I watched a news story today, and according to the report, the mexican border town of juarez, and its Texas counterpart, El Paso, is one of the most dangerous areas in the world. Even more dangerous than any city in the middle east. Those responsible, they say, are drug lords, and street gangs. Oh really, ya think? For many years now, drug cartels have had their way with the American people. The Mexican government did little to stop the prolific drug trade, because it is an American problem. Then a new leader in Mexico City gets a wild hair, and does the cartels major damage. Now the cartels are fighting back, murders occur regularly, and rampant. Although we see commercials constantly touting the wonders of a mexican vacation. A few days ago, four men were killed, and hung by their feet from a bridge in one of those tourist towns, not exactly the kind of thing you want to be exposed to on vacation. It's not just in Mexico, but in America as well. With all the hooplah about illegal immigration, and the ensuing legal battles to maintain an open border, We have become desensitized, and see it as someone elses problem. Lets not forget, these are the same people who killed an Arizona rancher because he crossed them, and because his ranch was right in the place they wanted to bring illegal drugs, and immigrants. Meanwhile Washington debates the issue.
When one American dies, we all die a little inside. When we allow it to go unchallenged, our spirit dies a little at a time. The choice of what to do is a difficult one, but let us always remember, it is a war hammer, not a gavel that brought justice to the world.
The key to preparing for any emergency, is in organization. I found I have most of what I need already on hand, so the challenge is organizing it into a usable kit.
for example:
The old video camera long since quit working, I saved the 8"x10"x10" bag, to use as a small GHB. (get home bag) It has three exterior pouches, and a shoulder strap. It is sturdy padded canvas, and inside, I placed the following items. 2 small jars dried beef, 8 pouches tuna, 2 cans spam, 8 cans vienna sausages (I like them), a jar of beef boullion, 4 coffee singles, 4 tea bags, 2 dozen assorted bandaids, neosporin, a small bottle of handsoap, small roll paracord, small roll duct tape, bandana, mini binoculars, pen & small notebook, 4 pouches handwarmers, water purification kit, and to the handle I attatched a compass with a carabiner.
from September to May, I keep a large afgan (the wife made it, very warm),
and a bag of nine hour candle, with coffee can and dirt, and all year a bin of emergency food, and water. I am seldom without an emergency handgun, extra ammo, and hunting knife. It is not that I expect trouble, but in these days of people getting crazier by the day, it does not make sense to be prepared for emergencies, be it TEOTWAWKI, natural disaster, or whatever.
It can happen any day, when you least expect it. The folks in New Orleans found out it could happen on the morning of August 29, 2005. When the towers fell on September 11th, 2001, the people in New York discovered it could happen. That fateful day, the 5th of November, in Fort Hood, our soldiers discovered the worst can happen at any time, any place, the world as we know it can come crashing down around us. What will make the difference on that one day, be it natural disaster, terror attack, or the downfall of civilized man, is whether we are prepared. It can be argued perhaps, that one cannot prepare adequately prepare for the fall of civilization, or natural disaster. However, while having a good stash of food, and supplies may not mean we are fully prepared, it would certainly go a long way toward sustaining our lives. I have heard it argued that "if civilized society crumbles, I wouldn't want to survive". The greater truth here is timo mortis contrubat mae. The fear of death is within you. With our society crumbling, I doubt there would be mass suicide, more than likely, it will be mass panic. Of the people I know, none would simply lay down, and die. Thus, we must prepare.
Imagine this. It is a lovely summer morning, a weekend maybe, and while everything is fine, there is that nagging little feeling that something is wrong. You have breakfast, clean up, and begin your plans for the day. While you are in the discount center, you notice people acting funny. They are wringing their hands obviously panicing, calling, texting, frantically running everywhere. Then from out of the blue, an announcement comes over the loudspeakers. Would everyone please exit the store by the most direct route. When you get out, leaving all your prospective purchases where they were, as per instructions, you find out the reason for the announcement. Terrorists have attacked in several cities across the US, and martial law has been declared. All sales of food, and consumer goods has been suspended. Not to worry you tell yourself, we still have some food at home. Then you remember your asthma medicine, and the place where you get it is now behind locked doors. I'll get it somewhere else you think, only to find everything is closed, and you should have refilled it a few days ago. Rushing home, and turning on the news, you see pictures of the devastation. One city that was hit is a city you have relatives in, and long time friends, are they alive? Taking serious stock of the food in your cabinets, and fridge, you are feeling a little better about things when the power goes out. Part of your food supply is in the freezer, and the electic stove isn't going to work either. Of course the kids are scared, your spouse is scared, you're scared. What do we do? My laptop, you think, it has its own power supply, and surely you can find instructions on what to do on the net, right? Sorry, the power is out all over, and the net is down. The only information you're going to get is what you already have.
I hope this scares you. Then maybe you will understand the seriousness of preparing for the worst. Canned vegetables, canned meats, and dry foods, stored in containers, and put away will help you survive if that one day comes. You must also consider medications, security, and fuel supply. Can you cook food if the power grid goes down? If your family happens to be away from home, and you have to evacuate, would you know where to meet? One place to start is http://www.ready.gov/ . Your journey toward preparing can start here.
