Nightmare 2000
Over the years, there have been many predictions of possible "earth-shaking" events in the future. As I write this book, I see and hear daily reports of wars and rumors of war in the middle east; the economic crisis in Asian countries that is adversely affecting the world economy; companies downsizing; the lowest oil prices in 50 years (when you consider the value of the American dollar), causing massive layoffs in the industry; worldwide reports on the effects of El Nino-hurricanes, tornadoes and extreme weather conditions causing drought or flooding; "Y2K"- the problem of computer non-compliance at the beginning of the new century that could trigger financial chaos and cause global shortages, including food, water and power.

While there will certainly be repercussions from some or all of these events, no one can accurately predict the myriad of problems we will face, or how long into the 21st century we will be affected by the problems or panic caused by Y2K. Even the "experts" can't agree on whether this problem will turn out to be an inconvenience or a major catastrophe.

Perhaps these depressing and calamitous events will not drastically change our daily lives, but there are other nightmare possibilities ahead, particularly in the field of food supply.

America's vast food surpluses have been drastically reduced. In his book Many Are Called but Few Are Chosen, Verlan Andersen sums it up in this way: "With less than ten percent of the population engaged in farming and with this small group almost completely dependent upon a continuing supply of fuel, machinery, and smoothly functioning transportation network, famine could and would stalk the land within a matter of weeks if anything interrupted the operation of this highly interdependent system of food production and distribution. Food markets would empty within hours and people would be left to their own devices to provide themselves with sustenance. The magnitude of the tragedy which could result is horrible to contemplate."

Strikes and other problems threaten the distribution of everything we buy; civil disorder and lawlessness menace our society; and nuclear weapons in the hands of ruthless leaders continue to be produced. Any or all of these factors could bring, at any time, a nightmare"2000"-a nightmare of famine and, for the unprepared, deprivation and even starvation.

To dramatize this situation, share with me this bad dream-a dream so vivid and real that you cannot get it off your mind. In the dream you are in a market with your basket and grocery list. A sick feeling comes over you as you look down the aisles and see row after row of grocery shelves almost empty. You have eight items on your shopping list, but only two are available, and these are the least essential. There is not even a loaf of bread in the store, nor any milk.

Having five children to feed, you are overcome with panic. You rush home and sit in the chair by the window-frustrated, bewildered,worn out. Looking across the street you see a whole family arriving at the Taylors. They are walking. The older boy is carrying the baby on his back, and everyone has big bundles-probably clothes and other portable necessities. Mrs. Taylor takes them all in the house.

In the way dreams have of mixing general impressions and specific detail, you get a feeling of overall confusion and uncertainty. The Paulsons, who have farmed their land in peace for fifty years, are besieged with people who trample over their fields stealing their cabbage and squash. Goods are being stolen from the stores, markets and schools are closed, many people are out of work. The car is out of gas and your husband rides your son's bicycle looking for work. You are told there are carrots and potatoes available further out in the country, and since there is almost no food in the house you decide to walk there. You search among all your shoes for sturdy oxfords to walk in but can't find any. You feel trapped, with your husband and the children home and not knowing from one meal to the next what to give them to eat.

Your mind flashes constantly to something new to worry about-like winter coming, a cold house with a silent furnace because you have no money to pay the utility bill, the wood supply for the fireplace almost depleted. You worry about the children getting sick and what you'd do if you couldn't get an appointment with the doctor, who is working to the breaking point already with all the sickness in town.

Depressing visions of Thanksgiving day and Christmas flood your mind. The children are fretting and unhappy because the family can't spend either of these occasions with their grandparents. You think of past Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays when happy times and delicious dinners were taken for granted.

Mrs. Taylor has brought you a few candles because she has heard about the electricity being temporarily shut off. She advises you to store drinking water, and you are filling what empty fruit jars and bottles you can find. As you talk with this good neighbor you are amazed at how strong she is-a little more serious than usual, but energetic and determined. You are very thankful to have her for a neighbor.

But still your mind reverts to Christmas, only weeks away. You stand as if in a trance. How could life change so much from one year to another? Where will you get the courage to be cheerful and make this a happy occasion for your family? You feel as if you are in a deep, black hole with no way out.

While you may not personally have had this nightmare, your experience with dreams helps you to know the sense of relief one would have on waking from it. Fortunately there is food in your cupboard, gas in the car; and your husband and the children are going to work and school as usual.

But don't feel too relieved. The nightmare might still arrive for many of us, and this time in reality.

Copyright 1999 by Natural Meals Publishing. The information in this section may be freely used for non-profit purposes as long as the book source and author remain intact. Express permission of the author, Rita Bingham, must be received for commercial profit.

Updated: 24 Mar 99