PROFITEERING IN THE GUISE OF BENEVOLENCE IS STILL EXPLOITATION

The following is from a widely-distributed press release.

“With economic chaos reigning across the globe, Iran and North Korea rattling their sabers, and the ever-present threat of domestic terrorism, Americans understand the importance of self-reliance and preparedness. There's even a new TV show on the National Geographic Channel called ‘Doomsday Preppers’ that highlights the extreme measures that some people take to protect themselves and their families from a disaster situation.”

Thus, the United States Gold Bureau is partnering with Wise Food Storage Company (an “official sponsor of “Doomsday Preppers” on the National Geographic Channel) “to offer a selection of emergency survival products that can help Americans survive through a crisis situation, if the worst-case scenario ever happens.”

Twice in the press release the reader is reminded that “the risk of a child born today suffering an early death due to nuclear war is at least 10%, according to a notable Stanford professor.”

Now, as any regular reader of this blog knows, I encourage people to prepare for disasters with a three day supply of food and water, an emergency kit with candles or other alternative lighting sources, blankets, a First Aid kit and so forth. However, I’m just cynical enough to look askance at the implied benevolence of such companies as the United States Gold Bureau and Wise Food Storage Company who are, after all, simply out to make a buck. If scare tactics work, so be it.

“To help Americans prepare for the worst, the U.S. Gold Bureau and Wise Food Storage Company have teamed up to offer a line of emergency survival products that include long-term foods, survival gear and gold and silver currency.”

Of course they have.

“Though we like to stay positive about the future outlook for our country, it's only smart to be prepared for whatever may come,” said Dave Williams, CEO of the United States Gold Bureau. “That’s why we’re working with Wise Foods to offer our clients the products they need to not only survive hard times, but to thrive while others may be suffering.”

Dubbed “American Eagle Endurance,” the new line of survival products includes “a mix of emergency gear and food stocks provided by Wise Food combined with a supply of silver and gold coins provided by the U.S. Gold Bureau.”

“For customers who truly want to prepare for what’s to come, we offer great-tasting food with a shelf life of up to a 25 years, along with survival kits that include gear like flashlights, sleeping bags, water filtration kits, rope and more,” said Jason Streiff of Wise Food. “But we recognize it’s impossible to stock everything you need for the long-term, so that’s when you need to be prepared to barter or buy additional supplies. And this is why we are partnering with the U.S. Gold Bureau.”

“Though we like to stay positive about the future outlook for our country….” Bla, bla, bla. In addition to the 10 percent chance of a nuclear war, the release adds that “NASA has started a website to track the likelihood of an asteroid hitting the earth.” Even though that likelihood of a major asteroid hitting earth is remote. And, of course, there is much discussion of worldwide economic collapse.

“’We may not like to think about the worst-case scenario,” said Williams, “but it’s even scarier to think about what could happen if you’re not prepared.’ Through the partnership between Wise Foods and the U.S. Gold Bureau, Americans who already own silver and gold can use their precious metals to purchase their emergency supplies in advance, rather than using cash or credit, before a disaster strikes.”

Bottom line here is the bottom line for the United States Gold Bureau and Wise Food Storage Company. Of course they don’t want to see a disaster, they just want people to believe there’s one in the offing and turn to American Eagle Endurance for comfort.

Profiting from other people’s paranoia and hysteria is neither illegal nor un-American. In fact, it’s very American. However, wrapping it all up in a vain attempt to look like a benevolent enterprise is, at the very best, amoral.

And please note, we are under 200 days until End of the World…Not!