As for the rest, I've been prepared to live without utility company power for a long time. I'm sorry other people are not prepared. I've done my best to alert them and provide information how to do it and not break the bank.
Excellent work on your contingency plan...and for helping out those who need a hand. A simple Ham Radio receiver is a great idea and tool. How simple are your independent power sources? I presume you've already rehearsed as a minimalist.
How many years did it take to stop Hitler? That took a war - will our country go to war against Hussein and his army - whatever he thinks his army is?
Point well taken, but patriotism and honor in High Places, and common sense in lower places seems to have been replaced by greed, stupidity and God-less insanity.
“How simple are your independent power sources? I presume you’ve already rehearsed as a minimalist.”
I don’t rehearse - I use my power sources every time a hurricane comes through here and takes out power. That was the reason I began to prepare in the first place. After Ike and power was out, I had a water source that would last, a TV that worked, a phone that worked, radios that worked with one that has TV stations on it to listen to, fans that worked, light to last for years, battery power for at least several years, numbers of ways to cook, food to last for a very long time, and security around my house. I wasn’t unduly inconvenienced.
It just takes an evaluation of what is important and how to reproduce it if outside sources aren’t there.
And, I might add, cans of Brussels Sprouts to spread around the outside of the house in case Zombies showed up. You see, no one likes Brussels Sprouts, not even Zombies, so they will go to another house - remember, you heard it here. Prepare with Brussels Sprouts. :o) :o)