“Now all of political economy from prehistory on to 1932 has been intent upon one thing only—how to take the wealth from the producer, how to take the food from the person who cultivated it and harvested it and give him very little in return. But when you take too much, you can kill the goose that lays the golden egg. And when the buying power dries up, then everybody suffers.” ~ Charles Walters

By Catherine Austin Fitts

As I drove East last week, I told a colleague that I was driving from “no water” to “no warmth.”

The economic impact of the drought in California and the Southwest and the cold in the North America is growing. The patterns play out around the world.

Charles Walters, founder of Acres U.S.A., described the relationship between farm income and GNP in his book Unforgiven. This weather and low commodities prices means tough times for farmers. That means more consolidation of valuable farm land.

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The human suffering is notable. Smaller harvests, falling incomes mean people can not afford energy or proper food. When I drove through Phoenix, each of 12 corners at a major intersection had a beggar. They were attractive, many well educated in appearance, and scared.

Hunker down times are here. I just refinanced my mortgage, got a new generator, am firing up the big gas heater in the living room and am wearing my parkas indoors.

I handed out $50 to the beggars on route from San Francisco to Tennessee and more on “larger than 15%” tips.

I am a tither. I just like to place most of my tithes in the hand of my fellow man. A little bit of cash or coin is a prayer. It says “I’m for you. You can make it.”

Related Reading:

Record-Breaking November Arctic Cold, Round Three

Why California’s Drought is America’s Problem