> TEOTWAWKI Blog: Thoughts on the Free Market Post-Collapse

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2/16/12

Thoughts on the Free Market Post-Collapse

It will be the tendency of many post-collapse communities to revert to what essentially amounts to communism. We'll see things like:
  • Seizure of private property and redistribution for the so called greater good
  • Laws against hoarding, with stiff punishment for violations
  • Spying by neighbors and reporting to community leaders
  • Assignment of roles/responsibilities by the state
While such behavior may originate from good intentions of ensuring survival, it quickly devolves into tyranny, corruption and so on. Prepared individuals would fare exceptionally poorly, having their stockpiles confiscated or fighting it out with their neighbors and community members.

Of course, communism and central planning isn't the only way, and history has shown that it is far from the most efficient way. History has shown the free market to be the most efficient way to operate, and I believe that would hold true even in the harsh conditions that would exists in a TEOTWAWKI world.



One of the driving differences in a free market approach would be how the poor/unfortunate are cared for--does the community take everything and redistribute, or are individuals allowed to determine how they will use their own property?

If community members are allowed to chose how they will use their property & preps, what would keep the prepared from holding onto their property while people died around them?

Simple--trade and charity!

First, those who "had" would have the ability to trade, either for needed supplies, property or for labor. A simple meal for a hard day's worth of work might be a fair deal for both parties involved, and there would be plenty of work to do--building, cutting, digging, hauling, planting, guarding and so on. Those with preps would benefit a great deal--their investments in beans, bullets and band aids would have paid off.

Second, charity is the proven method for supporting the unfortunate. It's written in most religions, and it's a powerful force for good. Community members should not be compelled to donate (taxation), but should be allowed to donate as they see fit--and when other community members are in dire need, those who have even only a little will give in abundance. Charitable donations would largely go to support the community's widows, orphans and disabled--those not really able to work to support themselves.

Of course, the size of a community would need to be limited post-collapse. A community can only support so many, so immigration into the community would need to be controlled. The defense force would be the key player here, admitting only those who were sponsored/employed by community members, and possibly those who could "buy in" to unused space with supplies or special skills.

Trade with outsiders and other communities would also be important. A refugee may not warrant a full time place living in the community, he may be able to offer trade items or valuable information in exchange for supplies. Other communities may be able to provide goods that your community can't produce, and could offer mutual support from outside attackers. Roads would need to be established and protected, long distance communications established and so on. You can see how the pieces of society--of rebuilding and recovery--begin to fall into place.

I doubt TEOTWAWKI Blog gets many pro-communism readers, but the pressure for communities to slip into confiscation and central planning may be very strong post-collapse. Its frightening, and something that survivors need to be prepared to confront. We need to be able to help lead the community in the right direction--liberty, preservation of rights and the free market.