I had a knee-jerk reaction to the Supreme Court ruling on ObamaCare - ObamaTax and I wrote this editorial to address my concerns with that and one other thing.  The two combined worry me.  I know this is not directly related to buying groceries nor is it about firearms legislation but now that I have slept on it for a week or so, I still think you folks should have a chance to read it.  

* * *

Dear People:

I really, really do not want be alarmist.  Believe me it is one of the last things I would ever want but I am a bit worried. 

We have two events working against us when it comes to putting food on the table every day.

First, there are near drought, or near drought conditions in the heartland and the southeast.  Crop reductions and failures are almost certain.  The result will be short-term shortages of some food items and higher prices for those that are available.  Fresh produce will be particularly affected except for some local products. 

My advice is that, if you have the resources, buy ahead as much as you can.  It would be in your best interest to seriously consider gardening for at least some of your produce.  It is a bit late for planting but there is still time for crops like peas, green beans, zucchini, and cucumbers. 

Second, is the ObamaTax.  I am not an economist and I want to keep politics out of this as much as possible.  However, it is obvious, even to me, that nothing good will come of it with regard to the general economy.  

The ObamaTax carries some good things for healthcare and I would like to see those put back in place after the repeal of ObamaTax. 

There are twenty-one tax code changes in ObamaTax.  None of them levels or decreases the tax burden for anyone.  I am not going to list or explain them here.  If you want to read them all, look athttp://www.atr.org/obamacares-first-birthday-commemorates-twenty-one-a5963

What I do want to say, however, is that the long-term effect of ObamaTax, in conjunction with expiring tax law, on farms, small business, and the self-employed will be negative to the point of devastation.  Who knows what the “ripple effect” will be on the overall economy. 

I do not know what to do about it other than to become more active politically.  However, that is not the reason for this missive.  My intent is to offer advice on how to put food on your table without going broke.

I also have few ideas on how to accomplish that in the long-term.  However, I do see some things one could do. 

One, buy as many canned goods as you are able to now.  Do not wait; prices are going to go up, way up.  Buy only what you regularly eat.  Buy good food; do not waste money the junk stuff. 

Two, if you have the resources, buy freeze-dried and/or dehydrated foods for long-term storage.  Do not wait; prices are going to go up, way up.  Buy only what you regularly eat. 

Three, convert the sunniest parts of your lawn into gardens and plant what you will eat.  Do not sell anything as that would bring unwanted government attention. 

Four, if possible, get together with your neighbors for community gardening in order to produce larger yields.  Do not sell anything as that would bring unwanted government attention. 

Five, acquire pickling and canning equipment and supplies and learn how to use them.  This could be another opportunity to involve your neighbors in a community effort. 

I have absolutely no ideas about how to easily deal with meat and dairy products.  I only see two alternatives right now.  One is to buy canned meat and instant dairy products both everyday items and those that are prepared for long-term storage. 

The second alternative is near Impossible in urban settings and may be difficult at best in suburban areas.  That alternative is to raise your own livestock for meat and dairy; I will not go into that now. 

Thanks for reading this.  I do not like being so pessimistic but I tend to be realistic and I do not like what I think I see coming down the road.  I sincerely hope that I have not offended anyone. 

Your comments and questions are welcome.  I will respond to them as best as I am able.