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End Result: “The Total Devastation of Everything That You Know”
End Result: “The Total Devastation of Everything That You Know”.
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If you are an observer of the goings-on in the world and how the political, administrative and business elite operate, you have likely come to the conclusion that the whole situation is mind-boggling.
Millions of hard working Americans and our counterparts around the world alike sit at the very brink of an unprecedented economic collapse orchestrated by the financial and economic machinations of the privileged few. They speak of belt tightening, the need for sacrifices and often mandate extreme taxation, promising that these strategies will make life better for everyone. Yet, while we struggle to put food on the table and keep roofs over our heads they enjoy lavish multi-million dollar vacations, state dinners, and unfathomable wealth as they indenture the rest of us and our progeny to lifetimes of servitude.
On the political front, leaders from the United States, Europe, China, Russia, Iran and just about every other nation on earth often speak of cooperation and are nominated for the highest of peace honors, while behind the scenes they mobilize armies and spew rhetoric whose outcome can only lead to widespread conflict. They seem completely devoid of consideration for the billions of lives that will be affected should the world, once again, be thrust into war.
At every turn the people are being deceived and led to slaughter like sheep.
In his most recent commentary Charlie McGrath of Wide Awake News puts things into perspective, warning that it is these very behaviors of the elite and the apathy of the American people that will invariably lead to America’s apocalyptic demise:
(Via the Rense Radio Network)
The hypocrisy… the outright, no holds barred in your face deception by government and by the upper echelons of the political elite class and by the upper echelons of the financial class… the ruling elite… the brazen attack on the truth is beyond comprehension…
It’s hard to even put together these commentary videos anymore… too look at the current state of our country… the path we’re on… our financial devastation that’s being laid out before us… the pain and the suffering that’s going to come with that final devastation that is yet to be realized by the majority of the people of this country but will be realized…
The stage is being set for never ending conflict… never ending control being given to the military and security industrial complex.
To sit back and watch this happen… it’s to the point that I just don’t understand…
Where are my fellow Americans? Where are you?
Where is the outrage by the people in this country?
Are we so simply bought off by bread and circus that as long as we have some kind of regular programming on television or the beer is cold we’re not going to stand up and say enough is enough?
When are we going to realize? Is it going to be after the lights go out? After the destruction of our dollar and our way of life?
….Every single day that passes by you’re losing more and more of your freedom.
We’re giving it away to people who could care less about you, your family or your future.
…There is no other path this will lead to other than the total devastation of everything that you know.
As much as we’d like to believe things are going to change, it’s time we accept the likelihood of a continued degradation of life in America as we know it. Unless just about every single politician in Congressional buildings around the country is immediately recalled and the founding principles outlined in the U.S. Constitution restored, we will continue to slide into a calamity unlike anything we have seen before in this country.
It’s time to begin taking immediate steps to prepare for the worst, because as you well know, the people in charge already have a plan in place, and it most certainly will not benefit you and your family.
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End Result: "The Total Devastation of Everything That You Know"
End Result: “The Total Devastation of Everything That You Know”.
|
|
If you are an observer of the goings-on in the world and how the political, administrative and business elite operate, you have likely come to the conclusion that the whole situation is mind-boggling.
Millions of hard working Americans and our counterparts around the world alike sit at the very brink of an unprecedented economic collapse orchestrated by the financial and economic machinations of the privileged few. They speak of belt tightening, the need for sacrifices and often mandate extreme taxation, promising that these strategies will make life better for everyone. Yet, while we struggle to put food on the table and keep roofs over our heads they enjoy lavish multi-million dollar vacations, state dinners, and unfathomable wealth as they indenture the rest of us and our progeny to lifetimes of servitude.
On the political front, leaders from the United States, Europe, China, Russia, Iran and just about every other nation on earth often speak of cooperation and are nominated for the highest of peace honors, while behind the scenes they mobilize armies and spew rhetoric whose outcome can only lead to widespread conflict. They seem completely devoid of consideration for the billions of lives that will be affected should the world, once again, be thrust into war.
At every turn the people are being deceived and led to slaughter like sheep.
In his most recent commentary Charlie McGrath of Wide Awake News puts things into perspective, warning that it is these very behaviors of the elite and the apathy of the American people that will invariably lead to America’s apocalyptic demise:
(Via the Rense Radio Network)
The hypocrisy… the outright, no holds barred in your face deception by government and by the upper echelons of the political elite class and by the upper echelons of the financial class… the ruling elite… the brazen attack on the truth is beyond comprehension…
It’s hard to even put together these commentary videos anymore… too look at the current state of our country… the path we’re on… our financial devastation that’s being laid out before us… the pain and the suffering that’s going to come with that final devastation that is yet to be realized by the majority of the people of this country but will be realized…
The stage is being set for never ending conflict… never ending control being given to the military and security industrial complex.
To sit back and watch this happen… it’s to the point that I just don’t understand…
Where are my fellow Americans? Where are you?
Where is the outrage by the people in this country?
Are we so simply bought off by bread and circus that as long as we have some kind of regular programming on television or the beer is cold we’re not going to stand up and say enough is enough?
When are we going to realize? Is it going to be after the lights go out? After the destruction of our dollar and our way of life?
….Every single day that passes by you’re losing more and more of your freedom.
We’re giving it away to people who could care less about you, your family or your future.
…There is no other path this will lead to other than the total devastation of everything that you know.
As much as we’d like to believe things are going to change, it’s time we accept the likelihood of a continued degradation of life in America as we know it. Unless just about every single politician in Congressional buildings around the country is immediately recalled and the founding principles outlined in the U.S. Constitution restored, we will continue to slide into a calamity unlike anything we have seen before in this country.
It’s time to begin taking immediate steps to prepare for the worst, because as you well know, the people in charge already have a plan in place, and it most certainly will not benefit you and your family.
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Mental Health in a Catastrophe – Will You Fall apart?
Mental Health in a Catastrophe – Will You Fall apart?.
This is a guest post by Happy Camper and entry for our non-fiction writing contest.
Planning ahead
Preppers have secured themselves in the knowledge that they intend for themselves and their families to be safe in a catastrophic event. Do you have a bunker, a bug out location or a bug in plan? The food, medication and sanitation that you have prepared are all for the benefit of our physical well-being.
It is wonderful that preppers are so organized for the items that they will have in a post apocalyptic scenario. But how prepared mentally are we for the items and relationships that will be changed or gone?
The key to maintaining a healthy mental environment is being mindful and aware that mental health is a major factor in preparing, a major factor during a SHTF event and even more so the key to rebuilding and moving forward in a recovery are healthy relationships and a healthy attitude and positive mental health.
The brain
Our brains are the most complex part of our bodies, it is the control center of intelligence, movement, interpretation, decisions and behavior. The most powerful tool that we can take into any situation is our mental wellbeing. Knowing the basics about human reactions and mob behavior could be a huge advantage in a catastrophic event, to be able to understand and anticipate human behaviors and reactions.
Getting to know our own mental well-being and the mental well-being of those around us is important. Any type of psychological trauma can cause the brain to respond in ways that are not expected and are certainly not convenient, psychological trauma can provoke the brain to respond by impairing the functions of behavior, thought control emotions and reasoning. Mental distress can also cause physical effects, including: fatigue, insomnia, nightmares, aches and pains, racing heartbeat, concentration difficulties.
Keeping a balanced mental state is individual to each one of us. What makes you happy? What keeps your relationships moving forward and stress free? What do you need to maintain mental clarity? Make a list of these things, discuss with your family how these things may be able to be maintained in a SHTF situation. Discuss any concerns openly.
After the event
What can cause mental distress? Unstable environments, physical or mental abuse, sexual abuse, separation from a loved one, medical or illness trauma, domestic violence, bullying etc.
The immediate and long term effects of catastrophic events, particularly on children need to be considered. Studies that have been done on children from war torn areas show that around 40% of children develop long term PTSD.
Symptoms that a person is likely to display that will indicate that they are in mental distress, may be evident immediately or not show for a unset period of time. The most common symptoms (as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, AKA the DSM) are: being over emotional, fear, anxiety, depression, self-destructive behaviour and low self-esteem.
Imagine a scenario, that all of your physical preps have been successful. You have enough food to sustain you in the months ahead, any physical wounds are healing and you are feeling secure about the months ahead in regards to surviving. However you have no idea what to expect, your routine is unpredictable, nothing will be the same. Your children are asking you questions that you cant answer. Are you ready for that ? Or can anyone ever be ready for that ?
Is there any point to surviving physically if you and your family end up being mentally broken ?
All humans have needs that need to be fulfilled to maintain mental clarity and order. We need to be aware of our place in the hierarchy, we need to have a sense of independence and responsibility, we need to be mentally stimulated and maintain a mental strategy for the future, we need hope for the future and unity with our group / family or community.
Mental Preparedness suggestions
1. Is there a clear hierarchy and is each member aware of their place in the pack?
2. Each pack member needs to be confident and enjoy the tasks that they have been allocated.
3. A resolution strategy may be effective for group functioning.
4. There should be a basic reward system in place, this offers encouragement and pride.
5. Be aware of peoples mental limitations and phobias.
6. It is important to be aware of before, during and the aftermath, will each have is own set of issues and differences.
7. What personal and important items will be retained? Everyone needs comfort items and items that relate to our personal history.
8. Don’t undervalue anyone else’s personal items, they may have a particular sentimental value.
It is important to remember that some members of the group will get bored, be unwilling to participate or even become destructive (for example emotional children, teenagers or those who are mentally struggling).
9. Provisions for entertainment are very important, boredom can be very negative. The ability to play games for entertainment is invaluable and great for morale. Don’t forget to give compliments and appropriate physical contact (hand-shakes or hugs can be food for the soul)
10. Entertainment is individual and should be shared, adults taking time to play games with their children, reading together etc.
11. The acronym SAFE is used as a reminder for what people mentally need: Partially derived from ‘Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs’
S: Safety and freedom from being harmed
A: Access to basic needs, of food, water, shelter
F: Family and connections to others
E: Education, self Esteem, and Economic security
Suggested reading topics on Google:
Maslow’s model of motivation,
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders AKA the DSM,
Mindfulness and meditation,
Pack behaviours / social hierarchy,
Herd or mob mentality
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Activist Post: Half-Prepping Equals NO Prepping: Lessons From The Icepocalypse
Activist Post: Half-Prepping Equals NO Prepping: Lessons From The Icepocalypse.
Brandon Turbeville
Activist Post
As a survivor of the Icepocalypse that recently gripped much of the South in crippling power outages and freezing temperatures, at least three lessons can be deduced from the experience.
- A very small minority of people are equipped to deal with an emergency in a competent fashion.
- A slightly larger number of people attempt to be prepared but fall short if the emergency persists.
- The vast majority of people are wholly unprepared for even a slight disturbance in their usual routine or living conditions.
While this statement may come as basic common sense to the majority of my usual readers, such observations do bear repeating. Indeed, it is important to remind ourselves of just how unprepared we may be, even though we may be more prepared than most of the rest of the population.
Many of those who are aware of the possibility of an economic collapse, general war, electrical grid failure, or simple natural disasters are aware through available literature of how human behavior will adjust to the new circumstances if a crisis takes place. Although much of what “preppers” are confronted with in terms of information often borders on the state of panic and fear, it is true that what is at first a tranquil community of friends and neighbors can very quickly turn into a violent mob and dangerous enemies fighting over finite resources.
While the recent winter storm did not turn out to be the Apocalypse, the days without power for many was a very important learning experience on just how prepared they were for an emergency as well as how their neighbors will react in the same situation.
As I already mentioned, there were a small minority of individuals who were prepared all along, because they had previously learned to stock up on essential items and tools for personal survival to begin with. These individuals are often called “preppers” by media outlets (mainstream and alternative alike) but, in reality, they are simply people who exercise a level of basic forethought in the manner that was once common behavior and not notable in any sense.
These individuals were able to weather the storm in conditions ranging from basic temporary self-reliance to minor discomfort and inconvenience. They had a source of food, water, and heat. They had a means to defend themselves if necessary. They did not require supplies after the fact.
They were also a distinct minority.
Others still believed they were prepared . . . until the storm hit. They had generators but no gas. They had extra food but no way to cook it. They had a well but no way to pump the water. Some had fireplaces with no logs or firewood with nowhere to burn it. The list of half-preparedness is endless but the resulting sum of that half-work is the same – they were not prepared at all.
In short, being prepared half-way is not being prepared at all.
The vast majority of people, however, did not even have the basic material needed to last through a four-hour disturbance in their normal routine. Most had not purchased extra food and water or made plans to heat themselves in some way other than electricity. Nor had they even bothered to fill up their gas tanks the day before the storm. In fact, with the exception of the usual rush to buy milk and eggs (food that will spoil as soon as the power goes out)when a storm approaches, there was not even the shockwave of panicked buyers looking to prepare. Most of the important items like canned goods were still on the shelves the day before the storm.
After the storm, however, panicked masses brought out by sudden discomfort and disruption were lining up for warm food (or any food they could find) while others lined up for a mile to purchase gas for their vehicles or generators. Any stations and restaurants with a generator were able to make a killing in one day, but the number of stores with that capability were few and far between. People congregated anywhere with signs of heat and commerce. It should also be noted that most open stores were unable to process credit and debit cards.
This was the morning after the power went out.
On the second day without power, the lines of people at the pump were noticeably more irritated, with some breaking in line by parking across the street with their gas containers and jumping in front of motorists to pump their fuel. Others simply tried to use their vehicles to push their way ahead. Thankfully, gas trucks were able to reach most areas, keeping the supply flowing, and food trucks were also able to resupply corporate fast food chains which also faced a number of line jumpers.
While power was gradually restored after the second day, the tension and panic began to subside. However, one can only wonder as to what might have taken place had the power continued to be shut off for another day or even a week. What would the city have looked like if food and gas trucks had not been able to reach the stations and restaurants freshly out of food? What if the outage continued indefinitely?
Clearly, one answer is that a great many people – particularly those who are incapable of even the slightest forethought to prepare for an oncoming storm, much less an undefined disaster which may or may not happen in the future – will be looking for food and warmth. If the crisis persists, they will not be able to find either.
With this in mind, the recent winter storm and its corresponding power outages should serve as a reminder that a little preparation is never a bad idea. However, your preparation should cover the most essential items, as well as cover a longer-than-expected length of time. Indeed, whatever preparation done now in the correct manner will be worth so much more when an actual event takes place.
Thus, a short list of basic necessities to consider in the case of a winter storm is included below. It is by no means comprehensive – but, from my experience, it will definitely keep you well ahead of even the half-prepared. Readers are encouraged to add useful tips in the comments section.
Remember, purchasing goods for the winter in the summer is usually a cheaper route than waiting until the cold has arrived.
1. Storable food and water – This does not necessarily have to be hundreds of dollars of worth freeze-dried food. It could mean something as simple as canned goods, Raemen noodles, and other foods that last a long time without requiring electricity to prepare. Bottled water or storable water jugs are always a good idea as well.
2. Guns and Ammunition – Let’s face it. If the crisis continues, you will need to defend yourself as others reap the fruits of years of television watching when they should have been preparing.
3. Generator – Although a good generator is out of the price range for many and possibly even a liability in a prolonged crisis for everyday use (it can signal who has power when everything else is silent), in a short-lived winter emergency a generator is life saver.
4. Propane and Propane Accessories – A propane cooker, for short-term outages, can provide an avenue to cook all of the food that may be in danger of going to waste if the power stays out. Similarly, having iron cookware that can be used in tandem with a traditional grill or even over an open fire might eventually become useful.
5. Heat Source – This heat source can come from a generator, but only so long as the gasoline lasts. Likewise, almost all heat sources rely on finite sources of energy – gas, oil, wood, etc. Not relying solely on one source is paramount. Wood stoves, kerosene heaters, propane, generators and more are all welcome additions for those of us who need to take heat into a consideration. Also, look into innovative means of heating your home in an emergency such as using tea light candles and other useful mechanisms.
6. Winter Wear/Extra Blankets – Eventually, if the crisis persists, the heat will run out. You need extra sets of warm clothes and several sets of extra blankets if you are to survive. Water-resistant boots can make the difference between comfort and frostbite. The same applies to gloves, jackets, and hats.
7. Flashlights – You will need light inside and outside of the house. Darkness falls quickly and one needs light by which to locate tools, find your way around, or even to travel if need be.
8. Batteries – Lots of them. And not just for flashlights. However, batteries have incredibly short lives when they are being utilized regularly, so the more the better.
9. Candles – Eventually, batteries run out. Candles can provide steady light in the dark so flashlights can be saved for travel or emergencies.
10. Lighters – Fire is extremely important in winter, and for only a few dollars you can make sure that fire is always at your fingertips. Magnesium fire starters are also a good idea.
11. Medicines – If you or a loved one rely on prescription or non-prescription medications, always do your best to save up and keep an extra supply of medication just in case. In a real crisis, medical centers may not be open and family practitioners/pharmacists will be in short supply.
12. Fuel! – If you know a winter storm is coming, fill up your gas tanks and your gas cans beforehand. After the storm, to do anything is always too late.
Recently by Brandon Turbeville:
- Ohio National Guard Trains To Fight Gun-Owning Domestic Terrorists
- Do You Know Where to Find Local Healthy Food?
- Johns Hopkins Introduces Database of Children’s Brain Scans
Brandon Turbeville is an author out of Florence, South Carolina. He has a Bachelor’s Degree from Francis Marion University and is the author of six books, Codex Alimentarius — The End of Health Freedom, 7 Real Conspiracies, Five Sense Solutions and Dispatches From a Dissident, volume 1and volume 2, and The Road to Damascus: The Anglo-American Assault on Syria. Turbeville has published over 275 articles dealing on a wide variety of subjects including health, economics, government corruption, and civil liberties. Brandon Turbeville’s podcast Truth on The Tracks can be found every Monday night 9 pm EST at UCYTV. He is available for radio and TV interviews. Please contact activistpost (at) gmail.com.
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The Importance of Being Prepared | The Daily Sheeple
The Importance of Being Prepared | The Daily Sheeple.
By Lee Flynn
Former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli once said, “I am prepared for the worst, but hope for the best” (Source: Quotery.com). Some people falsely believe that being prepared is the sort of thing that is only reserved for fear mongerers and doomsday enthusiasts. However, being prepared does not mean that you want the worst to happen. On the contrary, it means that, although you hope for the best, you are simply ready for anything that might come your way. In the same way that you get insurance in case your health declines, it is important to take out your own “insurance policy” for every area in your life. This might include food storage, home repairs, budgeting, or any number of tasks.
Large-Scale Disasters
The most common motivator for people when it comes to preparedness is the type of disaster that gains international attention. Hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, and all manner of natural disasters have a habit of igniting the prepping spark in many people. Such occurrences are often unpredictable and can leave hundreds of people without homes or even, sadly, their loved ones. However, even those on the outskirts of a disaster can suffer dire consequences. At the very least, they may be trapped in their homes for days on end, perhaps without power or water. This is where your emergency food and water comes in handy.
Smaller Catastrophes
However, although these are the ones which gain the most attention, natural disasters are not the only, and certainly not the most common, reason for needing to keep certain emergency items in your home. You might not have considered it before, but a sudden job loss could come from nowhere and make it extremely difficult to feed yourself and your family. If you have stored some basic food items in your house, you will be grateful that you can dip into your supplies when the time comes. Other examples of smaller, but still meaningful, catastrophes that could affect you include power cuts, local water contamination, or even just a spate of bad weather.
Being Prepared in Every Area of Life
Louis Pasteur once said, “in the field of observation, chance favors the prepared mind” (Source: Quotery.com). Food storage is a good place to start, but preparedness extends to just about every part of a person’s life. Practices such as budgeting your money, carrying out necessary home and car repairs, and obtaining every kind of insurance, are all ways in which we protect ourselves against an unknown future. Keep and emergency survival kit in your home, and include important and potentially life-saving items inside. If you take these sorts of things seriously, when the worst does happen, the situation itself will be far less serious. Preparedness is not something that is reserved for those who are fanatic or obsessive; it is something that is important for anyone who cares about protecting their life, and the lives of those close to them in the face of a future that will forever remain a mystery.
Lee Flynn is from the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, UT. After Lee spent years preparing himself, his home and his family, he decided he had to do more. In his free time, Lee helps educate those who want to do the same. After obtaining a bachelors degree from the University of Utah, Lee moved to the Salt Lake Valley where he now lives with his wife and daughter.
Delivered by The Daily Sheeple
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Event Phases : Understanding The Progression to Collapse
Event Phases : Understanding The Progression to Collapse.
This is a guest post by Dan W and entry for our non-fiction writing contest.
My proof reader, harshest critic, and prepping partner (my bride of 45 years) read my first cut of this article and told me that it was interesting …….. but boring! She may be right, but I still think it’s worthy of a few minutes of your time to read. The points I make may be intuitively obvious to the most casual observer but, even if that’s the case, they just might offer some guidance to help us better understand the timeline of how things might shake out ……….. and how that will affect our actions. If we understand the structure of an Event cycle it might help us to prepare more effectively. In this post I have used the word “Event” to describe anything we would otherwise refer to as “SHTF” or “TEOTWAWKI”. The term “Phase” describes distinct (although variable) blocks of time before, during, and after an “Event”.
As I go through my routines of prepping the topic of this article kept popping into my mind. For me, and I suppose for all of us, prepping is a constant cycle of reviewing my plans and evaluating priorities for the purchase of goods we still needed. That and trying to figure out how much is enough keeps me busy! I find that attempting to balance the issue of available funds (we’re retired and on a fairly fixed income) versus the timeline of how soon the items might be needed is an almost daily task. Our “prepping” priorities can quickly change as U.S. and World events mutate and continue to degrade. Decoding the available information regarding world affairs (in an effort to make intelligent decisions) can drive a person to distraction. Even so, we must keep our focus on the reality of our own situations. I guess it’s a matter of trying to productively function somewhere between Chicken Little’s “the sky is falling” and a more complacent attitude of “watch and wait”.
While working intently to prepare for “it”, I realized that I had become somewhat preoccupied with the “right now” aspect of prepping. Sure, like all of us, I try to stay plugged in to many different sources of information; but, was I so caught up in the minute details of prepping that I had lost my focal balance regarding the bigger picture? Not necessarily that I had lost my vision that is the motivational force behind my prepping, but more like the tasks of dealing with the details kept my focus “in the weeds”. Was I overlooking anything important? Was I was focusing too much on accumulating what I thought I’d need to have on hand and not enough on the broader ramifications of what will likely occur as a result of an Event? These points were also driven home after a recent conversation with some fellow Preppers. This discussion provided more impetus to give additional thought to the many details of prepping for TEOTWAWKI! Seems as though we each had a somewhat different opinion regarding what would take place after an Event. Obviously we all look at an Events impact in terms of its effect on our immediate locale …….. but…….. how will things unfold?
My thoughts keep coming back to the same sequence: There’s now, there’s when it happens (whatever “it” ends up being), and then there is “after it happens”. Although these are simple statements, they cover a lot of ground and deserve some in-depth analysis. I recently spent some time thinking about this trio of statements and all that they might imply. How would these three phases affect me/you personally?
It’s my belief that all Events (large or small) follow a timeline that can be broken down into distinct Phases. Each Phase carries with it a different set of criteria for personal survival. Although there are many different possible worst case scenarios for an Event, all will follow the same basic script:
Event Phases:
Phase 1 – Pre-Event
Phase 2 – The Event Occurs.
Phase 3 – Reaction of the General Public to the Event.
Phase 4 – Government Reaction to the General Public’s Reaction to the Event.
Phase 5 – Individual Reaction to the Governments Reaction to the Event:
Phase 6 – Stabilization of Situation Post Event.
Phase 7 – Long Term Adjustment of Population and Governments to Situations Resulting from the
Event.
Phase 1 – Pre-Event: We are all now in the final stages of Phase 1. News from all over the globe is rife with stories of discontent, war, insurrection, natural disaster, disease, geological changes, financial instability and more. There are more people competing for fewer resources, a greater proliferation of weaponry (all of it much more deadly on a grander scale), less fiscal and personal responsibility, degradation of public morality, etc., etc. It would be difficult to identify a time when things were more unstable. Is our current world any different than it was 50 years ago? How about the way it was 100 years ago? Of course it’s different: We live in the most dangerous of times! There is no debate about the threats posed to all of us by the status of today’s world. A prudent person would say that the structure of Society is fragmented and appears to be teetering on collapse.
It seems to me that a lot of Preppers focus in on a specific type of event they believe is probable; a massive earthquake, financial collapse, an EMP destroying our electrical grid, terrorism or outright war. They spend a lot of energy and resources focused on surviving that event (sometimes to the exclusion of other possibilities). Kudos to anyone that takes steps to prepare; but I believe that focusing on a specific type of Event as the basis for your planning is short sighted. There are many potential event scenarios not the least of which is our own government going fully renegade (more than it is now) and setting our constitutional protections aside. Accurately forecasting which specific type of Event will occur is, in my humble opinion, much too dependent on luck. Educated guesses are just that …….. Guesses! Better to base your prepping on the effects of a generic catastrophe; accumulating supplies that will see you through hard times no matter what the cause. Once those supplies are safely in hand you can then branch out to obtain those items you feel will address your specific situation.
The questions of how much time you have to obtain those supplies before they will need to be put to use, and the priority of when they will be put into service, highlight the importance of being able to accurately identify where you, and others, are within an Event cycle. No matter how well you’ve prepped, your plans and preparations will surely be affected by others. Their actions will most likely stress your well thought out plan as they compete to survive. If you have read an earlier post of mine you’ll remember that I commented: “In military circles it is well known that no battle plan survives intact once combat is engaged”. The truth of this comment applies here. As we prepare to implement our survival plan we must focus not only our own plan, but how our plan will probably be modified by outside forces. The lesson to be gleaned from this is that we will not be operating in a vacuum, but in a highly charged environment that will be constantly changing ………. yet still following a common sequence.
Too many of our family, friends and neighbors turn blind eyes to the potential future facing all of us. As is often said: “You cannot awaken someone that is pretending to be asleep”. These “sheeple” live in blissful ignorance and will perish. Sadly, they will be some of the first casualties of any Event. Preppers will continue to prep, but we must stay informed to better see and understand the warnings. Do not rely on only one or two sources for your information but cast a broad net to glean data from all available sources. The warnings exist for those of us that seek them and are wise enough to recognize their message. Forgive me if I’m preaching to the choir!
You still have time to obtain your supplies …………… but don’t dawdle!
Phase 2 – The Event Occurs: It has happened! An Event takes place. Your ability to identify this specific point in time will be affected by a multitude of factors: The type of Event, your proximity to the Event locus, where you are, or live, when the Event occurs, on and on. The Event may turn out to be a relatively subtle thing that grows into a catastrophe.
So, something big has occurred and you think it’s finally happened ………… the SHTF for real! Maybe your family, home, neighborhood, town, or city has not yet been severely affected. Perhaps there’s been a loss of power, communication (TV, internet, phones) or other normal services. In and by itself, these loses are not necessarily all that unusual; but you can see the writing on the wall. What do you do next? How fast things deteriorate depends to a great extent on a multitude of factors: What type of Event has occurred? Is it a local, state wide, national or global Event? Is there any way to confirm the Event? Have your worst fears come to fruition? Stop for a minute and think about your immediate situation. Where are you when it happens? Do you (can you) leave for a safe area or must you stay put? Does your family have a previously agreed upon rendezvous location? How long do you have before things get really dicey? You wonder if you need toactivate your survival plan! The first thought that comes to your mind is “NOW”! I’ve got to pull the plug and go into hyper survival mode right now! Your subconscious has moved you into the “fight or flight” mode.
There are so many questions to be answered that it seems impossible to know what to do. It can be difficult to come up with viable answers when all of this is a hypothetical exercise let alone under very stressful conditions. As a Prepper, you are already mentally ready to go off the grid, so an inability to immediately answer all of the questions above does not mean you won’t survive. The odds are good that you’ve spent time going over potential scenarios and you’ve already laid down a generic action plan as a guide. Your planning means that you will probably identify that an Event has occurred faster and more accurately than those folks still in the herd. Keep in mind that a man-made type of Event such as a financial collapse, EMP, war, etc. will probably be quickly obvious and quickly impact us all. But a natural disaster Event may occur in a way that at first affects only a localized area. The negative impact to locales at a distance from the locus of this Event may be delayed. Another difference between these two Event types is manifested by the speed with which the effects are felt at distances from the Event locus. The effects of any Event will spread like ripples on a pond. The size of those ripples, and the speed at which they will travel, will be determined by the type and size of the Event!
I suggest that if you believe an Event has taken place pay heed to your instincts ……… go to battle stations immediately! If it is a false alarm, that fact will soon become evident and you can consider your actions to be a drill. If it is the real thing, then you are ahead of the curve. To be a Prepper is a proactive philosophy. But to survive the Event, you will need to immediately become reactive. Do you activate your plan, batten down the hatches and load the weapons? YES. How you react to the Event will be based on your interpretation of what has happened, and perhaps more importantly, what will happen next!
At some point you will decide that an Event has occurred ………. After making that decision, you will have moved into Phase 3.
Phase 3 – Reaction of the General Public to the Event: The reaction of the general public to the Event will vary greatly from person to person. As I’ve said, factors such as their proximity to the Event locus, type of Event, immediate effects of the Event, their medical condition post Event, etc. all will play a role in determining an individual’s initial reaction. The reactions of the population as a group will run the gamut from thoughtful rumination to violent lawlessness. I think that a person’s true character will come to the forefront and be the determining factor in how they each respond to adversity. “A person is smart ……….. a mob is dumb!” Each person will be pushed to action based on how quickly the Event becomes a first person affair. However, due to forces beyond their control, individuals may not have a choice as to how they will react.
How quickly people move through Phase 3 will depend on multiple factors:
– Event type and resulting damage to physical and social infrastructure.
– Their location and proximity to large groups of the population.
– Being able to correctly identify which phase they are in and adjusting accordingly to face the situation at hand.
– How well they have prepared, both mentally and physically, for a life changing Event.
Unless you are already isolated, living off the grid with no neighbors nearby, you will surely be affected by a societal reaction to the Event more than any other factor …….. assuming of course that your location is not ground zero! Folks living in or near a large metro area will probably experience a quick slide into the negative aspects of Phase 3. Rioting, looting and general lawlessness will probably begin very quickly. People scrambling to survive will choose to forsake societal norms. The general public (non-Preppers) will be forced into two types of mind-sets: Hunker down or Flee. Those folks caught in a city environment when the event happens will quickly evaluate their circumstances and react in a manner that reflects what they perceive as their best chance for survival. In all likelihood, the subsequent result will be a mass exodus from the cities. Those left in the cities will be subjected to all of the worst case scenarios we all fear. Gangs (newly formed and older established groups) will run rampant but may not move away from those territories where they are most familiar. Rural folks may see some delay between the Event and adverse local public reactions, but it will occur eventually. We know Preppers will react to the Event differently from the general public. They will begin to activate their survival plans as soon as they have determined Phase 2 has occurred.
Phase 4 – Government Reaction to the General Public’s Reaction to the Event: Our government, like all governments, will most likely delay their response until they think they are sure what has happened and how it is being perceived and dealt with by the public. I believe the intensity of the government’s response will be relative to the magnitude of the Event. However, I do expect that the FEDS will follow their inclination to “swat the mosquito with a howitzer”. A heavy handed reactionary response to gain control will probably follow a brief initial period of relative inactivity (while the bureaucrats, politicians, and professional military entities assess the situation). Make no mistake about it; Governments are all about power, control, and self-preservation. They will eventually step in to take control over everything and everyone …………….. that’s the way their playbook is written and it is their answer for handling all contingencies. I doubt that there will be any subtlety in their response and subsequent implementation of Martial Law nationwide. Local governments will probably try to respond by imposing control and authority quicker than the State or Feds. The government will initially be more focused on gaining control of the larger population centers than the rural areas.
Phase 5 – Individual Reaction to the Governments Reaction to the Event: This phase might be considered a subset of Phase 4 but I feel it deserves some discussion. As I’ve said; to a great extent the type, severity and magnitude of the Event will dictate how the government will react. Local, State and Federal agencies have one thing in common: Control! Lately we’ve seen examples of their reactions to situations that would lead us to believe that their preferred way to deal with any situation is by an overwhelming response. That type of response may make good prime time TV, but it doesn’t necessarily give us the warm cuddly feeling that our benevolent Uncle is interested in us as individuals. I doubt that any of us would be Preppers if we thought our security was in good hands and assured by government at any level.
“Hello, I’m from the government and I’m here to help you.” How will you react to hearing these words spoken to you by a government representative after an Event has occurred? I will be very wary ………… untrusting and waiting for the next shoe to drop. But then again, I’m a Prepper. What do you think the vast majority of non-Preppers will do when the government demands control over their lives? I believe that they will meekly follow what they are told to do in the mistaken belief that their government knows best. This is even more likely if the Event has shut down or degraded communications. Without up to date information on the status of things people will gravitate to those appearing to have the latest information. I also believe that these folks will soon be treated like cattle and, once penned like livestock, will be controlled through a dependence on their captors for food, shelter, and security. Most likely these herds will be comprised of city dwellers. The Government forces will first focus their efforts where they can control the largest populations. Those of us still outside of the pens will quickly pose a threat to the government. It doesn’t matter whether or not we actually are a threat, but only that we remain beyond their immediate control. This situation will be perceived by those in power as unacceptable and steps will be taken to eliminate that threat. Remember that governments tend to believe that any protruding nails must be pounded flat ………………. and they will not use a tack hammer!
When personally confronted by an entity demanding our conformance to the new rules, many individuals will be torn between conformance and resistance. If enough individuals resist the demand to conform there will be lawlessness and violence. That’s not an assumption but a fact based on human nature. The scale of the violence will be determined by the level of resistance and the temperament of the government. Of course, exactly how all of this transpires will be, to a great extent, dependent on the type, magnitude, and dispersed effects of the Event.
Phase 6 – Stabilization of situation post Event: I used the term “stabilization” but perhaps a more appropriate word would be “acceptance”. Once the initial shock and reaction to the Event (Phases 3, 4, & 5) has passed there will be a move toward establishing a new routine for daily life. This routine will certainly be very different from our pre-Event lives. Yet, as time passes, even the new-normal will eventually be accepted as the way things are. Violent threats to our existence will probably be a less common occurrence than they were during Phase 3. Most of the lawlessness that was present during Phase 3, early Phase 4, and perhaps Phase 5 will have been dealt with. Attrition will have removed the innocent unprepared and vigilant self-defense will have eliminated most of the threat posed by more violent individuals. We will settle in to the routine of our existence, accepting that life as we knew it is forever changed.
Phase 7 – Long Term Adjustment of Population and Governments to Situations Resulting from the Event: At this point considerable time has passed and communities are starting to re-form. If there is any local or national government still viable it will try to consolidate its influence so as to control those surviving the Event. There may still be some conflict between survivor groups and fledgling governmental units as they both struggle for control and stability. Bartering will be the prime method of commercial exchange. Communal vigilante groups will protect their homes and families as they unilaterally enforce their laws to ensure group safety. Until general communications and the ability to travel long distances (with shortened travel times) are re-established, small communities will remain isolated and dependent on their own skills to survive.
Summation: The dividing lines separating these seven phases are not sharp and may not be easily discernible. Transition from phase to phase, and the duration of each phase, will vary widely depending on the type of event and your physical location in relation to the Event locus. It may be that you will exit one Phase and then return to it after some time passes and situations continue to change. Consider for a moment my earlier comment: “The resultant effects of the Event will spread as ripples on a pond”. As an example consider the following scenario: What if there was a major earthquake on the New Madrid Fault? This major fault undermines our central states at a point where the U.S. is at its narrowest (North to South). A large earthquake here could isolate the Eastern US from the Western US. Land routes between these two areas would be disrupted. People at the epicenter would immediately suffer greatly, yet those a thousand miles away might initially be unaffected. They would only know a disaster had occurred but it didn’t affect them ……… yet. Later, when shipments of critical goods begin to be delayed or stopped, their local store shelves are depleted, when rolling (or long term) utility outages hit their towns, then would they finally feel firsthand the effects of the Event. Note that the intensity of the “Event effects”, unlike the diminishing ripples on a pond, will not necessarily be decreased by their distance from the Event epicenter. In fact, the opposite may be true depending on the type of Event and its locus. Your distance from the EVENT locus may only factor in as a function of how long it takes for you to feel the effects. How you are personally affected will ultimately be determined by many variables.
History provides us with numerous examples of how societies react to Events and their aftermath. In virtually every instance the general populace fares poorly until a semblance of order and control can be reestablished. Some societies never recover …………. they disappear forever. In societies where the majority of the populace is dependent on being supported by a “benevolent” government, it is the rural population that offers the greatest hope for the future.
It’s obvious that there are sub categories within each of the Phases I’ve identified. You can fill in those blanks with additional details that are more specific to your particular situation. In the end, it really doesn’t matter what type of Event takes place, these Phases are still going to occur. Your ability to correctly identify where you are in each Phase, at any given moment, will surely raise the odds in favor of your survival.
Prizes for this round in our non fiction writing contest include…
- First place winner will receive – A $150 gift certificate for Hornady Ammo courtesy of LuckyGunner, a Wonder Junior Deluxe grain mill courtesy of Kitchen Neads, a one year subscription to the Personal VPN service courtesy of unspyable and 1 Case of Survival Cave Food Chicken with 12 14.5 oz. Cans courtesy of LPC Survival.
- Second place winner will receive – $100 off of your next order of Fish Antibiotics courtesy of Campingsurvival.com and a Survival Puck courtesy of SurvivalPuck.com .
- Third place winner will receive – a copy of my book ”31 Days to Survival: A Complete Plan for Emergency Preparedness“ and “Dirt Cheap Survival Retreat” courtesy of TheSurvivalistBlog.net and a copy of “The Survival Medicine Handbook” courtesy of www.doomandbloom.net.
Be sure to read the rules before entering… This contest will end on March 17 2014
Olduvaiblog: Musings on the coming collapse 