So let's get this right. Governments can save/stockpile/prepare cash and goods, businesses can save/stockpile/prepare cash and goods but every day working stiffs are ridiculed for the same effort---looks simular to baryard manuvers to me---first to the trough gets the goods. But in a twist, we fill the trough and back away, put our blinders on and feel "right", having maintained their and our place the pecking order.

-- John Q (NeitherBlind@stupid.com), August 26, 1999

Answers

The time for debates, conversions and preparations is getting short.

It seems that many people do not understand the logic and reason of your statement.

It is truly a crisis of conscience, at least for those who have a conscience.

-- no talking please (breadlines@soupkitchen.gov), August 26, 1999.

The "everyday working stiff" who hoards had better keep his mouth shut about it.

-- praise the Lord (pass@the.ammo), August 26, 1999.

This is something I'm profoundly worried about...I fully appreciate the point about shutting RIGHT up re. preps, but I haven't been able to totally silence myself in front of some DWGI friends and family, strictly because I've been trying to get loved ones to GI for a whole year.

I'm betting some of them will turn to me when TSHTF, and I'm at a complete loss as to how to cope with this. They are friends and family, but I have little kids and a tiny urban house (w/ a bug-out plan, I'm not an idiot), and we simply *cannot* house and feed the multitudes.

I guess I'm looking for moral guidance here. And I'm being perfectly sincere, so flame me at your peril (see this morning's thread on Calvinism). Don't bother calling me sucker; I've already thought of that one.

Thanks for thinking.

-- PH (ag3@interlog.com), August 26, 1999.

Moral guidance - you can only save so many people. You have the responsibility for yourself and the kids. Unless you are very wealthy that's about all you can expect to do. By loading too many people in the boat, you sink it. That is not moral it is stupid.

-- rambo (rambo@thewoods.com), August 26, 1999.

You never know what will happen and it's not a bad idea to put some money away as a precaution

-- Be aware (and@be.prudent), August 26, 1999.

I should have added that these family'n'friends, the DWIs, have let me know that my views are making the problem worse. Y'know...like Kosky says.

-- PH (ag3@interlog.com), August 26, 1999.

Moral Guidance,

This is my advise.....

I would tell your family that you are preping for a week or two, extra water and an alternate heat source....etc. Nothing toooo overwhelming. Give them the "three day storm" song and dance. If they prepare for the "storm", then they will be three days further along then befor. At that point then incourage them to put away a little more.....print up some info (to help them).

Please be very carefull. I know you love your family.....but if they think you could be "sick with the Y2k bug (fever)" they may turn you in next year, you know for your own good and to save you from yourself. Oh yea, and to redistribute your stash. (sorry for the sp)

-- bulldog (sniffin@around.com), August 26, 1999.

It depends on who you are dealing with. Co-workers? I would read them the government spin and "thank goodness... I don't have to have more than preps for more than two or three days, hope my lima beans don't get moldy" line. Close family members? A poster long ago suggested a letter (to be sent now) spelling out to them your position, and exactly what you will or won't do. Explain to them clearly that you will not compromise the safety of your children, who are depending on you to assess information, make choices and prepare (or not) for them. They have the opportunity as they read your letter to make those choices for themselves, and they are responsible for themselves.

I empathize, and have made similar choices. On the other hand, I have procured certain things to give to them right before rollover, and will tell them, "this is it".

-- Mumsie (Shezdremn@aol.com), August 26, 1999.

Truly good suggestions, folks. Thanks.

-- PH (ag3@interlog.com), August 26, 1999.

I've told some flaming pollyanna coworkers that I'm preparing only enough for my family.

When I mention that I've warned them numerous times before and now they're on their own, they lose their stupid smirks.

However, my words are useless.

"They won't prepare, but they will remember."

-- Randolph (dinosaur@williams-net.com), August 26, 1999.