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When Power Shifts Overnight: What Maduro’s Fall Means for the World

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The world just watched something extraordinary. Nicolás Maduro, a man who clung to power through economic collapse, political repression, and years of international pressure, was suddenly removed from the board in a single decisive move. The United States acted, the operation succeeded, and Venezuela’s long‑standing strongman was taken into custody.
But the real story isn’t just about Maduro. It’s about the shockwaves that now ripple outward toward Beijing and Moscow, two powers that invested heavily in keeping him exactly where he was. When a leader backed by both China and Russia is removed in a matter of hours, the implications reach far beyond Caracas.
This is where the world gets interesting.
China’s Dilemma: A Strategic Loss in America’s Backyard
For years, China poured money, political capital, and influence into Venezuela. Billions in loans. Oil‑for‑credit deals. Infrastructure projects. Diplomatic cover. Beijing didn’t support Maduro out of charity. Venezuela was a foothold, a strategic presence in the Western Hemisphere, and a symbol that China could project power far beyond Asia.
Now that foothold is gone.
China suddenly finds itself exposed. A partner it backed for years was removed by a U.S. operation, and Beijing had no ability to stop it. That alone sends a message to every nation that leans on China for protection. If China cannot shield a major ally in the Americas, what does that say about its ability to protect partners elsewhere?
There is another layer. Analysts have already pointed out that China may feel pressure to project strength in other regions to compensate for this loss. Taiwan becomes the obvious pressure point. When a global power suffers a strategic setback, it often looks for another arena to reassert dominance. Beijing cannot afford to look weak, especially not now.
And then there is the economic angle. China’s investments in Venezuelan oil and infrastructure are suddenly at risk. A transitional government aligned with Washington could renegotiate contracts, shift exports, or even freeze Chinese access entirely. Billions of dollars and years of influence could evaporate overnight.
China is now forced to decide how far it is willing to go to protect its interests in a country it once considered a reliable partner.
Russia’s Setback: Losing a Beachhead in Latin America
Russia’s loss is just as significant. Moscow used Venezuela as a geopolitical counterweight to the United States. It stationed advisors there. It sent contractors. It used the country as a symbol of its reach and its willingness to challenge U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere.
That symbol has now been shattered.
Russia loses a strategic ally, a military partner, and a propaganda victory. And like China, Russia now faces a credibility problem. If the United States can remove a Russian‑backed leader with minimal resistance, what does that say about Moscow’s ability to protect its friends?
Russia is unlikely to respond with direct military action, but asymmetric retaliation is almost guaranteed. Cyber operations. Increased activity in Cuba or Nicaragua. Expanded cooperation with Iran. Diplomatic pressure. Russia will look for ways to reassert itself without triggering a direct confrontation.
This is how great powers respond when their influence is challenged.
A New Flashpoint in Global Power Politics
Maduro’s fall is not an isolated event. It is a pivot point.
The United States now has an opportunity to reshape Venezuela’s political landscape. China and Russia have every reason to resist that shift. And the rest of the world is watching closely, because when major powers collide over a resource‑rich nation in a strategic location, the consequences rarely stay contained.
Energy markets will feel it. Diplomatic alliances will shift. Regional politics will realign. And the balance of power between the United States, China, and Russia will be tested in ways we haven’t seen in years.
This is not just a story about Venezuela. It is a story about what happens when global powers collide, when influence is challenged, and when the world’s balance shifts in real time.
Why This Matters for Preparedness
Events like this are not distant geopolitical trivia. They are early indicators of the world we are heading into. When major powers experience losses, they compensate elsewhere. When alliances shift, supply chains shift with them. When energy markets move, everything from fuel prices to food distribution is affected.
Preparedness is not just about storms, outages, or local disruptions. It is about understanding the forces that shape the world and recognizing when the ground is moving beneath your feet.
Maduro’s fall is one of those moments. A quiet warning that the global order is changing, and that the ripple effects will reach far beyond Venezuela’s borders.
The wise pay attention now, not later.

For more content, visit survivalschoolmichigan.com

A Curated Guide to Foundational Books on Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants

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George Hedgepeth is a seasoned naturalist, survival instructor, and educator with decades of experience studying wild edible and medicinal plants. His expertise is grounded in extensive fieldwork, traditional knowledge research, and a deep understanding of plant ecology. In addition to his botanical and ethnobotanical background, he teaches practical wilderness skills and contributes his knowledge as an instructor at Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute, where he helps students develop competence in foraging, plant identification, and foundational survival techniques. His work reflects a commitment to both scientific understanding and hands‑on, experience‑based learning.
The study of wild plants for food, medicine, and practical use is supported by a rich body of literature. The following overview, based on recommendations compiled by George Hedgepeth, highlights a selection of books that have proven valuable for identifying plants, understanding their uses, and exploring their ecological and cultural contexts. While some titles may be more difficult to obtain than others, each offers meaningful insight for students of useful plants. This list is not exhaustive, and many other high‑quality works exist, particularly those tailored to specific regions.
According to Hedgepeth’s recommendations, an excellent starting point for beginners is A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants by Lee Peterson. The Peterson Guides are widely respected for their clarity and practicality. This particular volume includes identification tips and suggestions for plant use, illustrated primarily with pen‑and‑ink drawings. Although some readers prefer photographic guides, the illustrations are clear and effective for field identification.
Several additional books form a strong foundation for further study. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide is notable for its intuitive key system, which allows users to identify unfamiliar plants with relative ease. Field Guide to North American Edible Wild Plants by Elias and Dykeman expands on edible species with detailed color photographs and nutritional information. Hedgepeth also emphasizes the importance of a reliable reference on poisonous species, recommending Common Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of North America by Turner and Szczawinski.
Beyond these core texts, regional guides and books focused on plant uses are valuable additions. Anthropological works, such as Francis Densmore’s research on Indigenous plant use, provide cultural context and deepen the reader’s understanding of traditional knowledge. Resources that explore plant communities and ecological relationships help readers develop a broader perspective on the environments in which useful plants grow.
With these materials, students of wild plants can build a strong foundation for identifying, harvesting, and understanding the species around them.
 
Selected Bibliography
(As compiled by George Hedgepeth)
Brill, Stephen, and Evelyn Dean. Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not So Wild) Places. New York: Hearst Books, 1994.
Densmore, Francis. How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine and Crafts. New York: Dover Books, 1974.
Duke, James A. Handbook of Edible Weeds. Ann Arbor: CRC Press, 1992.
Elias, Thomas S., and Peter A. Dykeman. Field Guide to North American Edible Wild Plants. New York: Outdoor Life Books, 1982.
Elliot, Doug. Roots: An Underground Botany and Forager’s Guide. Old Greenwich, Connecticut: The Chatham Press, 1976.
Elpel, Thomas J. Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification. Pony, Montana: Hollowtop, 1996.
Gibbons, Euell. Stalking the Wild Asparagus. New York: David McKay Co., 1962.
Krumm, Bob. The Great Lakes Berry Book. Helena, Montana: Falcon, 1996.
Newcomb, Lawrence. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. Boston: Little, Brown, and Co., 1977.
Nyerges, Christopher. Guide to Wild Foods and Useful Plants. Chicago: Chicago Review Press, 1999.
Patton, Darryl. Mountain Medicine: The Herbal Remedies of Tommie Bass. Gadsden, Alabama: Little River Press, 2004.
Peterson, Lee. A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants. Boston: Houghton‑Mifflin Co., 1978.
Thayer, Samuel. The Forager’s Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants. Ogema, Wisconsin: Forager’s Harvest, 2006.
Thayer, Samuel. Nature’s Garden: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants. Birchwood, Wisconsin: Forager’s Harvest, 2010.
Turner, Nancy J., and Adam F. Szczawinski. Common Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of North America. Timber Press, 2003.
Weatherbee, Ellen Elliott, and James Bruce. Edible Wild Plants of the Great Lakes Region. University of Michigan, 1979.
Woodward, Lucia. Poisonous Plants: A Color Field Guide. New York: Hippocrene Books, 1985.
Zachos, Ellen. Backyard Foraging: 65 Familiar Plants You Didn’t Know You Could Eat. North Adams, Massachusetts: Storey Publishing, 2013.
***If you’re interested in diving deeper into wilderness skills, hands‑on survival training, or comprehensive courses on edible and medicinal plants, explore the programs at survivalschoolmichigan.com. It’s an excellent next step for anyone ready to turn curiosity into real‑world capability.***

Under Duress: Mindset Training for Grid-Down Survival

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In a grid-down scenario, the rules change. Power is out. Communications are down. Resources are scarce. The systems we rely on—food, fuel, water, law enforcement—are no longer guaranteed. In that moment, survival becomes more than a skillset. It becomes a test of mindset.

At Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute, we train for that moment—when the lights go out, the pressure rises, and your decisions carry real consequences.

What Is Duress?

Duress isn’t just a legal term. It’s a psychological state—one where external pressure compromises your ability to think clearly, act freely, or make rational decisions. In court, it might mean a contract signed under threat. In the field, it might mean surrendering your gear, making a bad call, or freezing when action is needed most.

In a grid-down environment, duress is everywhere:

  • The pressure of protecting your family with limited resources

  • The fear of making the wrong move when no help is coming

  • The moral weight of decisions made under threat, hunger, or exhaustion

This isn’t theory. It’s reality. And it’s why mindset training is essential to any serious survival education program.

Why Duress Training Belongs in Survival Education

Most survival schools teach you how to make fire, build shelter, and purify water. At APSI, we go further. We teach you how to think under pressure—how to recognize when you’re under duress and how to respond with clarity instead of panic.

Because in a real emergency, it’s not just your skills that get tested. It’s your judgment.

Our survival mindset training includes:

  • Mental override drills – decision-making under simulated stress

  • Ethical pressure scenarios – when survival and morality collide

  • Group dynamics under strain – trust, leadership, and fear in high-stakes situations

  • Cognitive fatigue training – how hunger, cold, and sleep deprivation affect your thinking

This is the kind of preparedness training that separates the capable from the compromised.

The Mindset That Endures

Duress doesn’t just test your body—it tests your identity. Who are you when the systems fail? What do you stand for when no one’s watching? What choices will you make when every option costs something?

At APSI, we believe true preparedness isn’t just about gear or technique. It’s about building a mindset that can endure pressure, resist manipulation, and act with integrity—even when the world stops cooperating.

That’s why we train in the dirt, not behind a podium. That’s why we teach mental models alongside fieldcraft. And that’s why our students leave with more than skills—they leave with confidence, clarity, and a mindset forged for real-world survival.

Why Americans Should Be Concerned About Rising Silver Prices and a Declining Dollar

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When silver leaps from $30.68 in December 2024 to $62.92 in December 2025, it’s more than a headline—it’s a signal. A doubling of silver’s price in just over a year reflects deep economic currents that every American should pay attention to. This isn’t about collectors or investors alone; it’s about the purchasing power of your paycheck, the stability of your savings, and your ability to prepare for the future.
 
What Does Rising Silver Really Mean?
Silver’s surge is often a symptom of something bigger: the weakening of the U.S. dollar. Historically, when confidence in paper currency erodes, people flock to hard assets like silver and gold. Why? Because metals hold intrinsic value, while fiat currency depends on trust in government and monetary policy. When that trust falters—due to inflation, debt, or economic uncertainty—the dollar buys less, and prices for everything from groceries to housing climb.
 
The Dollar’s Century-Long Decline
To put this in perspective, $1 in 1900 is worth about $0.03 today. That’s a 97% loss in purchasing power over 125 years. Inflation isn’t new, but the pace matters. In recent years, stimulus spending, rising debt, and global instability have accelerated the dollar’s decline. If silver’s price doubling in a year feels dramatic, it’s because it is—a flashing warning light that the dollar’s erosion is speeding up (see the attached chart).
 
Why This Matters for Preparedness
Preparedness isn’t just about stockpiling food or having a generator—it’s about financial resilience. If the dollar continues to weaken, everyday essentials will cost more, and savings held in cash will lose value. Here’s why you should care:
 
Inflation Hits Essentials First: Food, fuel, and utilities rise fastest when currency weakens.
 
Supply Chain Shocks Amplify Costs: Economic instability often leads to shortages, making inflation worse.
 
Hard Assets Provide Stability: Silver, gold, and other tangible assets historically preserve wealth during currency crises.
 
Practical Steps to Protect Yourself
Diversify Your Holdings
Don’t rely solely on cash savings. Consider allocating a portion of your resources to precious metals, durable goods, and other inflation-resistant assets.
 
Stock Up on Essentials
Buy non-perishable food, water filtration systems, and basic supplies now—before prices climb further.
 
Reduce Debt
High-interest debt becomes harder to manage when inflation drives up living costs. Pay down what you can.
 
Invest in Skills and Tools
Preparedness isn’t just physical—it’s practical. Skills like survival, bushcraft, gardening, and basic medical care become invaluable in uncertain times.
 
The Bottom Line
Silver’s meteoric rise isn’t just about market speculation—it’s a mirror reflecting the dollar’s fragility. For Americans focused on preparedness, this is the moment to act. History shows that currency declines rarely reverse quickly, and those who prepare early weather the storm best. In a world where paper money buys less every year, hard assets and practical readiness aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines.
 
To help prepare for the inevitable future, checkout survivalschoolmichigan.com

Sweet Fern: Nature’s Forgotten Remedy

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In the dry woodlands, open fields, and roadsides of North America—especially near pine forests—grows a plant as mysterious as it is medicinal: Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina). Despite its name, this aromatic shrub is not a true fern. Its feathery leaves and resinous scent have long captivated Indigenous healers and modern herbalists alike. With a rich history of traditional use and a growing body of scientific interest, Sweet Fern is a powerful symbol of nature’s quiet healing force.
 
Poultice: For Wounds, Burns, and Muscle Pain
Sweet Fern leaves have traditionally been crushed and applied directly to the skin as a poultice. This method was used to treat:
• Wounds and cuts
• Burns and insect bites
• Muscle pain and inflammation
The poultice draws on the plant’s natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, helping to reduce swelling, prevent infection, and promote healing.
 
Infusion: A Remedy for Internal Ailments
When brewed into an infusion, Sweet Fern becomes a versatile internal remedy. Indigenous tribes and herbalists have used it to treat:
• Respiratory ailments (colds, coughs, bronchitis)
• Fevers and headaches
• Digestive issues (diarrhea, stomach upset)
• Stress and anxiety
To prepare: steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 1 cup of boiling water, and drink 1–2 cups per day. This tea can also be used as a wash for poison ivy.
 
Medicinal Properties: A Natural Powerhouse
Sweet Fern is packed with beneficial compounds that give it a wide range of healing properties:
• Anti-inflammatory – eases arthritis, rheumatism, and muscle pain
• Astringent – helps stop bleeding and tighten tissues
• Antiseptic – prevents infection in cuts and skin injuries
• Antioxidant – supports overall health and cellular repair
These properties make it a valuable ally in both traditional and modern herbal medicine.
 
Salve: Skin and Joint Relief
Sweet Fern leaves can also be infused into oils or blended into salves for topical use. These preparations are ideal for:
• Treating cuts, burns, and skin irritations
• Soothing muscle and joint aches
• Supporting wound healing and reducing inflammation
Salves offer a convenient way to harness the plant’s healing power for everyday skin and pain issues.
 
Aromatic Uses: Calm the Mind, Repel Insects
Beyond its medicinal uses, Sweet Fern’s aromatic leaves offer additional benefits:
• Inhalation of the scent or essential oils can help relieve stress and anxiety
• The natural fragrance acts as a gentle insect repellent, making it useful during outdoor activities
Its scent is earthy, grounding, and subtly sweet—perfect for calming both body and mind.
 
Final Thoughts
With its deep roots in Indigenous healing traditions and a growing reputation among modern herbalists, Sweet Fern is more than just a wild shrub—it’s a botanical treasure. Whether used as a poultice, tea, salve, or aromatic aid, this plant offers a gentle yet powerful reminder of the healing potential found in nature’s overlooked corners.
To learn more, check out survivalschoolmichigan.com

The Day The Internet Died

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The Day the Internet Died
 
It started with silence. A few apps refused to load. A few websites blinked out. Then, like a spreading blackout, the collapse consumed everything. Cloudflare — the unseen backbone of the modern web — had fallen. And with it, the world’s digital lifeline snapped.
 
Spotify went mute. Uber drivers sat idle, their maps frozen. Social networks dissolved into static. Even the systems designed to track outages were swallowed by the void. For hours, humanity stared into the abyss of a world without the internet.
 
The Fragile Empire
We were told the internet was a decentralized marvel, a web too vast to fail. That was a lie. The truth is darker: a handful of companies hold the keys, and when one stumbles, billions are dragged down.
 
One bug in Cloudflare’s systems was enough to fracture the illusion. The outage wasn’t an attack. It wasn’t sabotage. It was worse — proof that the empire we’ve built is fragile, brittle, and terrifyingly easy to break.
 
The Dominoes Waiting to Fall
This was only a glimpse. Imagine if the blackout had lasted days instead of hours.
Stock markets frozen, unable to trade.
Hospitals cut off from critical systems.
Supply chains paralyzed, food and medicine trapped in limbo.
Governments unable to communicate with their citizens.
 
The outage was short-lived, but it revealed the nightmare scenario: the internet is not eternal. It is a tower of cards, and the collapse has already begun.
 
The Beginning of the End?
Next time, it might not be a bug. It could be sabotage. It could be war. It could last longer. And when it does, the blackout won’t just silence your favorite apps — it could silence the world itself.
 
The Cloudflare outage wasn’t just a warning. It was a prophecy. The day the internet truly dies, civilization as we know it will go with it.
 
Want to prepare for the grid going down? Dig into survivalschoolmichigan.com for information, training, and preparedness supplies.

Firewood Wisdom

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Leather Belt Tourniquet: Wilderness Hack That Might Save Your Life

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Milkweed & Dogbane: A Comparative Guide to Their Practical and Medicinal Value

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At first glance, Milkweed and Dogbane might seem like twins in the wild—both flaunt clusters of delicate flowers, thrive in similar habitats, and exude a milky white sap that hints at their toxic nature. But beneath their botanical resemblance lies a compelling story of ecological roles and practical significance. This article explores the subtle yet vital differences between these two native North American plants.
 
Milkweed (genus Asclepias) is a perennial herb recognized for its milky sap and vibrant clusters of pink to orange flowers. Native to North America, it is best known as the host plant for monarch butterflies. I often find it growing abundantly near ditches and along roadsides in West Michigan.
 
Historically, Native American tribes used various parts of milkweed to treat: • Respiratory infections • Digestive disorders • Skin wounds • Rheumatism
 
The roots were commonly brewed into teas to ease coughing and asthma-like symptoms. I’ve been told the white sap can be applied to warts. Like dogbane, milkweed stalks contain fibrous layers that can be reverse wrapped into cordage. The silk from the pods makes excellent tinder when dry—a practice I regularly teach during the fire portion of my courses. The ovum inside the pods will catch a spark and form an ember, much like char cloth.
 
How to Reverse Wrap Milkweed Stalks:
1. Harvest and Dry the Stalks • Collect mature stalks late in the season. • Strip off leaves and lightly crush the stems. • Allow them to dry completely for easier fiber extraction.
2. Extract the Fibers • Split the stalks lengthwise. • Peel away the outer bark to expose the fibrous strands. • Separate and clean the fibers by hand or with a comb.
3. Prepare the Strands • Group fibers into two bundles of roughly equal thickness. • Slightly moisten them to enhance flexibility.
4. Begin Reverse Wrapping • Hold the two bundles together at one end. • Twist the top bundle away from you (clockwise), then wrap it over the bottom bundle (counterclockwise). • Repeat: twist one strand, wrap it over the other. • Continue until you reach the desired length.
5. Finish and Use • Tie off the ends or splice in additional fibers to extend. • Use your cordage for bowstrings, snares, fishing lines, or shelter construction.
 
Milkweed cordage is remarkably strong—two-ply yarn-thick rope can hold over 50 pounds, and thicker versions have even been used to tow vehicles. If you want to try your hand at making cordage from milkweed, join us at Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute.
 
Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum), also known as Indian hemp or wild cotton, carries a dual legacy—revered for its robust fibers and cautiously respected for its potent medicinal properties. Though toxic in large doses, it has long been used for both healing and crafting.
Historically, Native American tribes used various parts of dogbane to treat: • Heart and circulatory issues • Intestinal worms • Syphilis • Rheumatism
 
Although it has medicinal applications, I generally avoid using it this way due to its toxicity. Instead, dogbane is my top choice for wild-sourced cordage.
 
Step-by-Step Guide to Reverse Wrapping Dogbane Cordage:
1. Harvest Dogbane Stalks • Collect mature stalks in late summer or fall when the plant has dried. • Strip off leaves and break the stalks to access the inner bark.
2. Extract the Fibers • Split the stalks lengthwise and peel away the outer bark. • Carefully separate the silky inner fibers—these are your cordage material. • Let the fibers dry, then rehydrate slightly to improve flexibility.
3. Prepare the Bundles • Group fibers into two equal bundles. • Tie a knot at one end or pinch it between your fingers to anchor the starting point.
4. Reverse Wrap Technique • Twist one bundle clockwise (away from you). • Wrap it counterclockwise (toward you) over the other bundle. • Repeat: twist one strand, wrap it over the other. • This creates a two-ply cord with opposing tension, making it strong and durable.
5. Splicing for Length • When a bundle runs short, overlap new fibers and continue twisting. • This allows you to extend the cordage indefinitely.
6. Finishing • Tie off the end or burn it slightly to seal. • Use the cordage for lashing, fishing, bow drills, traps, or crafting.
 
Tips and Insights: • Dogbane fibers are stronger than cotton and rival commercial twine in durability. • Reverse wrapping creates a rope that resists unraveling and handles tension well. Try it with other plants, stalks, fibers, and even bark. • This technique also works beautifully with nettle, yucca, and other fibrous plants.
 
I’ll see you in the wild. Learn more at survivalschoolmichigan.com

Gold Over Bitcoin: A Survivalist’s Investment Outlook

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As of October 21, 2025, gold is priced at $4,134 per ounce and projected to rise by 58.14% over the next year. In contrast, Bitcoin is expected to increase by only 8%. While this surge in gold may benefit investors, it also signals deeper instability in the U.S. economy. Will physical gold become a better investment than Bitcoin or other cryptocurrrencies?
 
When gold hits $5,000 per ounce, experts warn of potential disruptions to the banking system. Here’s what that could mean for your financial survival:
 
Key Impacts of Surging Gold Prices
• Growing Demand for Physical Gold: As prices climb, demand for tangible assets like gold bullion and 1 oz. coins (e.g., American Gold Eagles) is expected to spike. This could lead to production bottlenecks and supply shortages.
• Risk of Bank Runs Rising: Gold often reflects declining confidence in fiat currency. If Americans begin withdrawing funds en masse, banks may face liquidity crises. Gold’s inverse relationship with the dollar means that as gold rises, the dollar weakens.
• Rising Interest Rates: To combat inflation and maintain stability, banks may hike interest rates on loans. This could make borrowing more expensive and slow economic growth.
• Market Volatility: A sharp increase in gold prices may trigger panic or speculative behavior in financial markets, leading to unpredictable swings in asset values.
 
What Should You Do?
If survival and wealth preservation are your priorities, it may be time to reassess your investment strategy. Bitcoin, like stocks and bonds, is a digital and speculative asset. In uncertain times, hard assets like gold and silver—both showing strong upward trends—offer tangible value and resilience.
 
Final Thought
What will the U.S. economy look like in one year? In five? No one knows for sure. But if history is any guide, those who prepare early with real assets will weather the storm better than those who don’t.
Buckle up. The ride ahead could be turbulent.
 
Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts; I am no financial expert. BUT, wait and see if my assessment is correct.
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