Envisioning Economic Collapse - Guns and Gold

America is at a precarious point in its history. That is not written to be inflammatory or as preface to some conspiratorial oratory. It is an opinion based on the diversity of media available to the average citizen and a cursory analysis of what would happen should the fabric (media, financial system) that binds modern day America tear.

Since the 2008 financial crisis the demand for gold, guns and silver has skyrocketed. Doomsday preppers as they are called are now mainstream. With a presidential candidate openly questioning whether he would accept the results of the election it would seem that a fundamental conceit of American democracy has been taken for granted.

So, its not too hard to see why one's mind may drift and envision what would be right of boom.

In the event of a nuclear attack by China, Russia or (heaven forbid) the EU on America the answer is short and simple. Nothing would be left to see. The East and West Coasts would be vaporized and flyover country would be haphazard and treacherous.

A more limited exchange or localized pandemic or supply chain disruption (oil maybe) would leave large swaths of the country physically unharmed but unable to operate business as usual. With that as a scenario lets take a look at:

Guns - There may be some benefit but more benefit will be had in large numbers and organization. Guns cannot be eaten. They are good somewhat for protection but against large crowds a handgun is unlikely to make much difference.

Gold and Silver - Silver is the original money and gold retains value but its marginal value is low when necessities are considered. That said, were the credit system to freeze up yet production capacity remain online gold and silver would be the place to be.