Let's take it one step at a time !
Step #1
CottonBall :"I’m also wondering what you think this coup will do to our society?"
Look at what society, and some specific States have already done in response to covid-19.
Shut-down and quarantine hasn't slowed the infectious disease; simply stated - It's not working !.. and they haven't followed the science of infection prevention.
They have closed down their economic societies, and then cry about lack of taxes and income for programs and government operation.
Some entire States are purposely committing economic suicide !
They haven't followed the science (!), or good ,sound, or reasonable advice, nor have they taken into consideration society, culture, nor the State economies.
State leadership has eliminated and purged any contrarian voice or advice as they are in love with their own voice and power, and have become narcissistic .
They need to follow the advice given by FReeper "null and void ":
Quarantine the sick - provide immediate medical care
Protect the vulnerable -especially since the science has shown elderly and comorbiities are deadly
Free everyone else - Let society and the communities live their lives while being aware of any risks.
Also part of Step #1 and Step #2 :
Possible Supply chain disruption and shortages of food
Civil unrest - possibly more protests, roaming mobs
Disruption of services (911, police, fire, ambulance, trash pick up, etc., etc.,..) due to being physically overextended above and beyond the call.
Possible Disruption of utilities ( water, electricity, natural gas, etc., etc..) with government union strikes.
In times like this, remember OPSEC, and become the "gray man", unobtrusive and blending into the crowd, being unnoticed, while building family reserves.
Step #3:
Lin Wood calling for 10 days of supplies can be readily accepted by the mass of society and the city inhabitants,
and it makes "common sense" to have some food and water reserves, and most of us already have some reserves.
Also, it doesn't cause a rush to the supermarket (remember the toilet paper shortage, hand sanitizer shortage, anti-bacterial wipes, etc.). Therefore, there is no crisis !
Lin Woods' call is moderate, and doesn't create chaos and panicky buying; it is just a call for "heads up", and be aware.
Lin Woods opinion is a mild call for principles contained in the "prepper" OODA Loop:
Observe - evaluate the possible threat, problem, situation .
Orient - determine what actions you can take within your abilities that appear reasonable, based on logic, and are not emotionally driven.
Decide - make the choice as to what your response should be.
Act - a commitment to action ! Since you have already made a logical decision -> Just (Freakin) do it !!
A Prepper Survival motto; "The Rule of Threes" :
You can live 3 minutes without air
You can live 3 days without water
You can live 3 weeks without food
Act accordingly !
There are lots of advantages to blending in with the crowd when disaster strikes.
For starters, by not drawing attention to yourself, you’ll be able to move more quickly and easily through the crowd
without alerting others to the fact that you are prepared to handle the situation.
Also, by blending in and appearing to be among the unprepared, you are less likely to make yourself a target of those in desperation
who may try and take your survival gear off you by force.
The gray man theory is really about protecting yourself and your family by concealing the fact
that you are indeed prepared to survive in the face of disaster.
More extensive information about “Gray Man Theory” at :
http://www.thebugoutbagguide.com/gray-man-theory/
Thanks for the detailed response!
I guess a lot of what we do will be determined by the state we are in and if draconian measures are taking place.
“Lin Woods’ call is moderate, and doesn’t create chaos and panicky buying; it is just a call for “heads up”, and be aware.”
Great point, I didn’t think of that. Most of his followers may not be preppers - yet.
I like your OODA - it takes the emotion (ie. panic) out of it and limits impulsive responses we might regret.
My earlier post about reusing commercial pasta sauce jars for home canning brought something to mind.
Now is the time to learn the skills and try out the ideas, techniques and equipment we will need if/when we face a SHTF time.
Not sure about canning in recycled Classico pasta jars?
Try canning some now filled with water.
Got a new pressure canner?
Learn how to use it now while parts and replacements may still be available.
Haven't canned meat yet but want to know how - just in case?
Don't wait to learn how when the meat is scarce or irreplaceable.
Can some now to learn what works for you.
Not sure how to use mylar bags and oxygen absorbers to prepare things like beans, rice and pasta for long term storage?
Now is the time to learn by doing.