"...With a working Congress..."

Not by any definition I can support. We are ruled by a nest of vipers, and the few exceptions are only allowed to give us false hope the system of governance can be saved.

SCOTUS stated clearly in the Heller decision what hope we have, and history reveals the truth of that decision. It is sad, but the bare fact is that when the ballot box fails, the bullet box succeeds. From time to time the verminous knaves that worm their way into power exceed the people's ability to tolerate, and then, beyond reason, people act with authority to eliminate the vermin.

That will happen. I have no doubt. The real answer to our dilemma is what follows the pest removal process? My money is on decentralization of production and wealth. My recommendation is to seize the means of production suitable to your personal circumstances, in your case probably aquaponics, because you already garden. Adding fish and hydroponics would be relatively facile for you. For me it is aquaponics - which is in motion - and wood gasification, because I am surrounded by almost unlimited free wood I can gasify to produce electricity. That is also in progress, and I am intent on spreading that power - ahem! - as far and widely as I am able. 3D printers, CNC, Laser cutters, inkjet printers, all these tools enable people to make the goods they need, such as dinnerware, parts, and solar panels.

We transcend a clinal boundary today that has not before occurred in history, as the laws of physics mandate the decentralization of the means of production, which decentralizes wealth. This transcendence will not be easy. It will not be gentle. But, it will be a permanent change in economic power, eliminating overlords forever.

Be good to good people and they will be good to you. That is the best we can do while we imprison dragons in their deep, dark caverns with their hoards of shiny gold they think is wealth, and create the world to come with our good company.