Is all this really nessicary?

[Skooma]

I mean really, survivalism? We aren't going to war.

... or are we?

[aries]

It is a hobby and lifestyle choice for some. It relates to libertarianism because "living without government" or outside the system requires a great deal of seperation from common life.

[AlanM]

I mean really, survivalism? We aren't going to war.

... or are we?

Well when the sh*t hits the fan, it will be nice to be prepared.

[Spencer]

I mean really, survivalism? We aren't going to war.

... or are we?

I hope we're not going to war, but as the government increases its control of all aspects of our lives, it becomes increasingly likely that they'll do what they always do: screw the whole thing up.  How comfortable are you with the government running the power companies, water companies, pharmaceuticals industry, distribution of gasoline, etc.?

The average person (myself included) wouldn't last more than a couple of weeks if any of the above fell apart; many libertarians / anarchists would like to be as prepared as possible to await the return of the free market creation / distribution of important stuff; others fantasize about "dropping out" or living "off the grid" because huge population centers and big places irritate the hell out of a lot of us.

[KBCraig]

I don't know if it's nessicary, but some of it is necessary. 

With some exceptions, crisis is crisis. When the SHTF, it really doesn't matter whose "S" it is; you still need the same stuff.

Whether the government collapses, or the economy collapses, or third-world terrorists blow up our ports and major cities, or earthquake/flood/fire/drought/etc. destroys Life As We Know It... you still need the same things. You need a way to feed you and yours. You need a way to shelter them. You need a way to recreate the necessities you've lost (food, water, shelter) not just for the immediate moment, but for the foreseeable future.

And, you need a way to defend what you've saved and/or salvaged, and your new projects too.

Kevin.

[error]

I've hypothesized that we're about 20 years away from all-out civil war. (I'll probably go into more depth later as to why.) But a surprise move on the part of the government could radically and suddenly decrease that number. Once this happens, life is going to get rather unpleasant for every American -- except perhaps the government bureaucrats safe in their underground nuke-proof bunkers...

[Rifkinn]

I've hypothesized that we're about 20 years away from all-out civil war. (I'll probably go into more depth later as to why.) But a surprise move on the part of the government could radically and suddenly decrease that number. Once this happens, life is going to get rather unpleasant for every American -- except perhaps the government bureaucrats safe in their underground nuke-proof bunkers...

Perhaps when more ppl start realizing what the consequenses of that bill congress recently passed. 

[cathleeninnh]

We don't really know the what or the when of an event that requires us to find alternate metthods of living. But there is another reason that I feel the need to extend my survival knowledge, and that is to improve my ability to loosen the ties that bind. I don't know about you, but I get more and more uncomfortable as my free-market, living choices get restricted. You can buy things, but only the ones that are let to the market, that meet "standards". Pretty soon it is impossible to make your own decisions and make the best choice. If I extend my knowledge of self-sufficiency, I have the flexibility to break free of constraints in either small ways or large ways. I just sleep better.

Cathleen

[MaineShark]

Kevin: You forgot bird flu... (or name-your-favorite-pestilence)

It may be necessary because we don't want to go near large crowds of people, if there's a pandemic in play.  Those who can cut themselves off will have the highest survival rate.

Joe

[Ron Helwig]

Just a note of interest...

Yesterday I visited two houses here in Deerfield that are off grid. One has been off grid for 23 years! (And it is for sale!!)

[Dreepa]

Just a note of interest...

Yesterday I visited two houses here in Deerfield that are off grid. One has been off grid for 23 years! (And it is for sale!!)

I went to one of them.  Pretty interesting. Right in the middle of 24 acres.  Nice house, too.

[traveler]

One of the many bad things happening in this country is that people cannot survive in a crisis situation.Most people cant change a flat tire,cut firewood,or kill something to eat.Personal responsibilty and self sufficiency are going to be vital in the next few years.IMHO.

[PinoX7]

For too long, too many americans have depended to heavily on the Goverment, causing it to increace in power.
after katrina there were people stuck on that bridge demanding food from the gvt.
The idea is that if something, anything happens, weather its a natrual or manmade disaster we will not have to kneel to the power structer demanding food.

[traveler]

We are in a war.A war for what's left of our freedom.Where have you been? ???

[Quantrill]

I've hypothesized that we're about 20 years away from all-out civil war. (I'll probably go into more depth later as to why.)

Not to stir up trouble, but people have been saying that for 20 years already!  Of course it's possible and we all should be able to do without "modern conveniences".  Here in the midwest, some people (my dad included) went up to a week without any power at all during an icestorm.  Not fun.