There seem to be a number of initiatives that are springing up. On the radio side there is also the National SOS Radio Network (http://www.nationalsos.com/) although this seems to be more oriented toward natural disasters as opposed to civil unrest. The media here are FRS/GMRS/Ham radio.
One the purely ham side, although not generally “advertised,” there are patriot emcomm nets that are ready to provide crisis communications via voice and digital modes.
Also, there are various internet-based projects that aim to provide secure communications through encryption and keeping data storage local instead of in the “cloud.” The existing Tonido plug server can be used in a limited way but a more ambitious effort is the Freedom Box Project.
Yes indeed. Most people won’t become ham operators because of the licensing higher expense etc. Hopefully ham operators can play a significant role, especially acting as “servers” to cross some of the more rural areas.
That’s good too. I don’t think there is necessarily one single answer. It’s good to “always diversify” including with emergency strategies, especially when your freedom is at stake. That’s a situation where there may not be a second chance once it is gone.
We have to think about the power grid being shut down as well. cb’s run well on easily stored batteries including car batteries.