no threat and not to be surprised by their calm during this time. News reports of past years show they have been preparing for just such events, and are already ready with emergency food, water, and supplies, and have lived without the need for government in their lives for years. They pose no threat, and many have been helping other families to deal with the events.
Overall, people should not panic. Some have relied on government and laws to tell them how to act, and been the source of their morals, but today they simply need to rely on themselves. Those who need special care should reach out to their communities, as good Samaritans will surely help those who truly need the help.
