Values

In our world, values are assigned to things according to their neccessity, or availability. It is easy to justify a considerable expenditure on what we consider neccessary. The latest electronic gadgets, or latest vehicle everyone thinks we need, and often at the expense of other items deemed less neccessary.
Assigning value in an apocolyptic world is a more difficult undertaking, and neccessary takes on a whole new meaning. Gadgets no longer function, the cell won't dial out, the netbook won't wi-fi, the plasma TV just snows, and even the old fashion landline doesn't work. When we suddenly find ourselves flat broke because our credit card won't let us charge it, the bank is closed, and no one wants to accept an old fashion hand written check, we discover neccessary just doesn't mean what it used to. Food is suddenly very neccessary, and when the utilities don't function 'cause they're computerized, or the utility company personel are staying home, cooking, drinking, and flushing the toilet become very neccessary as well. It is at this time we question our values. The wisest of us question values before they become a neccessity.
Our failing economy makes these choices difficult. However, even on a budget preparing for more difficult, or apocolyptic times can be made easier, and here's how: Every time I go to the grocery store, I pick up a few extra items for storage. A can of tuna or dried beef is certainly not on anyones gourmet food list, and Spam may not be the most desirable meal, but if you were hungry, and society just went belly up, how good might a cheap can of Spam look then? Here is a good example: dried beef 1.50-beef boullion .30-1tablespoon flour .05-salt,pepper-8cups water and boil. total 1.85. feeding a family of four, valued at..? Today a S&W model 64, 38special is valued at 200.00-250.00 [jgsales.com] and there are plenty around. What if there were no more to be made, no ammunition to be made, and throngs of starving zombie like people knocking down your door, what would a 6-shot double action 38 special be worth then? What would a cheap 20gauge shotgun be worth? It is this reason I keep different types of ammunition in my bug out bag, Protection and trade. A Smith and Wesson revolver is an excellent choice for an end of the world gun. My S&W model 19 will fire-357magnum, 38special, 38 long colt, 38 short. Four different rounds. My 32magnum charter arms snubbie will fire 32 H&R magnum, 32 S&W long, and 32S&W. 7 different rounds in 2 pistols. As I said, excellent EOW guns.