One of the guys on here said he didn't worry as much about food storage cause the sad truth was he had the guns to take what he wanted.

Choking back my extreme revulsion to the idea that someone in this forum has that opinion, I am further resolved to prep and network with like-minded folks. We know that there are those out there who will threaten us. I for one will not let that reality stifle my action!

There are and will be many after the fact with this attitude. It is what we talk about when we say that people will do what they need to in order to survive. To have it as a primary tactic IS somewhat repulsive... HELL.. completely DISGUSTING. In the end it is one more thing that we are hesitant to share of ourselves. IF this guy is really among us and active here... we will ALL have to be diligent about protecting ourselfves and locations until we are SURE who we are dealing with. ONE THING this A__HOLE should consider... he won't be the only one with guns and we will fight just as hard to protect what we have. He will always be on the outside looking in.

I am sure it wasn't serious, just trying to make a point.

I am sure it wasn't serious, just trying to make a point.

I hope you are correct oldschool.

I am sure it wasn't serious, just trying to make a point.

I hope you are correct oldschool.

me too

So far as the guy with the guns who will take what he needs. Someone once wrote "I don't protect sheep, I hunt predators." Maybe, those guns will make him a target. All through history, outlaws become the hunted.

Taz I was just thinking the same thing, I need me some more guns, for cheap, free even.
should I give him my addy then give him a pongo welcome?

Ok I might not make myself popular here but I am a pragmatist. We in this community are making plans for the "what if" scenarios. We should not apologize to anyone for that. I believe it is everyone's responsibility to be part of the solution not part of the problem. If TSHTF those that do not prepare become part of the problem because someone has to rescue them deploying precious assets, manpower and supplies. Even the Ontario Government actively encourages every Ontarian to have a 72 hour emergency kit ready. The official Ontario bug out kit!

If TSHTF in a big way it is a whole different situation. Human nature doesn't change. Three days without food and water will drive otherwise reasonable people to do ANYTHING to feed their family. I know I would. That's another reason why I prep, I don't wish to go down that path. So from our point of view as preppers we had better be both willing and prepared to take whatever steps that become necessary, no matter how distasteful to protect our food, water and equipment supplies. The best way to achieve this end is to maintain a low profile thus avoiding altogether though choices. If people don't think you have anything they won't want to take it. However if TSHTF event is particularly devastating food foraging for the masses will mean that virtually no one is safe and will inevitably lead to tough choices. So it would be prudent to start working on your security plan.

In a short term disaster the solitary prepper will be virtually laughing. Seeing thought the event and emerging relatively unscathed. After a massive event survival would only be possible in a community. So what kind of community? History has shown us that human kind can survive for thousands of years in a tribal environment. If you create or join a community of like minded people you have your tribe. The beginning of a long term recovery plan.

Each of us know someone in our community or family members that we would like to have in our "community" whether they be preppers or not. Make a list and begin to think of ways that they might be approached. They would have to be like minded but if you decided to hold off until TSHTF to approach them it is surprising how fast they may become like minded. include a skills list as one criteria but don't make that the only criteria. The community should have an optimum size probably no less than 35 and not much bigger than 100.

I would appreciate everyone's thoughts on this.

ICRCC - well said.

I have to say I was surprised by how upset people got when someone stated they were more concerned about security then food. Ok I am putting it nicely. The point is that I know unless it comes to a direct thread against my critters I will not stand my ground. This makes forming a group that much more important.

Just as in our "regular" jobs each one of us has our own strengths and weaknesses. I need someone with the "rambo" attitude around when SHTF. I guess it is a traditional female thing. I look after the home & food, someone else looks after me lol

ICRCC I have to agree with alot of what you said. I have family members that own a lot of land but do not see the need to prep. These are the same ones that I will have to feed when the time comes.
As for protecting my own, that will be a wait and see game. I was born and raised to shoot moose, snare rabbit, and catch fish in Newfoundland. I know I can shoot, but to shoot a human being is going to be something that is going to take a lot of nerve for this woman.

As important as physical preparation will be mental preparation. The largest part of that will be being able to step outside of the boundaries we have been raised with and taught our whole lives. Think about it. It is easy to say I will do whatever I have to do to.....blah blah blah... BUT the reality is that unless you have faced that you well hesitate. The person coming at you will NOT... they will already have made their mind up about what they are going to do. Otherwise they wouldn't be there. I understand it isn't possible to practice this in real life... but you can practice mentally. Look at people ... you surroundings. Gauge threat. Decide in your mind what you would do to meet that threat. At what distance would you begin to react? And in what way? There are always 2 routes. One is to avoid the threat. The other is to face it and stand your ground. IF you choose the later then you have to commit to all out battle. Nothing 1/2 way will protect you. You have to fight to win and until that person is no longer a threat in any way. Again this is about mental preparation... deciding what you can and will do. You don't need to "scare" the person... nor do you need to stand there and see who is going to throw the first punch or fire the first shot. Once you decide you MUST commit. The decision you make will determine if you live or die.

Perhaps this thread has morphed into a "What Would You Do To Survive" topic, and that is an important discussion as well. However, as a conversation starter, I think that topic can work to create barriers between Preppers instead of fostering relationships. What do you think?

Great post GC...very thought provoking. I had just written a three paragraph post with my thoughts, but I think I will save most of them for a meetup. I won't be able to make the Hidden Valley meetup, but am looking forward to something being setup for July. I think that meeting face to face is an important step to creating that sense of trust and eventually...
Well, I'll save the rest of my thoughts for July.

Denob,

Great point. The next natural step after building and fostering the online community is to actually get out there and meet each other. That will take the community to the next level.

I look forward to seeing what meets in July will be planned.

Mountainman.

Great post GC...very thought provoking. I had just written a three paragraph post with my thoughts, but I think I will save most of them for a meetup. I won't be able to make the Hidden Valley meetup, but am looking forward to something being setup for July. I think that meeting face to face is an important step to creating that sense of trust and eventually...
Well, I'll save the rest of my thoughts for July.

Greatly looking forward to the Planned July meeting as well, I do understand what everyone is saying on both sides, and I think your posts were very well written, I don't often write about "if push comes to shove" online because I think talking about that end of things needs to be a face to face type thing.. I can say, I will do what needs to be done and I know that in my relationship that I will be the front line on that, but I also feel that DH would come though for me if and when he really had to..