I need some positive reasons why not to plan for a SHTF scenario.

[rfmad]

I am seriously thinking of taking to steps to go to a survivalist approach planning to survuve total chaos and financial and institutional break down. Some one please help me see why this is not going to happen. Thanks

[BCR #226]

Thank you. I’ve worried over what could happen for a while and this seems to be the most likely possibility to me. There is a lot more to it but what I posted earlier is the crux of the issue.

To add weight to the problem, I have to wonder just how Obama intends on staffing his civilian defense force. People like me won’t become “brown shirts”. I have a dislike of brutal authority through violence which is what I see this CDF becoming. He’s going to have to man it with inner city gangs, school age kids that have no where else to go and possibly illegal immigrants. Should this be the case, I don’t know how the average American will respond to thugishness by these people.

Another concern I have is how Obama is going to handle any international concerns. I get the feeling he had no idea what he was getting into when he opted to run for President. Now he’s been briefed and I think he’s in over his head. This makes him more dangerous than ever simply because he’s going to be weak when the pressure is on.

The term FUBAR comes to mind when I think of the next 4 years. I seriously doubt that Obama is a 2 termer.

Mike

[Miss Behave]

"Cheese is also a good trade. Instead of rennet, learn how to use milk thistle. It's the only way top store milk for the winter if there's no electric. Farmers will love you."

Pinging you to cap's wisdom, Diana. Hope all is well with you up there behind the Cheddar Curtain. ;-)

[Tammy8]

I don’t deny anyone the right to live here or anywhere else and I have become very good friends with some who have moved here from the city. Those friends now look back and laugh at the way they acted when they moved here. Some move to the country and treat the people who have lived there all their lives like idiots; then expect all sorts of help, advice, and favors. That attitude tries my patience.

The advice about going to the country that I cringe at is when it doesn’t sound like they are advising someone to buy property and prepare- it is when people say oh if there is an emergency just flee to the country. That is what I meant by an invasion. That would really try my patience. Don’t get me wrong- I would be willing to help anyone I could in an emergency and have many times. I just sincerely hope there are not many that have “fleeing to the country” without preperations to do so as their plan. Those people will be in for a rude awakening- because even with help from the people already there they will have a tough time making it. From reading your posts I am sure you know what I mean by that.

[steve86]

Prescribed medications needed for survival.

It's tough if they are highly perishable, extremely expensive, or recently released drugs sold only in the U.S. market. OTOH, if what you require are more common pharmaceuticals available everywhere, you can often order a large quantity from overseas or Mexican pharmacies (I have done that several times). In the case of certain antibiotics (probably not what you are referencing), you can often get by with veterinary versions.

[steve86]

4. Pay off debt as quickly as possible.

Or, take on as much debt as possible, if you perceive the breakdown as imminent and irreversible.

[Miss Behave]

"Hopefully I will never have to use my gift for anything other than fun."

Absolutely, AirForceMom. I feel the same way. I also feel that way about my handgun carry permit...and now being armed in public daily. I hope that I don't have to put my handgun to purpose that way, but I would, to defend me and mine...and others.

[B4Ranch]

You can minimize electricity usage in freezers by keeping them full. If you have an empty shelf, use plastic containers or plastic bags and freeze water. The ice will take up airspace and help maintain the cold temp. The ideal empty shelf for ice storage is the bottom one.

[concerned about politics]

Prescribed medications needed for survival.

Worst case scenario? Buy a book titled "Homeopathic Psychology". Look yourself up, and deal with it - now - before an emergency.

Go through the table of contents. Google each remedy. You'll find most of them are easily gotten. For example - Natrum Muriaticum is nothing but ordinary table salt.

Google how to prepare the homeopathic medicine you need - now. You don't know if you'll ever need it, but a wise man prepares for trouble coming. If it doesn't arrive, he's still much better off because of it.

[Miss Behave]

I sure do know what you mean, Tammy. And I agree with everything you said. And we can all learn from each other. Take care. And I can’t WAIT to get to the farm for Thanksgiving. Nothing is more beautiful and comforting.

[B4Ranch]

How did I know that was your post before I got 1/3 the way into it? LOL

[AirForceMom]

Hubby had a strange thing come up when he went to add his newest handgun. Clerk at the pistol bureau told him his concealed weapons permit was no longer just that.
She said as an explanation that the judge who issued it had retired and he now has a permit for target practice only. The judge who retired is a man and the judge he went before was female.
Totally makes no sense. He had to fill out a four page questionnaire, get it notarized and send it back to hopefully get it restored.

[djf]

I’m a bit surprised that hasn’t been mentioned before.

Lots of talk about food, guns, and fuel.
But it is also a very good idea to go to wherever you can find it and buy the biggest, most bad-ass emergency kit you can lay your hands on.
Alot of common antibiotics and medical supplies can be got at a farm supply store.
Buy in bulk and it’s dirt cheap.

[Squantos]

Simple formula for success........:o)

[Miss Behave]

That is very strange, AFM. Boy, I don't know anything about permit politics or law, but that just doesn't seem right. Maybe another of our many FReepers that know all there is to know about carry permits might shed some light on that. With the female judge, it especially doesn't pass the smell test. Very odd and...wrong. Seemingly unlawful, irregardless of state.

[Bookbuck]

We’ve had backpacks ready to go since 9/11. Every year after Christmas we get them out and upgrade them—throw out what is no longer useful, is outdated or doesn’t fit. It’s our January tradition. Ways that we’re prepping is by visiting state parks in our state to see which ones could work as at least an intermediate place to go to. They usually have water, lots of critters and acres of woods. We’ve also started to get hardcore about getting into shape. We want to be able to run distances and have enough strength to be useful. May never be necessary but it gives us peace of mind (like knowing how to swim or being able to drive a stick shift). And this may sound rather silly but what we’ve started buying in bulk is candy and gum. We figure after weeks or months of eating bare bones staples, someone will surely be willing to trade for something sweet.

[Miss Behave]

I think that Squant needs to start a "spa." Kind of like The Ashram. You'd need to sign a "No Crybabies" contract. ;-)

I'd pay to go to the "Squantos Spa."

But I'm sure I'd leave cranky.

[Grunthor]

“I need some positive reasons why not to plan for a SHTF scenario.”

Fear God, not man.

[Miss Behave]

And I’d need ice cream and a nap.

[AirForceMom]

He was wondering why he hadn’t gotten any notice of his change of status on the permit.
Questions were on the order of;
Has he had an accident since his permit was issued that disabled him or left him on medication.
Why did he feel the need to carry a concealed weapon.
Was he a mental case.

Not quite put that way, but I think he was offended having to answer just the same. I’m sure a few taps on a keyboard would have answered their questions without changing his status.

[Miss Behave]

VERY strange and maddening. Very leading and disqualifying-hoping queries.