Neo-Survivalist

It pains me to say, but America is facing some massive, massive challenges in the days ahead and I have zero confidence in our leadership to navigate these waters and do the right thing.

Consider the current challenges and responses:

• The Iraq/Afghan wars that continue on way longer than they should – Obama is focused on chastizing General McChrystal for his remarks in an interview – word is that he is going to resign.
• The illegal immigration situation in Arizona is worsening by the day.  Reports are that Mexican gangs have setup lookout points in the Arizona hills.  What is Obama and his administration focused on?  Suing the state of Arizona of course for the legislation to combat illegal immigration.
• The economy is worsening by the day and nothing has been fixed since the 2008 crisis.  Housing is showing that it’s heading much lower despite massive stimulus.  Obama is focused on empowering unions as evidenced by his constant meetings with SEIU chief.
• The Gulf oil spill is a disaster.  Not sure what Obama’s response here is besides promoting the building of wind mills in the next 10 years.  The consensus is that his response is not enough.  There is no plan to stop this thing.

The uncertainties in America unfortunately are increasing.  This is why I prep.  This is why I am taking defensive measures to prepare my family and I for whatever might happen down the road.

Yes, I focused on President Obama here in this article.  I think he’s doing a terrible job and is implementing all the wrong policies.  Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see him voted out.  Sadly, I don’t have much confidence in his replacement either even if it is the other party.  We’re passed the point of being able to turn this thing around without a great deal of pain.  Obama isn’t the main problem, he’s a symptom of the problem.  The main problem is that a long time ago Americans decided that they didn’t want to take care of themselves.

America

An interesting Newsweek article published in December of 2009 shows the growing trend of neo-survivalism or mainstream survivalism.  You can read the full article here.

The description of the neo-survivalist as stated in the Newsweek article is interesting:

Bedford is what you might call a modern-day survivalist—or, as she describes it, a “prepper.” Far from the stereotype of survivalists past, she owns no camouflage, and she doesn’t believe that 2012—the final year of the Mayan calendar—will be the end of the world. She likes modern luxuries (makeup, air conditioning, going out to eat), and she’s no doomsayer. But like the rest of us, Bedford watched as the housing bubble burst and the economy collapsed. She has friends who’ve lost their homes, jobs, and 401(k)s. She remembers Hurricane Katrina, and wonders how the government might respond to the next big disaster, or a global pandemic. And though she hopes for the best—the last thing she wants is for something bad to happen—she’s decided to prepare her family for the worst. “We never set out to go build a bunker to protect ourselves from nuclear fallout; I have no idea how to camp in the wild,” Bedford says, laughing. “But as all of this stuff started hitting closer to home, we [wanted] to take some steps to safeguard ourselves.”

How many of us identify with that?  I sure as heck do.

I encourage you to check out the article, then come back here and let us know what you think.  For me, it’s interesting to see this trend being recognized in the media and by “normal” Americans.  I hope this website can be a tool for these folks.

General Preparedness

I’ve been looking into the idea of fortifying my home for preparation of future events.  Ideally, some basic fortifications coupled with a hiding would be ideal. As for basic fortifications, I’ve been looking into some ways to beef up my home in ways such as more heavy duty windows, more sturdy door frames, perimeter fencing, etc.

Additionally, I would ideally like to add some sort of hidden room to store items.  Unfortunately, living in Florida, I don’t have a basement.  If I had a basement, I would probably do my best to create a false wall / hidden room where I could store supplies and potentially hide-out should a catastrophic event occur that would lead to social unrest.  Without a basement, it’s tough to find space to create such a space.

The reality is that no matter how well you fortify your home, if enough people want to get in, they’ll be able to which is why a combination of fortifications plus a hidden room might be a good idea.  Other than that, you might have to consider the option of bugging out.  For me, living in a suburb with hundreds of homes around me, it looks like I’m stuck owning firearms for basic protections and being prepared to get out of dodge should the circumstances call for it.

What do you think about fortifying your home?  What have you done?

Your Home

It’s astonishing that almost two months into the Gulf oil spill crisis, nobody has stood in front of a TV camera and explained the solution to this problem.  Could it be that there is no solution?  This is pretty scary, but the prospects of this oil spill lasting much, much longer look to be increasing.

The gulf economy could be devastated for years.  With countless businesses suffering and some going under, more Americans are likely to be added to the unemployment numbers over the coming months.  Furthermore, the moratorium on drilling might further hamper businesses and the job situation in the Gulf areas.

On the other hand, President Obama is set to take his message to the airwaves tonight in a national message from the Oval Office.  Unfortunately, rather than explain a plan on how we will plug this oil leak, it looks like he’s going to take the time to outline his policies to strengthen government as a result of this spill.

For more reading, consider the following:

• Oil hurricanes may cause toxic rain (SHTF Plan)
• Oil price shock coming? (20smoney)
• Update on how bad things can get in the Gulf (Uncommon Wisdom)

America

Times are tough in many households, yet while discretionary income shrinks, it seems like our awareness and uncertainty is increasing.  Sometimes, it can be discouraging when you think of your state of preparedness or ability to withstand various events in the future, but it’s important to remind ourselves that this is a process, a continual process.

I think it’s important to do a few things a month.  Our lives our busy with keeping our jobs, paying our bills, spending time with loved ones, keeping up with our house, etc.  It is encouraging, however, to see how impactful doing a few things a month can be.

For example, I try to pick up some silver coins each month.  I try to purchase a bulk food item for my storage each month.  I try to read up on some new skills each month.  I try to practice shooting each month.

The goal here is a long term adjustment to what we’re planning for.  Over the long term, we shall be more ready for uncertainty.  It’s easy to freak out when you join the “survivalist” club and think you have to do everything in a matter of days because TS is about to HTF, and while this might be true, it’s more of a “steady as you go” approach in my opinion.

What do you think?

General Preparedness

In the case of a true emergency, it’s good to have plans to evacuate your primary residence if need-be.  For me, someone who lives in the Suburbs with really no place to go outside of my area, I wonder how realistic a “bug out” is for me and my family.  I brought up the question to Net Ranger, a frequent contributor to the site, to get his thoughts.  His thoughts are below:

If I am anything, I am resourceful. Transplant me into the suburbs, the inner city, doesn’t matter, I’ll make it with whatever I can. Don’t get me wrong, I’d prefer to be way, way out as long as I have resources. The problem is that there is a REASON there are no houses out in the middle of the desert: its very difficult to live out there.

Places where there are no people are places that people don’t want to be, usually. Essentially what I am saying is that a happy medium has to be stuck. I realize I appear to be rambling but I am not. The deal is this, there is an optimum place to be. That place is not in the most remote, desolate, place in the country. It probably isn’t the most lush green valley either because thats probably where everyone will try to go.

Many people, such as myself, when confronted with people that intend to bug in within the suburbs simply say, “You’re dead.” They’ll simply dismiss the idea and walk away. There are definable disadvantages to a suburban bug in when compared to say, my place.

Lets first examine why the suburbs are there. It pretty easy, really. They are there because there is a city nearby. The city is noisy and crowded and stinky, however, the city has JOBS! The suburbs are there because the city has jobs but is a less than optimal place to live. However, WTSHTF, the cities are not what they were. Literally, they are no longer cities, they are nothing but the “Shities”. Really. They will be nothing but miles of human filth. Massive sewage backups when the processing machinery and lift pumps stall. So, now, the reason for the creation of the ‘burbs is gone. But, most of the people will be gone too. Guess what? Your influential neighbors that left? Yeah, you’ll have new neighbors and I’m betting they won’t be interested in helping you trim your hedge.

The biggest problem with the suburbs is that you will be a target for looting. This can be fixed by trashing your own place. Board up the windows and spray paint the crapola out of it. Make it look like the last place you’d want to either loot or squat in. Break out your associations manual. Take it step by step. Whatever they say not to do, thats probably what you want to do. Joking aside, a nice looking place amongst a bunch of trashed out places will be encircled and attacked repeatedly until they get everything they want.

Since there will be many other people around, probably from the war zone of overflowing toilets, formerly known as “The City”, you’ll need security. See my gun article. While a guy out in the wilderness could really get along with much less armament, in the suburbs, I’d go with a top level but drop the need for the longer range arms (30-06, etc) and trade it for another AR or Mini14 or other high rate of fire firearm, maybe even a 44mag pistol. Also, add 50% to the ammo stocks. You might very well need it.

I see one of the main difference between a remote bug out and a suburban bug in is that you’ll have to live inside almost the whole time. Outside the human wolves will be looking for anything they can devour. I think the thing I would do is make sure I had a basement but make it look like I didn’t. No windows, no outside access and then once TSHTF, modify the inside so there appeared to be no access. Retreat to there and just stay there until its over. Essentially, find a crack in the rock and stay there until the danger passes.

I see suburban bug in as a temporary measure only. It is doable if you have a basement or a bunker you can hide in. Maybe even above ground will work if the house is brick and you can securely board up the windows and the doors are heavy enough to secure. Once things start coming back, you’d probably be OK. If you store enough food and energy to get you through the emergency you can then come out of hiding and start working with whoever or whatever gets things under control. However, in a TEOTWAWKI situation, I do not see a suburban bug in as doable. Eventually you will run out of water, power and food. Even if you have 10 years worth, someone with bigger guns and more ammo will eventually find you and take it.

Another problem is the political implications. In the suburbs you really do have a good chance of getting a one way ticket to camp FEMA. Now, I know this is a bit tin-foil hattish, however, the do-gooder government WILL round people up. It may not be nefarious in nature (though I find it hard to believe that ANYTHING this government does ISN’T nefarious) but they will require you to leave because they don’t think you have the resources to survive, even if you do. And if you show them you do, they will confiscate your accumulated supplies, I’m sure, “for the greater good.” In the initial stages staying in your suburban bugout location will require hiding from the authorities.

If they are painting black Xs on the doors, after they evacuate people, be sure to have the same spray paint and paint yours the same one night when they get close. Then, if they still bust down the door, hide. If they find you, shoot to kill. They are invaders. One of the things you’ll find is the wolves will find ways to get army “costumes” and police “costumes” and they con people into giving their stuff up to “The Authorities”. They’ll be looking for you.

If you think good times are returning, yeah, bug in and hunker down to wait it out. But, if you think its TEOTWAWKI come on over. You can party with the rest of us… while we’re planting and surviving. Seriously, you have to have someplace to go for TEOTWAWKI. If it gets that bad, you have to go someplace. I don’t think growing a garden in the back yard will be possible. There are people out there that will not want you to make it and will destroy whatever you create (or take it for themselves). …and who can blame them? When it comes to life or death situations: Always cheat. Always win.

So, in summary, suburban bug out, long term, forget it. Short term? Its doable. The problem then arises when you get a temporary YOYO and you’re doing OK, but, now you realize, OOPS! This is a long term situation. Now what are you gonna do? You are trapped! The roads will be a mess. There will be people gunning for anything that moves. The only way you can probably get out is with an armored vehicle and lots and lots of gas. But, where you gonna go? River bridges will either be destroyed or require BIG crossing fees, or you’ll just get ambushed.

Seriously, if you think it might possibly by TEOTWAWKI, you’re better off coming here with me and sleeping in a cardboard box.

General Preparedness

The American economy continues to crumble, despite now over a year of supposed “green shoots” and hints of recovery.  For a good example of the continued weakness, consider that the latest GDP revision was just revised lower to growth of 3.0% (a very anemic number considering the unprecedented stimulus that was injected into the economy).

The problem here is that there is no solution to our problems, we passed the luxury of having a viable option long ago.  We essentially have two options – print money to inflate our way out or choose austerity and fiscal responsibility.  Let’s look at each option.

Re-Inflate

This has been the official course of action for some time.  Whenever a slowdown occurs, we lower rates and we enact policies to stimulate the economy.  We also have resorted to quantitative easing which is basically printing money to buy financial assets.  These measures are very inflationary.  The problem is that over time, each additional “dose” of stimulus is less and less effective.  The diminishing return on more and more debt and more and more stimulus must be very troubling for our central planners.

The central bankers are essentially trying to outrun the credit destruction and massive debt losses in the economy.  More and more printing of money will be needed to continue to do this.  Eventually, it will turn to a currency crisis which will result in a complete loss of confidence in the dollar.

To guard against this, you should have assets in precious metals and other inflation-hedged instruments.

American Austerity

There are signs of this trend moving forward as well (i.e. the victory of Rand Paul in the Kentucky primary a few weeks ago).  While this would normally be a great sign as Americans move toward deficit reduction and fiscal responsibility, as I said before, we passed up this opportunity long ago.  We can no longer choose this option without massive, massive consequences.  The consequences would be nothing short of devastating.

To enact strict fiscal restraint and essentially cut off all (or most) government stimulus and support of the economy would essentially result in an overnight crash.  Our economy is currently running on this government money.

As the crash would be very painful and even more visible than inflation (people on the streets versus higher priced products), I doubt this movement will gain widespread political adoption.  Politicians always choose the politically advantageous inflationary measures, so I think we will continue to print money in a futile attempt to save the economy.

You Have Time

The good news is that you have time while the government buys us time with their inflation while the deflation counter-acts the results.  You should spend this time wisely.  Make financial preparations.   Make other preperations.  Because eventually, the party will end.  You will want to be ready.

America, Economy, Financial Preparation

The divisions within American between various groups continue to intensify.  A few weeks ago we saw the continuing tensions between Arizona and Los Angeles over the illegal immigration legislation.  I think this will continue to be a source of tension, specifically for the southwest region of America.

Today, we saw the tension over the proposed Mosque that will be an enormous structure built on the site of the World Trade Center.  There are several major sources of tension that we should continue to see increase in America:

1. Tensions between ethnic groups (illegal immigration, Muslims)
2. Increased crime and other results from a lasting economic recession/depression
3. Political tension will increase and divisions will increase as well move into 2010 elections and especially the 2012 election season

The country is a long way away from the brief unity that was felt immediately following the 9/11 attacks.  Instead of focusing on self-reliance, responsibility, and hard work to re-build this country, Americans seem to rather point fingers, blame politicians, and borrow money to sustain their lives.

Be sure to keep a low profile and be able to protect yourselves.  If you saw the recent video of the SEIU members storming the lawn of the Bank of America exec, I think it’s something that will continue especially as the main street economy crumbles.  You don’t want to have the appearance of having money as more and more people get broker and broker.

America

I wrote a previous post about how I became a neo-survivalist, but I’d like to briefly mention why I started prepping.  The reality is that I’ve been skeptical on the economy for a few years.  In 2008, I became very bearish on the overall economic future of America and the more I’ve learned over the years, the more I’ve realized it’s probably worse than I originally thought.  The real tipping point was learning things like the fragility of supply chains which can easily lead to food shortages.  Additionally, learning about the fragility of society when it comes to crime, disorder, and violence.  I figured I needed some basic preparations in case things went somewhat haywire.

There were essentially three main areas that needed to be addressed.  A fourth, financial preparations, was already on my mind and I had already taken steps in that area.  The three that I needed to start focusing on was defense, food, and water.  Six months ago, I started this process.

Defense

I didn’t own a gun and I’ve only shot a few firearms in my life.  It was time to get a gun and learn how to shoot.  I took a basic handgun class that allowed me to get my concealed weapons permit in the state of Florida.  The class was great and basically went over all the laws and situations where you can defend yourself (very valuable information).  Since I had some experience with the Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm handgun, I decided to purchase it.  While there might be better options or better priced options, I decided to go with what I knew.  After all, I just felt like I needed to get started rather than agonizing over the perfect gun.  The gun is great and I’ve shot enough rounds now to be moderately skilled with it – enough to defend myself.  Next up, probably a shotgun and soon.

Food

In order to start a food supply, I decided to buy some Value Buckets from the Ready Store of some staples.  It’s not the best priced storage items, but I needed to get an anchor of my food supply.  I’ve also supplemented it with several #10 cans of various items.  All of these items have a 20+ year shelf life so you can very easily get a six month supply of food that last 20 years.  Now, that is insurance.

Water

I’ve bought a good amount of water purification tablets and also about 12 gallons of stored water – while this wouldn’t last long, it is a nice thing to have in addition to many water sources available (water heater, my neighbor’s pool, etc.).  My next purchase probably before any other item will be a water filter which is a definite must.

The three items of defense, food, and water are by no means “checked off” but you can see how a newbie to the survivalist game can go from nothing to some basic preps to where I can handle some moderate disruptions to life.  In terms of taking it to the next level, there are many things to acquire and many things to learn.  It is a journey.  Underrated in this entire journey are the skills and general knowledge that you pick up once your mindset changes on this topic.  You start to see mundane tasks differently, you start to want to learn how to do more things and increase your abilities on basic things in life.

Moving forward, I will probably continue to accumulate food supplies, a water filter, and additional firearms (Mossberg shotgun is likely).  Another item that I’ve been continuously on the hunt for is a generator.  Living in Florida with hurricane risk, a generator is a pretty good item to have.  I’m constantly trolling craigslist for such an item.  I’d like to read a few books on various topics and potentially get some basic medical training.  As always, I will continue to update you on my journey in hopes that it helps someone else in a similar situation.

General Preparedness, My Journey

Silver American Eagles are great investments for individuals looking to get into the precious metals game.  First, they are significantly less in price and value versus a gold american eagle (currently $20-ish vs. $1200-ish).  Many individuals simply don’t have enough cash on standby to purchase gold coins, so silver is a way to get into precious metals.

Silver American Eagles are a great way to own silver because they are one of the most commonly recognized coins so they will command a premium.  You will typically pay a few bucks premium versus the current spot price of an ounce of silver; right now, silver American Eagle coins are going for around $20 each.  The 1996 eagles will be higher due to scarcity.  Also, the current year (2010) coins tend to go for a higher premium as well.  All other years should be consistently in the spot + a few bucks range.

Overall, I wouldn’t worry too much about buying coins for a few bucks over spot since you’re not buying these coins to gain a few bucks.  It’s about insurance and it’s about silver going to astromical levels like $50, $100, $200 per ounce.  If it doesn’t happen, no worries.  If it does, you’re good to go.

I was recently told by a gold investor that he bought a ton of gold 10 years ago (at $300ish per ounce) and he said he bought it hoping that it wouldn’t go up in price.  Why?  Well, if gold went up in price that would mean the economy wouldn’t be great and he’d rather the economy go up.  But, clearly he saw enough reason to buy the gold.  It’s a hedge.  It’s insurance.

Precious metals should 100% definitely be a part of your overall financial survival game plan.  Government risk and uncertainty around the world will continue to push metals higher.

Financial Preparation