0371279ce5

libertarian

I am ultimately making this for people who are like-minded and are wondering what they can do to start reducing government from their lives. I am hoping SN doesn't mind to critique what I have, add, change wording, etc. If you decide it's worth sharing with others, please do. As I (or SN) find things to add, I will update this in future versions.

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While we are currently in a system that is difficult to leave, there are still things that can be done to reduce government interference in your life. Not all of these may be possible for everyone, nor will everyone agree with every single point. Take what may work for you and use it.

**First and foremost, stop looking for a politician, or anyone else, to save you.** It's not going to happen. Your life is your responsibility and looking for a government to regulate you or regulate people you disagree with is a big part of why we are in this mess.

**Use currencies that are not tied to your government.** While completely giving up the use of your local fiat currency is infeasible (for now), there are steps you can take to decrease your reliance on it. By doing so, you are taking steps to create a “parallel economy” or “black market” with decreased regulation and more appropriately-valued items.

*Personally, this author advocates solely for the use of Bitcoin, although it is understood that many still do not fully understand why or consider it a “ponzi scheme” among other incorrect derogatories.* [insert resources to learn quickly]. 

**Team up with other like-minded individuals.** Doing so will give you more opportunities to work together.

**Stop taking out debt**

We are paying too much interest on debts and all of this extra money goes straight to the corrupt banking industry. Even with a “conservatively-priced” $200k house, a 4% interest rate and a 30-year mortgage, you're paying almost $144k in interest - totaling almost 2 times the price of the house. You may never find a house that cheap or an interest rate that low anymore, so the total cost will now be even higher, with the interest alone likely now MORE than your original mortgage. Vehicle interest rates are similar. Credit cards interest rates are ~5 times the interest rate of a mortgage. Debt is SLAVERY.

If you have debts, find ways to pay more toward the principal to pay it off quicker AND pay less interest. Extra mortgage payments, even small ones, can make a big difference in the long run. 

If you are renting, consider moving in with family members who own a home. Help each other out, save money, and pay off debt.

If you’re building, look into “accessory dwelling units” and put your house on the same plat of land as a family member. You could then share any equipment or other buildings. Make family compounds great again.

-> How to avoid debt? Spend a longer time living with parents/family and save your money. Avoid frivolous purchases and buying new. Use a budget.

**Stop using credit/debit cards.**

Credit/debit card companies receive a cut of every single transaction, typically 1.5% to 3.5%. By using cash/Bitcoin/gold/silver, not only are you removing this cut, but you're potentially avoiding taxes, while also increasing privacy. Using credit/debit cards give the banks (and whoever they sell the information to) the ability to see every place you’ve shopped and indirectly, the ability to see every single thing you’ve purchased.

Banks may also charge fees on the money you keep in an account and you're at the mercy of the bank to have cash available if you need it. Keep some or all of your money out of banks. You’re also at the mercy of the government – if they can “freeze” your money, then it isn’t “your” money.

**Take responsibility for your own health.**

Stop going to yearly checkups unless you think you need it. Checkups are often just a reason to bill you. Doctors are prone to treating numbers (labs) instead of the human in front of them, even if they feel fine. Consider holistic providers or take the time to learn how to read your own labs and purchase them yourself if you’re curious.

To help keep yourself healthy and away from the traditional medical system, pay attention to what you’re eating. Although many have their own definition of “healthy food”, being more conscious of what you’re eating and avoiding processed foods and fast foods is a good first step. 

Grow your own food. The ground is meant for planting, not to look pretty. 

Buy from local farmers/producers with no corporate ties.

Learn to forage.

Collect rainwater.

Exercise. Something is better than nothing and there is no reason to completely avoid it. You can even start with a few minutes per day and slowly increase the amount. 
-> Stretching
-> Alternating jogging/walking
-> Sprinting 1-2 times per week (highly recommended)
-> Sled pushes or sled pulls (great for knees)
-> General strength training
-> Get more sunlight. We evolved under the sun, not avoiding it and slathering poisonous chemicals on our skin. Like exercise, slowly increase your amount of exposure.

**Be smarter with transportation.**

Drive smartly and safely to avoid tickets and wrecks which lead to increases in insurance premiums that negatively affect you for years at a time.

Stop buying new cars. Not only are the purchase prices higher, they may also come with higher insurance premiums.

Shop around yearly for lower insurance rates. 

Walk or bike instead of driving. Saves on gas, avoids police encounters, and is good for your health. 

**Homeschool your children.**
Don't let governments propagandize them. They will never learn skills to remove their dependence on government. That is up to you.

**Repair instead of replace.**

Buying new/used every time something stops working is a waste of money. YouTube and books can teach you how to repair things on your own. You may also learn new skills in doing so.

**Use alternative social media.**

There are many options for social medias that can be more anonymous, are not subject to single-point censorship or narrative-pushing algorithms and/or could pay you in Bitcoin for the content you post. Nostr is a great protocol for this, wherein you have one identity that can be used across several different platforms. Stacker News is another.

**Utilize private chats and anonymous e-sim cards.**

Anonymous chats like SimpleX can keep your messages out of the hands of government and corrupt agencies.

Anonymous e-sim cards like Silent.Link can lower your phone bill and prevent your name from being attached to your cell phone (although it’s a bit more nuanced than just this).

**Avoid surveillance technology.**

Ring, Nest, and others like it may be subject to remote hacking. Applications like Home Assistant can be more private, although they require more technical know-how.

**ADVANCED**

Team up with like-minded individuals, train together, and create, defend, & protect your small community - much like a miniature country/city inside of your current country. Similar to Orania.

US only: Utilize the real meaning of the 2nd Amendment.
