Are Freedom Towns on the Way?

So, the economy is tanking. Unemployment is rising dramatically. The major US employers are on the verge of bankruptcy. We're hemorrhaging 10 billion a month in Iraq. What's next?

Well, a reasonable assumption might be Freedom Towns.

If things get much worse, there will probably be a spike in poverty, hunger, homelessness, and ultimately, violence. If people cannot get jobs, make rent, and buy food, there will be an even stronger exodus from housing. Some will begin migrating into city centers to find shelter and care. The populations of metropolitan areas will dramatically increase forcing the police to increase their numbers and patrols.

The next step is drastic measures to control violence and undesirable behavior. While I think that martial law is not going to be imposed, our cities are headed for a more militarized, regulated future. The main units of government both in the States and in the Federal System will be physically fortified, and representatives of our country will be guarded more closely. It is the beginning of the protected.

What else could happen if the country continues to unravel? Well, there could be sweeping legislation that micromanages the way in which Americans go about their daily lives. There could be rationing due to food shortages and crop failures in the midwest. There could be forced curfews in highly volatile cities and metro areas. There could even be neighborhoods designated for people based on socioeconomic status.

Now, America is a far-cry from a third world country. Our infrastructure and material wealth alone will allow us to transcend a very serious devolution into a disorganized, violent state. But, if the crisis continues at its current rate, we will be facing stringent legislation, make no mistake.

Further, while President-elect Obama has made sweeping promises to change Washington and rescue the middle class, his rhetoric and limited experience in an executive role may spell drastic, compromising moves. A rescue plan for the middle class with tax cuts may spell trouble for bigger businesses that are hit with tax increases. The economic forecast is bleak and the correct policies are not set in stone; indeed, many economists cannot tell when the end might be, or what might stem the dramatic slide.

While the world continues to stumble and fumble, we might take some advice from our Mormon brethren and stock up on two years worth of food.